Josh Ledbetter
Motivation of the Month - March 2011
Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Photos by: BBPics
When Joshua Ledbetter was born, he was diagnosed with 100% hearing loss in both of his ears, which forced him to learn how to live his life differently from others. Being deaf did not stop him from wanting to achieve his goals and dreams. He even learned way to communicates with most people such as through sign language, lip-reading, speech, text messages, and writing on note-pad.
He has not allowed his hearing loss to hinder him; yet used it to motivate himself. He recently competed at the University of Northern Colorado’s Strong Man competition and was crowned as Heavy-Weight Champion. He has internal drive, the mental discipline, and a passion that he can carry through all of his physical and mental achievements.
He has not only excelled in physical achievements, but academic, as well. He recently graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Sport & Exercise Science and Nutrition in May 2010, and is thinking about doing a dual degree in M.B.A. (International Business) and Mathematics.
His present and future achievements are not finished, and we cannot wait to see where the future is taking him! He is the perfect example of what true motivation and inspiration means!
"...My best advice for anyone is not to let anything get in their way and they need to continue on their paths to get what they truly want in their lives. To make this possible, try to live your life, one day at a time, without worries and you will achieve your goal before you know it. The way I look at this is my life! "Nothing is impossible, but nothing is easy"!"
WP: What was it that made you know without a doubt that you wanted to go into bodybuilding?
When I was seventeen years old, I got a gift from my parents for Christmas and I was nervous because I had to meet with one of their co-workers who knew a lot about weight training (Timothy Packard). I trained with him based on a lot of power, speed and strength, and I did not like it at first. Later, I fell in love with how it improved my abilities with motocross racing. I did not realize that I have a passion for bodybuilding until I was a junior in college at University of Northern Colorado when I met a great friend of mine, Alexandre M. Carneiro. He has a bodybuilding bug and he implanted it into me, and I have not been able to stop thinking about bodybuilding since then. Thank you Alex!
WP: You are thinking about beginning all-natural bodybuilding competition, I heard. Is this true?
Yes. The event I have my eyes set on is the Mile High Natural Show in Denver, Colorado on June 4th, 2011. I believe in 110% hard work and preparation because my goal is to finish top three in my first natural body building show. My biggest goal with bodybuilding competitions is to earn a pro card in either: WNFB or INFB.
WP: You also do the Strong Man competitions, correct?
Yes. I competed at the University of Northern Colorado’s Strong Man and was crowned as Heavy-Weight Champion (April 2010), it was a true test for my strength and endurance, and cannot thank my friends and family for their positive support.
WP: Do you have any advice to people that wish bulk up yet, staying lean?
For bulking phase, I try to aim between 16-20 calories per pound of my bodyweight per day, meaning my weight is 220 x 16-20 = 3,520 - 4,400 daily. Bulking phase requires moderate to high carbohydrate intake, moderate in protein and low in fats. However, I support the idea of carbohydrate cycling for the cutting phase. For me, I will go low in carbohydrates, and keeping protein intake high, and fats in moderation for every four days with the fifth day doing a moderate to high carbohydrate intake, to keep metabolism going strong. Try three days on, and one day off with carbohydrate cycling and see how your body responds. I truly believe the two biggest important meals of the day are: breakfast and post-workout meals (perfect for carbohydrates intake to grow lean mass). After my first bodybuilding competition, I will stay lean year round and slowly build lean mass over-time.
WP: What struggles have you overcome when it comes to your hearing loss?
There are a lot of struggles that I overcame with my hearing loss, but I am going to mention the top two that I thought made the biggest impacts. First, it was the communication barrier with other people who assumed that I didn’t have an ability to talk with my speech, so they would always leave it up to me as if it was my problem to deal with. It got me frustrated at first, but I thought, “I will just need to show them how to communicate with me”, so they could communicate with other deaf people. I had to show them by using a piece of paper and pen, and write out questions and answers back and forth, and then I taught them sign language. Finally, I was able to surprise some people with my ability to talk using my voice. That was when I started to realize, if they don’t come to me, then I must go to them just as if they were my tourists (in comparison to an American on a trip in Europe where the language barrier occurs).
Second, many people I met have questioned my ability, judgment and my intelligence. For instance, someone asked me if I was able to drive a car? I did not get upset or anything, I took it in a funny way and it made me want to help clear some misconceptions, since there is not a lot of education for people to learn about deafness. We can definitely drive, because we have our eyes to see, and hearing is not required. We, deaf people can tell when a cop’s siren (lights) or ambulance’s on the way (we use our eyes in rear and side mirrors at all time), and it takes a bit for others to notice them due to the noise from cell-phones, music, etc. My suggestion for people, who want to meet with others regardless of their “disabilities”, I meant…I hate calling ourselves with a disability, because it is a label. I consider them as gifts, because I believe we, people with gifts are given more challenges because we are believed to be better in completing the challenges with our hearts. Be open and ask questions, there is no “stupid” question to us, because we will be happy to share our answers and our experiences.
