Name Jon Clark
Age 37
Gym you train at and location
I train at Evolution Gym & Fitness, Sheffield, which I own and run with my wife Rachael Hayes.
Q.1 Why did you start bodybuilding and did you have any goals of competing to begin with?
I was kind of brought up into bodybuilding. As far back as I remember there was always a set of steel dumbbells under my bed or in the garage. My dad, as a Sheffield steel worker in the seventies, had huge arms, then there were the old black and white photos of my grandpa posing in the 1940’s with the Sheffield Health and Strength Club, fascinated by the He-Man cartoons, all served as early inspiration.
I first entered a gym when I was 14 and made it my goal then to be like the guys in the magazines.
Q.2 What is your current training schedule like? How does it differ between pre-contest and off season?
My training ethos is the same both pre contest and in the off season, I always go full range, maximum intensity, with the strictest of form to ultimate failure. The things that differ throughout the year are the weight and reps.
i.e.
4 week on higher weight and lower reps (very rarely lower than 8 reps)
4 week on lower weight and higher reps (usually around 20 reps), I will usually make sure my 20 rep cycle is the final 4 wk into a competition.
Q.3 How long have you been competing?
I first competed in 1993 and have competed every year since to 2006.
Q.4 What are your main competitive achievements?
ANB North East Champion 97 & 99
UIBBN Light Heavy World Champion 99
UIBBN Couples European & World Champion 99
INBF World Light Heavy 3rd Place 2003
INBA Universe Jr Masters 2nd Place 2006
BNBF Scottish Heavyweight & Overall Champion 2006
Q.6 What weight are you off season and contest time?
off season weight is between 92 and 94kg and contest weight is around 86kg.
Q.7 What are your current competitive goals?
My competitive goals for 2008 are the British qualifiers, NPA Yorkshire and possibly the BNBF Welsh, then to see if the plan needs to change for the finals or not.
Q.8 Why do you feel you have been able to make continuous gains over the years?
Consistency, Consistency, Consistency.
Q.9 What supplements do you use?
I use a full range of extreme products, including, performance whey (am), extreme protein (before bed), extreme carbs in my postworkout shake, glutamine complex, creatine and have just introduced liquid fury to my pre contest preparations.
Q.10 How much do you feel supplements and sports nutrition help your training?
I feel that getting the right supplements and correct sports nutrition maximises the potential of my training, therefore it is essential.
Q.11 What is it that motivates you through a gruelling workout?
Knowing that every rep makes a difference.
Q.12 Who, if anyone, do you want to thank over the years for their help?
There are a few key people who have contributed to my bodybuilding career over the years, andy kay, ian duckett, Trevor chrouch and the various competition organisers who work tirelessly for the sport. But mainly my wife Rachael who being a top competitor herself, understands the rigours of competitive bodybuilding. And finally, extreme nutrition for brilliant products and great support.
