Name Ritchie Hopper
Age 19
Gym you train at and location: Muscle World, Hull
Q.1 Why did you start training and did you have any goals of competing to begin with?
I started training at the age of 15 when I played for a rugby team called Skirlaugh Bulls. They talked me into lifting weights to get stronger and help me with my game. I carried this weight training on for a further 1 years when I decided to quit rugby to do weight training properly. Shortly after this I was persuaded by my Dad, who is my training partner to compete in a weightlifting event with the IAWA ( Internatonal Allround Weightlifting Association) From this a won 2 world records for a 100kg front squat and a 57.5kg cheat curl. These records were based on my age. The same year I watched a programme on tv, this was the bnbf show. After watching this I thought to myself over the next few weeks that I was as good as them. Eventually I built up the bottle to apply to compete. I stepped on stage for the 1st time in 2006 and loved it. From then on I've come back every year.
Q.2 What is your current training schedule like? How does it differ between pre-contest and off season?
My current workout schedule is a follows;
Monday (chest + shoulders); Bench press 10 sets! Shoulder press; Side raises (cable), Front raises (cable).
Tuesday (Legs); Squats, Front Squats, Leg Extensions, Hamstring leg curls, Calf raises.
Wednesday (chest); Bench press, Incline Bench press, Seated dumbell press, Dumbell Flies.
Thursday (Back); Deadlift, Pulldowns behind neck, Pulldowns to front (close grip), Seated row then Dumbell rows.
Friday (Biceps n Triceps); Tricep pulldowns using bar; Tricep pulldowns using split rope
Saturday and Sundays are rest days.
Do you do much cardio work?
I Dont really do much cardio at all due to a tight schedule of work and weightlifting.
Q.3 How long have you been competing?
I Started competing in July 2006 and Im still competing at present.
Q.4 What are your main competitive achievements?
2 World records with the IAWA Federation
2nd Place Northern Qualifier Juniors 2006
4th Place Britain Juniors 2006
1st Place Northern Qualifier Teens 2007
1st place Britains Finals Teens 2007
1st place Britain Finals Teens 2008
Q.6 Who are your main sources of inspiration in your training and whose physiques do you most admire?
Im inspired by seeing other bodybuilding athletes in my class improving year in year out, making me want to be better myself in order to am to be the best athlete on the stage. The physique I admire the most is Rob Hope, I think he has an amazing physique.
Q.7 What are your current competitive goals?
At present my main goal is to come back to the bnbf in 2010 to compete in the junior class but with more muscle mass but still in brilliant condition.
Q.8 Why do you feel you have been able to make continuous gains over the years?
Due to me being at a young age I feel like I have been growing naturally but with me been on a strict diet and training as hard as I do I would expect to see continuous gains.
Q.9 What supplements do you use?
At present Im using; Extreme Build and Recover, Liquid fury and protein.
Q.10 How much do you feel supplements and sports nutrition help your training?
Supplements help my training as they give me more energy and help me mentally think that Im improving because Im adding it to my body. They also help me recover after a training session quicker.
Q.11 What is it that motivates you through a hard session?
Knowing that the harder I push myself the more I will improve.
I’d like to say thanks to a few people:
Doug Black at Extreme Nutrition for taking me on as one of his many athletes,
My dad for helping and motivating me through training and diets,
My girlfriend and family for putting up with me through diet mood swings.