WP: Have you found your hearing loss to be a roadblock in any way?
At first, I would think that my hearing loss would be a roadblock when I first attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. I was given interpreters to watch during my classes and lectures, but because of my communication barrier, I was worried about if people would look past my deafness. As I meet more and more people out there, it was not really a roadblock, but I would say it is a positive advantage not because I get to show people how they can get along with me regardless of my deafness, but I get to learn about myself more and more often.
When I was trying to search for jobs, I never mentioned about my “gift” in my job resume, and I always set up an interpreter to meet me at job interviews. Whenever I attend the job interviews with many different bosses, they seem to take it as a big deal, and never asked me for the solutions. Instead, they said they will call me, and later. Guess what? They never called me back. It does frustrate me but I know it is their problem, not mine, but it will never stop me from getting the job I want. Do not worry now! I did get great job offers, and I have time to decide by April if I am moving to Miami, Florida as a personal trainer, and I am excited about that opportunity.
So, I am not considering them roadblocks, instead, people do not know how to deal people with “gifts” that would fit with their job positions. I have nothing against them, but continue to move on with my life because I know there are opportunities out there that are made to fit with my deafness and lifestyle.
WP: Such an inspiration! Do you find that during competition, your hearing loss has hindered you or improved you?
It is actually a two-way street. For motocross racing, it does improve a lot for me since I cannot hear, so it helped me focus more on “me” out there on the motocross track. But it does hinder me at the same time, I never know if I cut people off behind me when I go into the corners. When I get to the starting gate, it was difficult for me to be able to talk because of helmet being on my head and I mumbled all the time! Thankfully, I am fortunate enough to use my sign language and communicate with my dad next to me. And the coolest thing in motocross racing, I get to explain to other riders how I can ride a motorcycle and be able to feel the vibrations from high-revving the engine in order to know when I should shift gears. I did turn professional locally, but it was the only goal I set for, and not to continue to race professionally. I got burnt out and found my true passion with bodybuilding. Now I want to say, I am proud of this other deaf individual, named Ashley Fiolek, she (yes, a female) is a professional motocross rider racing the nationals out there with AMA Motocross, so keep your eyes on her, too.
With the Strong Man competition, I was able to have an interpreter there to help communicate through sign language so I could know what events I am up for next, the rules, etc. I am sure I will find an interpreter for my first bodybuilding show, and I am going to call and ask Jeff Taylor (Director for NPC in Colorado) to meet up couple of weeks before June 4th (Mile High Natural BB Show). I believe we will work on this kind of issue to make sure it’s 100% possible and ready to go so I can get my feet on stage and show off the physique I have worked hard for years to get to this stage. I know Jeff Taylor will make it succeed because he is a great guy and is willing to make things happen for anyone.
WP: If you could motivate anyone that has a disability of any type, what would you say?
If it is any type, consider it a gift; and we are tested with our hearts and will power to show people what we are made of. We are no different from others, and we are all human beings. Do not let anyone who says anything negative bring you down but, instead, transfer it to a positive thought in your head. Just say, hey, it’s their problem or loss (because they could be intimidated by you). They will miss out on an opportunity to meet someone amazing like you! I have some friends, who are deaf, legally blind, in wheelchairs, etc, but I do not consider them with disabilities but with gifts, and I am damn proud to have them in my life. Many people give me the weird look when I sit down, have a lunch with one of my friends, but they need to know because I see something valuable in them inside, not on outside! We are here to show people how we can get through it with no problems or barriers. Remember, nothing is impossible but nothing is easy. Go show off your gifts and be proud of who you are, and educate others in a positive way.
WP: Do you think your life would be on another track if it were not for your hearing loss?
This is honestly a question I have never been asked before; please give me a minute to think. This is actually a hard question to answer, because there is no right or wrong to this. I do not really look deep into this question because at a young age, I had accepted my deafness and moved on with my life, making all of adaptations I needed to live with this world today. If I was not born deaf with 100% hearing loss, I truly believe I would be a different person and would not be Joshua D. Ledbetter that my family, friends and others knew. Plus, I do not think I will have same beliefs, morals, values and love for God and everyone else if I was not a deaf person. I believe I would have been a person that was not as in tune as I am now. I really hope my answer helps that a hard-hitting but, great question!
