BuilT To Last
Engineer Clint Petit Perfects the Fitness Formula
Photography by Victor Sotelo
PERSONAL. I’m a full-time project engineer, working for a general contractor who builds and manages water treatment plants. I’m 26, 6-feet and 190 pounds. I’m from Readfield, Wisconsin (population 350!) and now live in San Diego. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2003.
FITNESS REGIMEN. I work out five days a week, three of which consist of at least 30 minutes of cardio. I break up my weight workouts into three days as follows: Day 1—legs; Day 2—abs/cardio; 3—chest, biceps & triceps; 4—abs/cardio; 5—shoulders, trapezius & back. I like to work multiple bodyparts per workout for a couple of reasons. Working back and forth between exercises keeps my heart rate up and helps burn more calories. Since my goal is to have more of an athletic body, rather than bulky, this type training works. Although I go somewhat heavy when lifting, my concentration is using peak form and getting a good pump. Starting heavy with lower reps while the muscle is fresh helps build some size and strength, while lowering the weight and upping the reps when the muscle is more fatigued will help develop good shape and stamina.
FITNESS PHILOSOPHY. I feel that individuals who work out and stay in shape not only enjoy the health benefits from it but also have a brighter, more positive attitude toward life in general. I can feel like a totally different person after a good week in the gym, compared to a week of slacking. I enjoy the energy and natural high I get from a good workout.
SPORTS. Football has always been my favorite. I played in high school and college, mostly at running back. The last team I played for was the River Valley Knights, a semi-pro club out of River Falls, Wisconsin. It was a fun, competitive league. An interesting age range—18 to 40! I played in the all-star game at the end of the year, with some pretty talented players. Other sports I enjoy are rugby, basketball, softball and surfing.
EVENTS. Once during spring break I entered the ‘Big Man’ competition in Daytona Beach, Florida. I was there with a bunch of college buddies. As they cheered I ripped up the competition, executing a flying elbow drop from the top of the stage into a hot tub, nailing the 2nd place contestant. Everyone got a kick out of it. I won a $100 bar tab, which I shared with my friends. We still laugh about it.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS. Anyone who wants to have a great physique needs to eat right first and foremost. I’d say that having a well-toned body takes 75 percent nutritional smarts and 25 percent workout effort. Most people don’t realize how crucial food choices are. Eating healthy has always been easy for me. I never crave too much sugar or fatty food. I think of eating healthy as a lifestyle, not just self-control.
FUTURE PLANS. As of now I’m pleased with my career. I would like to branch out in other areas and get some modeling jobs on the side. My future is open ended right now. I’m young, single and enjoying the lifestyle of southern California.