
Started training at a very young age with track and field. I had the high jump as my speciality… high jumping doesn’t require much muscle, I was tall and thin. Later on I started boxing and needed some more muscle to be more competitive so weight training was put into my weekly schedule. Over the years I started to lift weights more frequently and the gym took the upper hand.

The biggest mistakes I made as a newbie was, I benched too much and didn’t train enough legs. Resulted in over developed anterior delts and scrawny legs.
Often the key is to put up short-term goals to keep you motivated. Another thing is to vary your workouts as much as possible so you don’t get tired of your routine.

I’m a sucker for house and club music, so currently it’s Alesso/Tiesto/Swedish house mafia and various artists in the same genre.
I don’t think, I just block out the pain and go.

I use just as much free weights as I do machines, for the time being. The great thing with free weights is that you are not locked into the same position and can do a more natural movements than you can with most machines. I don’t really like to do heavy weights on machines though, when heavy lifting, it’s free weights for me.
I’m most proud of being a father to my wonderful girl that’s soon to be 8 years old.

I like to stay lean all year round with an exception for 4 - 5 weeks a year when I take some time off from my training to rest. I usually have photoshoots 3 - 4 times a year or competitions so no time to bulk up.
I do interval training mostly on the treadmill and sometimes outside depending on weather.

Click to view Chris Harnells routine.
Sample daily diet:
Cod/potatoes/salad or broccoli/Eaa’s/Bcaa’s/omega 3/Glutamine/Creatine and fast carbs before training/whey isolate.
Usually have 4 cooked meals a day and Aminos in-between meals.
My diet varies from 1500kcal - 6000kcal in a 13-week period.
Carb intake from 70 - 700g
Fat 40 - 70g

I’m really inspired by other athletes and models that get into real shape, but don’t really have any favourites, anyone that has the motivation and determination to complete their goals are a great inspiration.

1. Know your diet is the most important thing!!
2. Cardiovascular train.
3. Train hard.
Chris Harnell
Year of birth: 1977, Weight: 210lbs, Height: 186cm