WP: I think you are on the path in life you're suppose to be on. That's why God gives people these gifts. Give me a break down of your diet:
(6 a.m.): Three cups of water.
(7 a.m.): Two eggs with yolk, 6 egg whites, and one or two slice(s) of whole-wheat with peanut butter.
(11 a.m.): Two chicken breasts, one cup of broccoli, and half of sweet potato.
(1 p.m.): Protein Shake (20g) pre-workout.
(4 p.m.): Protein Shake (40-60g) with (30-50g of Carbohydrates) - one bagel with non-sugar jelly spread: post-workout meal.
(6 p.m.): Three pieces of Tilapia, with salad (no dressing, instead, use hot sauce).
(8 p.m.): 2-3 spoons of peanut butter.
(1 a.m.): Protein Shake (40g).
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day? If so, what is it that you usually eat when you do?
Yes, it would be impossible for me to eat clean if I do not allow myself to have a cheat meal, ha ha! Most of the time, my cheat meal would be either sushi or anything Italian. To make a cheat day a better idea, for me, it means one cheat “meal” for me. It does not mean I will eat anything I want through out the day. I want to keep my physique the way it is because I have been working hard to get it where I want to be at right now.
WP: What supplements do you take?
Here are the main supplements that I always take:
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey.
- Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men (Multi-vitamins).
- Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy.
- Scivation Xtend.
- Fish Oil Caps, along with Vitamins: C, and D3.
I feel these supplements help me carve out a physique of stone, but I cannot forget to remind everyone that it requires a good and hard training schedule along with clean nutrition intake if they want to carve their physiques strong, too.
WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
For sure! When I first met Alexandre Carneiro, we were talking about lifting in a parking lot at college, and we instantly clicked. A few weeks later, we decided to become apartment roommates because we thought it would be easier and convenient to stay on track with our goals in bodybuilding and academics. From that time I moved in with him and for the next six months, it was a whole new experience for me. I learned a lot from him, about different methods with nutrition, lifting, and finding the right type of friends who has same passion like us. From there, I continue to grow and build my physique, and continue to meet many people with the same passion.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
First, I want to thank God and Lord Jesus for giving me a life to live and my parents/family for their dedication, love and support. I also thank Timothy Packard, Alexandre Carneiro and Carla Hamsphire for their inspirations. I also want to give my thanks for help and added motivation from Justin Rogers, Eric Viola, Delia Pashaii, Winston Johnson, Natassia Buchanan, and Julie Andrews. I have an online coach that I cannot forget, Tom Gronov for his techniques to bring my physique to an entire new level. Plus, thank you everyone who befriended me in my life, on Facebook and Body Space!
WP: Tell me about your modeling.
I would have to thank my grandma Sharon for pushing the idea of modeling in my mind. She encouraged me to model when I was at a young age, but I did not start until I was about fifteen. I went on and off for a several years, and became very serious this year. I started working with couple of local photographers before Eric Chin, known as Juggernaut and that was the biggest learning curve for me. From there, I just fell in love with it and I only see modeling as my “side” job, but not a long-term career.
WP: You look great; well define and cut! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
Thank you! I truly appreciate your input. I try to keep my physique and continue to improve it daily through clean nutrition and training. I try to take it one day at a time. I cannot lie; I dislike doing cardiovascular exercises but due to my slow metabolism (believe me!), I try to do thirty to forty-five minutes every morning on treadmill, bike or stair-masters. I get bored easily, so I try to change up by doing HIIT and long and slow-steady cardio depending on my mood. It is important for me to change my training routine every two or three weeks, with super-sets, sets to failure, etc. anything to keep my body from being adapted to its’ training. The hardest aspect in keeping my physique is definitely the nutrition, because I am a food lover, so I am thankful for carbohydrate cycling. It may not work for everyone, but everyone needs to do an experiment with their nutrition plans to find the right one because of our genetic makeup, body compositions, level of activity, etc.
WP: Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
I have a couple of projects: I would like to write and finish a book then publish it someday. I have a couple of fitness photo-shoots coming up in May, and few of them will be collaborated with John Mitchell and Eric Chin. I am still in search of getting a sponsorship from a supplement company who recognizes my dedication and passion for fitness/bodybuilding naturally, and is willing to work with me regardless of my deafness. I am currently thinking about moving to Miami, Florida this summer, but we will see where my life is going later on this year.
WP: You mentioned John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?
