Thread: NPC Nationals Jim Machak

One-on-One with Jim Machak
AZ: The first thing I do when preparing for one of these interviews is check out the contest pics. I don’t see you listed yet. I take gather that it’s your first time on the National Stage? How do you feel about that? Are you prepared, mentally and physically?

JM: Yes, this is the first time I have personally stepped on a National Level Stage. I wanted to wait until I was fully ready to make a sincere attempt at winning my class at Nationals.

Having been in the sport since 1994 and with owning http://www.jimmachak.com/index.html and my personal training business, I definitely know what it takes.

Although I have trained nonstop since 1994, it’s only been over the past twenty-four months my family and I have taken the steps necessary to compete at Nationals this year. The 2010 NPC Nationals has been my goal since 2008!

AZ: Are you working with anyone? Why or why not?

JM: No. Pre-contest dieting and training is my specialty!

I do always look for feedback, both in the offseason and definitely on a weekly basis, during pre-contest time.

In 2009, I received informal feedback from Andy Haman. That truly helped balance my physique over the past twelve months.

This past off-season I busted tail in the kitchen, and definitely in the gym. With the help of local competitor, Brad Helm, I have dialed things in and will be peeled, at the top of the light heavy class! (Brad won his class at the Mr. Colorado this year and will be stepping on a national stage next year!)

I should have the most-balanced physique in my class on the stage, and will definitely be in condition. My weight sits between my clavicles and in my thighs, with a small waist in between.

We had such a productive off-season these past fourteen weeks that we have just focused on conditioning, one hundred percent, with excellent results!

AZ: You mentioned that you don’t live in a major metropolitan area. How does that affect your training, or does it?

JM: It has zero effect on my training. At times we train where Phil Heath trains, at Armbrust Pro Gym in Denver. I currently train at World's Gym and at Pueblo West Total Fitness in Pueblo, Colorado.

AZ: I see you won Mr. High School Colorado way back in 1995, yet you’re just now taking a shot at Nationals. It looks like you stopped competing to help others who were competing. Why is that? Was it not hard to get someone ready, yet not let yourself give it a go?

In 2000, after I graduated college, I felt the need to focus on my financial and personal life vs. continuing to compete.

I definitely have enjoyed working with competitors and clients over the years; and once I was married with a house, etc., I then decided to take the necessary steps to get back onstage.

In 2007, I trained a lightweight competitor who lost his mom and used that as motivation to win three shows he entered. That is when I got the bug and decided to step back on stage in 2008.

After seeing him go through personal problems, and use that energy to succeed, he lit a fire in me to get up there myself.

AZ: What got you into bodybuilding? Since you don’t live in a big area, I’m sure there aren’t many in your town to aspire to. I know I live in a rural area, and I can count on one hand the amount of lifters I know here!

JM: Genetics.

Before I even set foot in a gym, at age 14 and 15, a local promoter asked me to compete.

I was embarrassed to shave my legs in high school, but then, once I went and watched my first show and saw Robbie Robinson guest pose, all I could think about was I want to look like that!

Also, seeing the late Erik Fromm compete was an awesome experience. He was truly a mentor to me when I was a teenager and was such a positive role model and person.

AZ: What’s your goal for Nationals? Are you going in just expecting to get your feet wet, or do you have your sights set firmly on obtaining a Pro Card?

JM: You know, I truly want my Pro Card.

Seeing Seth Feroce do it last year at his first attempt, and then watching him succeed and win his first Pro Show, has given me even more motivation.

Obviously, over the years you hear of paying your dues, and politics, but, you know, Andy Haman did it living in Colorado. Phil Heath, wow, is one of the all-time best, and Rob Roppo won his class at Jr.'s this year.

So, I know that all this hard work will pay off, and I see me battling it out on stage with the best for my Pro Card the first time out!

We have ensured that I will be squeezing into the high 190's, in balanced and peeled condition.

I feel that I have the structure and genetics to do well as an IFBB Pro. More importantly, I feel that my lifestyle can handle the challenges competing at this level takes.

AZ: Anybody you would like to thank?

JM: God. My family, and especially my parents, for giving me the genetics and maturity to be dedicated to making so many improvements over the years, specifically these past twelve months.

This past year can be compared to Jason Huh's year leading up to the USA's; we have really put a lot into this show, and are ready to continue to bodybuild, bodybuild, bodybuild!!!

Jim Machak Chest Workout Two Weeks from 2010 Nationals

Jim Machak one day out from the 2010 NPC Nationals

my bro luis santa made weight... he is great for bodybuilding... a true gentleman and he promotes the sport in excellent fashion!!! it will be between him n victor prisk for the title....

the superheavies are ridiculous... that largest class in the show with 32-33 competitors...

... the welters were the second largest and my class the lightheavies the third (I think we have 28 and the welters just a few more)

what a show weigh ins were SICK these dudes don't play one bit!!!!

jim

Here are some comparison pics from prejudging... hopefully I made top 15 I will find out tomorrow night for sure!!!

I am in the red trunks...

Jim