Tobias Young is a sponsored athlete by Optimum Nutrition. He has been on different magazine covers and he has earned his IFBB Pro Status. Tobias helps fans and friends of the fitness industry reach their goals internationally. Here we go, as Critical Bench Reporter Ben Tatar goes one on one with Fitness Superstar and Optimum Nutrition sponsored athlete, Tobias Young!
CRITICAL BENCH: Tobias, what has it been like being a sponsored athlete?
All I can really say is that it has been a dream come true! A lot of the things that I have dreamed of doing while growing up and working out have been accomplished while being with Optimum Nutrition. It has truly been an amazing experience! Somebody pinch me please 🙂
CRITICAL BENCH: I am going to list 5 accomplishments you have made. After I write each one, tell us what comes to mind:
a) You have been on the cover different big time fitness magazines-
This was one of my major goals from the beginning. I always wanted to be on a fitness magazine cover. Now I have done that 6 times and working on #7. I have my major ads in covers all framed in the “cardio room” in my house. It motivates me to keep going and strive for more.
b) Getting your pro card as you earned your IFBB pro Status-
I think this is something that every competitor dreams about. I have been competing since 2002 and to finally go pro was breathtaking! This was definitely one of my proud fitness moments. I felt like I finally made it!
c) Being featured in the sports illustrated swim suit edition-
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition is the most looked at magazine in the world. To be featured in this was also really cool. I just hope it helps motivate others.
d) Attending big fitness conventions like an Arnold event with a big line of fans-
Seeing the huge line of fans is awesome. Some of them wait for 2-3 hours at a time for the chance to get autographs, samples, and meet their favorite ON athletes.
This brings me back to the time that I first went to an expo and stood in line to meet some IFBB Pros.
I think this really humbles me to know that I was in the exact shoes that they were in years ago. It’s still weird to know that so many people want my autograph. Fun, but weird.
This also gave me the courage to try and be the best in everything that I do.
CRITICAL BENCH: What was your time like at the 2015 Arnold? How would you compare the 2015 Arnold USA to the 2015 Arnold in Australia? What would you say are the pros and cons of each event?
The Arnold USA was much larger both in volume and population of attendees. It was nuts. 3 hour lines at times to get inside our booths. There was a bigger ON booth, more athletes, and more samples.
The Arnold Australia was awesome too. Even though it was much smaller in comparison, it was only the first year of existence. Over time I believe that the Arnold Australia will grow exponentially. I was pleasantly surprised by how many fit people there are in Australia. Everyone was very friendly too. I can’t wait to go back!
CRITICAL BENCH: Tobias, tell us about your website http://www.tobiasyoungfitness.com/
My website lets fans know what events I will be at next. It also has, some of my other photo shoots, and gives info for my contest prep that I offer. I have been a fitness coach for 13 years now. It’s also a great way to get a hold of me for contact info or to book me for a photo shoot or demo.
CRITICAL BENCH: There are an endless supply of training styles out there. What is your favorite way to train?
I don’t have one way in particular. My training changes week to week. Some weeks I focus on isometrics, other times drop sets and/or supersets. Other micro phases I train in are small strength/hypertrophy/endurance micro cycles.
Other times I change my rep speed and do explosive reps. Other days are much slower and controlled. I believe that variety is key and needs to be implemented to prevent muscle adaptation. Change is key.
CRITICAL BENCH: What are your future goals?
I would like to compete and place well in my first pro show. But overall, it’s health and happiness. I also want to make sure I spend plenty of time with my wife and two daughters ages 3 and 6.
CRITICAL BENCH: How do you want to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who was fun, fit, and motivational. I always want people to know that I am humble and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
I enjoy meeting every fan and appreciate everyone that helped me get where I am today. I could not have done this alone without my true fans, friends, and supporters.
CRITICAL BENCH: In closing is there any message that you would like to leave the world of iron warriors and is there anyone who you would like to thank?
There are a few people I would like to thank. First, I want to send a huge shout out to Bob Corbett (Optimum Nutrition athlete manager) for believing in me, taking a chance on me and for giving me the opportunity to be with such an amazing team. You’re the best man!!!
I would like to thank my wife for helping me physically and mentally. She has also been instrumental with all of the dieting, food prep, and helping raise our 2 lovely daughters.
Elliot Daum is my big brother from the Big Brother’s program that helped raise me from a boy to man when my father was not around to do so.
I have so many other close friends, workout partners, and supporters that are too many to mention. They know who they are and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Interviewed by Ben Tatar