Oh, John… What can I say about him, nothing? Ha, kidding. He is amazing; he knows how to work with many individual models, from a fitness model to a bodybuilder, even female models. He knows what to find in the picture: the pose, location, the colors, etc. He is not only an expert in fitness photography but he is also a judge for bodybuilding shows! If you are interested in working with John, expect this to be a once in your lifetime opportunity, and remember to be professional but at the same time, have fun!
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
I cannot thank him enough. John went over in a lot of ways for me, from helping me to make arrangements for a flight to Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, locations to clothes for the shoots. He knew what colors looked great on me, and he helped to keep me motivated by seeing my progress pictures weekly, to make sure I am not giving up and continue to receive feedback. I did not have that kind of positive experience with other photographers who did a lot of work for me and other fitness models, like he did. Plus, he is hilarious and easy to get along with, and a great teammate to work with! This is why I am planning on working with him again in later May before I set my feet on stage at a bodybuilding competition. Thank you John and I will see you soon!
WP: Are you married, dating, or do you have kids?
I am not married nor have children. Someday, I would love to get married and start a family. Right now, I am currently busy with my life and I am currently seeing someone at this time.
WP: Give me a sample of your workout.
Monday:
Morning: Cardio (30-45 minutes) and Abdominals.
Evening: Quadriceps superset with Hamstrings.
- Front Squats / Good Mornings (4 sets of 30-40 reps, then 4 sets of 15 reps).
- Back Squats / Lunges (3 sets of 12 reps, then 3 sets of 20 reps).
- Hack Squats / Seated Curls (5 sets of 30 reps, then 5 sets of 15-20 reps).
- Single Leg Squat (1 set of 20 reps).
Tuesday:
Morning: Spinning (30 minutes).
Evening: Chest/Back.
- Incline Barbell Press / Wide-Grip Pull-Up (4 sets of 10-12 reps).
- Incline Dumbbell Fly / Bent-Over Dumbbell Row (5 sets of 10 reps).
- Bench Press / Seated Row (4 sets of 12 reps).
- Push-Up (Isometric) / Pull-Up (Isometric) – 4 sets of 15 reps then 2-3 minutes hold halfway.
Wednesday:
Morning: Stairmasters (45 minutes) and Abdominals.
- Same as Monday; but change the order of routine.
Thursday:
Morning: OFF
Evening: Arms (Biceps/Triceps).
- Triceps Dip / Dumbbell Curls (10 sets of 12 reps).
- Skull Crusher / Barbell Curls (5 sets of 10-12 reps).
- Rope Pushdown / Rope Curls (2 sets of 12-15 reps).
Friday:
Morning: Treadmill (20 minutes), Stairmasters (15 minutes) and Abs.
- Same as Monday in same order of the routine.
Saturday:
No Morning Cardio
Evening: Traps, Shoulders.
- Barbell, then Dumbbell Shrugs: (4 sets of 12 reps).
- Reverse Grip Barbell Shrugs (wider stance) (3 sets of 10 reps).
- Rear Military Press (5 sets of 12 reps).
- Bent-Over Lateral Raise (3 sets of 15-20 reps).
- One-arm Rear Deltoid Fly (Machine) (3 sets of 10-12 reps).
Sunday:
OFF
WP: What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
I like to kick back and relax with my family and friends, watch movies, going out to have fun like bowling, shooting pool or darts, snowboarding, skiing, and anything that requires me to stay active. I still ride motocross for fun on some weekends, and I like to read books relating to religion, or memoirs of successful people like Lance Armstrong. I have a punching bag and speed bag in basements that I’ll use three times a week whenever I have spare time. I recently came back from ice-fishing trip with my dad, and it was fun!
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I was thinking about that a while ago. To be honest, I am happy and content with myself, so I would not change one thing about myself. I have learned to accept who I am and my deafness, and consider it a blessing from God. I joked with some people by saying “God is just covering my ears so I do not have to listen to negative things people have to say about me or someone else”, ha-ha. Like I said, I do not let the deafness define me or who I am but as a reality of my makeup. However, I do not mind making positive improvements on who I am and my physique, for a better future.
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
I would like to thank my parents (Kelly and Bruce); again for everything they have done to help get me where I am at in my life, through negative and positive experiences. Also, for John Mitchell with successful fitness shoot in Florida and helpful advice. My best advice for anyone is not to let anything get in their ways, and they need to continue on their paths to get what they truly want in their lives. To make this possible, try to live your life, one day at a time, without worries and you will achieve your goal before you know it. The way I look at this in my life is “Nothing is impossible, but nothing is easy”!
WP: Well said! You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!
Thank you!
