MOTIVATING WITH MUSCLE

Phys Ed Teacher, Coach & Fitness Model Skip Wood Practices What He Preaches

Fitness Regimen: I'm getting better about switching up my routine more often to avoid plateaus. Currently my regimen works like this: Monday–morning weight training; Tuesday—shoulders; Wednesday—legs; Thursday—chest and back; Friday--arms. As far as routines, I don't try to reinvent the wheel. I stick to four or five basic movements for each bodypart, with eight to10 reps each. On occasion, I'll do higher reps, drop sets, or rest less in-between exercises to change things up. If I'm getting ready for a photo shoot I'll come back in the evening and do abs, followed by 45 minutes of cardio (stair climber, elliptical machine or treadmill). Also, I try to hike on one of the weekend days.

Fitness Philosophy: Be efficient. Have a plan before heading to the gym, execute it and get out of there!

Background: I grew up in a small town in South Dakota. I was definitely a 'jock' and devoted most of my time to basketball. My high school team went undefeated and won the state championship my senior year, and I ending up playing basketball in college as well. A big reason I got into weight training and fitness is because my collegiate career was frustrating to say the least. I needed a healthy outlet and began to hit the weightroom to vent those frustrations. I loved everything about South Dakota except the cold weather, so I followed the lead of some family and friends and moved to Arizona. I got a teaching job shortly thereafter and really became devoted to working out. I entered and won a model search for a fitness clothing company and got to do a photo shoot in Santa Monica, CA. During the shoot, I knew fitness modeling was something I wanted to continue to pursue. I still teach and still model. I really enjoy doing both.

Fitness Fun: I'd say the most fun I've had in the fitness field is doing TV commercials for Hydroxycut ads. They were always shot in great places like the Florida Keys or Newport Beach. I only had to recite a couple of short lines, and I gained a lot of respect for actors, because the pressure's definitely on when the director yells "action!" It was a great experience.

Diet: I've learned to be a 'food label reader.' I've always eaten pretty clean, but not until I started crunching the numbers of my caloric intake did I start seeing the results I wanted. Also, to be able to eat every three hours or so, there has to be some time set aside for food preparation. Plan ahead! I eat pretty clean year-round for the most part with the exception of a few 'cheat meals' per week if there's not an upcoming photo shoot.

Training Advice: Most guys I know just need to clean up their diets. I think for the most part, they know what needs to be done in the gym, and must make time to do it. But when it comes to having a sound nutrition plan to help maximize gains from working out, not too many of them are disciplined enough to follow through. A key factor in eating smart is setting aside time to prepare meals. Also, be consistent with your training, but know when to take a break. Taking one day off each week works best for me, but I have friends who only work out three or four times a week and look great. You have to find the formula that works best for you and your schedule. As far as cardio, try to do 30 to 40 minutes on the stair climber, stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical machine four or five times each week. To mix things up, go hiking or play sports on one of the weekend days.

Modeling Advice: 1. Become a 'cardio king!'  Attack cardio sessions in the same manner you lift weights.  Have goals, reach them, then set new goals. Also, perform a variety of different cardio exercises like stationary bike, treadmill, stair climber, hiking, basketball, etc.

2. Look your best from head to toe. Be well groomed. Tend to your hair, teeth and skin so your overall appearance complements your physique. 3. Scour the internet for opportunities. Join websites like modelmayhem.com, fitnessmodelinternational.com or a local modeling agency to make connections. Get a photo shoot set up, get 'dialed' in, and get the ball rolling.

Future Plans: I'd like to land a fitness magazine cover, then another, then another. Something I'd be proud to show my grandkids someday! Also, I plan to compete in a physique contest soon.

To schedule a photo shoot with Skip e-mail him at skipw05@yahoo.com or contact him via facebook at SkipWood/PhxPhysEd.