Name Tom Blackman
Age 28
Gym you train at and location Prolab Gym (weights) and Next Generation (morning cardio) , Bristol
Q.1 Why did you start bodybuilding and did you have any goals of competing to begin with?
I originally started training to supplement my Jiu Jitsu training as I was fighting in tournaments and needed more strength and endurance. Over time I liked the change and decided to get more into the bodybuilding aspect rather than MMA. I am still a fan of MMA but prefer bodybuilding as my chosen sport
Q.2 What is your current training schedule like? How does it differ between pre-contest and off season?
My off season split varies greatly as I am a firm believer in constant adaption which is where the body adjusts to any training split and finds the easiest way to do things which means that all the muscle fibres are not recruited. I vary my off season to include heavy HIT type training, Giant sets, High rep sets, and just standard 3 sets of 10 like most trainers. There is no ONE RIGHT way to train as many people use different methods and get success. I like to incorporate ALL training systems.
Q.3 How long have you been competing?
My first show was in 2002 and was the Mr Tenby show ran by Neil Hill. I won the first timers. I have competed ever since although I took a year out in 2006.
Q.4 What are your main competitive achievements?
2002 – Mr Tenby 1st Timers – 1st
2003 – NABBA West Novice – 1st
2004 – NABBA West Class 4 – 2nd
2004 – EFBB South Coast U90 – 2nd
2005 – EFBB South Coast U80 – 1st and Overall
2005 – EFBB Britain U80 – 3rd
2007 – UKBFF South Coast U90 1st and Overall
Q.6 What weight are you off season and contest time?
At the moment I am 96kg off season and 88kg onstage
Q.7 What are your current competitive goals?
My short term goal is to win the British Title. Longer term I’d like to compete at Pro Level if the circumstances allowed it
Q.8 Why do you feel you have been able to make continuous gains over the years?
I constantly research and develop my own knowledge and adapt my training routine to challenge myself. I have also become more knowledgable in nutrition and supplement usage to get the best from my food. My training never stays the same and I can utilise 3or 4 different training styles through the course of the year so my body never has time to become used to one method.
Q.9 What supplements do you use?
At the moment I am getting excellent results with Liquid Fury which makes me look awesome when training and also allows me to push through the barrier of training. That’s a good thing as I am doing upwards of 20 reps on each exercise with 80% of my maximum weight.
I’ve also had very good results with the Kre Alkalyn product, it is easy to use and gives me no side effects whatsoever I don’t get on with mono at all and Creatine Ethyl Ester is good but tastes awful. With the Kre Alkalyn I get no bloating or cramping or stomach upsets just better workouts and more fullness.
I also use Extreme Whey Pre and Post workout and the Extreme Protein blend for in between meals. I love the banana flavour, a lot of companies don’t do a banana and I am not a fan of chocolate or Vanilla so normally I have to settle for strawberry. Plus it mixes well and I don’t get any gastro intestinal trouble with them which can be a problem with other proteins that use fillers and binders.
Pre workout and Pre Cardio I also take 10 Glutamine capsules. This is to prevent catabolism and boost immune system function, I feel it helps me to get that little bit extra from my workouts. I prefer capsules to powder as they are more convenient and powder tastes awful.
Q.10 How much do you feel supplements and sports nutrition help your training?
You can only go so far with food. Supplements help you get specific nutrients at the right time. Too many people think supplements are a wonder drug that will offset the bad nutrition and lazy training that they employ. IN reality supplements allow you to push harder and longer and so get the physique that you want. Supplements are the icing on the cake not the base.
Q.11 What is it that motivates you through a gruelling workout?
I incorporate a lot of NLP (neuro linguistic programming) techniques as I am a sports hypnotherapist and mental coach. Certain techniques can help you push through the pain of heavy reps and motivate you to go harder and longer. I also use visualisation techniques to focus on my goals. My training partner also pushes me harder than I might normally go.
Q.12 Who, if anyone, do you want to thank over the years for their help?
For the last few years Rid Alden has helped me out with gym membership and discounted supplements, I still train at his hardcore gym which is one of the best in the country.
On a personal level Paul Scarborough has been a true friend and helped me through some difficult times in my personal life and while dieting. Over the years he has been my voice of reason while my brain has been on a wonder and is one of my closest friends.
More recently I have started working with Harold Marillier for my nutrition guidance and Dougie Black of Extreme Nutrition for my supplementation both these guys are highly knowledgeable in the field of nutrition and sports supplementation and I feel I now have the best people behind me to succeed in my goal of becoming British Champion.
OTHER INFO
I recently underwent shoulder surgery and had to take 3 months off training which was depressing mentally and physically. With the help of Dougie and his belief in me I have managed to rebound from that surgery and surpass my previous best physique. I now am at a stage where I firmly believe in myself and that I can win.
