Interview With Bodybuilder Jacob Ryan Wilson Interviewed by Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - October 2008
CRITICAL BENCH: Jake, tell Critical Bench readers a little bit about yourself.
I am from Port Neches, TX, but currently reside in Houston, TX. My main job is working at the One 2 One Training Center in Houston, where I train clients and work the front desk. I also work part time for Mackay Rosenberg Interiors.
CRITICAL BENCH: Tell us a about some of the competitions you have entered before.
I have competed in Texas at the Lee Labrada Classic (2004) and the Ronnie Coleman Classic (2005). In 2006 I competed in the NPC Junior USA's. Just recently in 2008 I competed in the Lonestar Classic, NPC Junior Nationals, and NPC USA Championships.
CRITICAL BENCH: So far in your bodybuilding journey what has been your favorite, craziest, and funniest moment?
Favorite- Tie between winning 2008 NPC Junior Nationals Middleweight Division and when I tied for 3rd Place at the 2008 NPC USA Championships.
Craziest- Probably not eating for a whole day so I could make weight at the NPC Junior USA's
Funniest- Passing out from eating too much sugar after my first contest.
CRITICAL BENCH: Those moments sound intense. What gym do you train at and what is it like?
One 2 One Training Center in Houston, TX. It is a small personal training studio. They have everything you need, and isn't nearly as packed as the corporate gyms. I occasionally go to 24 Hour Fitness for a change in scenery.
CRITICAL BENCH: Tell us about your diet and what are your favorite supplements?
Monday-Chest, Tuesday-Quads, Wednesday-off, Thursday-Back, Traps, Friday-Arms, Saturday-Shoulders and hamstrings. I usually hit calves twice a week.
CRITICAL BENCH: What is your opinion about steroids?
They are unhealthy and potentially dangerous. It's all based on decision. To each his own....
CRITICAL BENCH: What have been some of the greatest high lights of your bodybuilding career?
People I have met and the relationships I have with them, getting to work with IFBB Pro Mike Ergas on my posing routine, moving to Houston which had more bodybuilding resources, winning 2008 NPC Junior Nationals and finishing in the top 5 at the NPC USA (my first pro qualifier).
CRITICAL BENCH: What do you enjoy doing away from bodybuilding?
Work on my golf game and watch a lot of Sports Center. I love going to Las Vegas. Live bands have also been a nice treat away from bodybuilding.
CRITICAL BENCH: What is your favorite exercise and what is your least favorite?
Although they are one of my weakest body parts, I LOVE training arms. I honestly don't have a least favorite body part to train, mainly because I am trying to improve my physique and I dont have time to complain.
CRITICAL BENCH: What is the best advice you were ever told and what was the worst?
Best advice, the closer you get to the top, the lonelier you get. WOW! So true, and jealousy is one of the biggest reasons. Aren't your friends supposed to be happy for you? I have never been given any bad advice, I only listen to the people I trust and believe in.
CRITICAL BENCH: This is an interesting phenomenon. From your experiences why does it get lonelier as you get closer to the top? Do you like how it works that way?
It gets lonelier because believe it or not, a lot of your "so called" friends get jealous and really don't want to see you succeed. Those people will eventually disappear or become a hater, leaving you with less people standing around you then before. I have a lot of people who support and believe in me, but have been shocked that some people are jealous and hold a grudge, and it's the people I would have never thought were like that.
No, I do not like how it works that way, because I hate when friends change and turn their backs on you. But if they are doing that, then they must not be your friend, right?
CRITICAL BENCH: That is true. As you improve you really get to see people's true colors and find what was really meant to be in regards to your life. You are doing great, so let me ask, what motivates you to be the best you can be?
Friendly competition and people who don't believe in me.
CRITICAL BENCH: What is your advice for the younger bodybuilder who looks up to you?
Eat hard and train even harder. Get plenty of rest and know that you will not build your physique overnight. It takes years to make great gains.
CRITICAL BENCH: Jake it has been fun. In closing who would you like to thank?
The good Lord above, my family, co-workers, friends and anyone that believed in me. Special thanks to Team TX Muscle, One 2 One Training Center, Mike Ergas and George Farah.
It gets lonelier because believe it or not, a lot of your "so called" friends get jealous and really don't want to see you succeed. Those people will eventually disappear or become a hater, leaving you with less people standing around you then before. I have a lot of people who support and believe in me, but have been shocked that some people are jealous and hold a grudge, and it's the people I would have never thought were like that.
