Supplement Judge Speaks to Tom Wright

For this weeks interview we got to speak to Tom Wright, a Reflex Nutrition sponsored athlete telling us about what it takes to be a fitness model and successful rugby player.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m a rugby player and competitive muscle model. Being a muscle model and fitness model is really just a sideline from my time playing sport.
How long have you been training for?

I’ve been training since I was 14, now 26 so lifting weights nearly 12 years
How did you get started in training?

I got my dad to make me some weights and a chin up bar when I was a kid. Always loved Arnold Schwarzenneger and JCVD etc. I began training to be stronger and faster for rugby.

 

Who got you motivated to start training?

An old coach called Andy Barnett took me under his wing and taught me to lift, but more importantly the discipline of training hard.

What are your short and long term fitness goals?

Short term is to compete on the WBFF stage and get my pro card. Long term is to run a successful PT business and potentially open my own gym

 

What workout routine has worked best for you?

I focus a lot on strength training. I like things like the Russian Squat Programme and PHAT training as it keeps my lifts big

 

Could you outline your basic daily diet?

0800 Salmon and eggs
1100 Greek yoghurt and almonds
1300 chicken sweet potato green veg
1430 Pre-workout and TRAIN
1600 Whey shake and banana
1700 Steak basmati rice half avocado salad
2000 omelette

 

Do you use supplements? If so, what do you recommend?

I take whey protein, creatine mono, pre-workout, multivitamin and fish oils. All I need with a good diet.

 

Do you have post/pre-workout meals? What’s your favourite?

High protein and fats beforehand generally. Post workout I have high carb and a good serving of protein.

 

How do you deal with things such as hunger and cravings?

If you diet right you shouldn’t really be hungry unless it’s latter stages of comp prep. I say have a little bit of what you like each day to stop craving or binging.

 

Do you have any cheat meals?

Always. I have one at least once a week. Usually a good burger or Thai food. I’m not a super clean eater, but I train as hard as anyone to make up for it. I prefer to enjoy my life.

 

What is your biggest motivation to get you back in the gym?

I feel lethargic if I don’t train. I usually have a goal to aim for, so it might be bulking for 12 weeks, or cutting for a shoot. Pick a day to aim for and work towards it.

 

If you could go back in time, what would you change in your training?

I’d learn about tempos when lifting. Building muscle requires a set lasting over 40s whereas strength is a lot shorter. That’s what I missed out when I was young

 

Any advice for beginners or anyone looking to get back into fitness?

I’d say start with a full body programme and don’t train like a bodybuilder. Beginners will put on muscle very fast with less muscle stimulation. Don’t kill yourself in the earl days, this is a marathon not a sprint

 

What advice do you to anyone looking to gain mass?

Eat big! But keep it clean(ish). Calories are king at the end of the day.

 

And how about advice for somebody looking to lose weight?

Make sure you’re in a calorie deficit daily. That’s the most important thing. I like to carb cycle when cutting too but that’s my preference

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Only you can make changes to your physique. Be accountable for your own results. Don’t be scared to ask questions, and never stop asking!

 

You can keep up with Tom through twitter (@TomWright_Fit) and Facebook!