CutAndJacked.com Interview:

Honore Levesque

How and when did you start training?

I started training (weight lifting) in 1999, grade 11. Our gym teacher at the time created a weight lifting class to teach, us students, the basics of weight lifting. He didn't only focus on showing us proper form, but included an anatomy section and also taught us how to design training programs. I was a skinny kid but also a nerdy kid who always liked to excel at everything I did. I loved and played every team sports that I had the opportunity to learn depending on availability and affordability. The combination of being studious and athletic enabled me to succeed in that class and kept me hooked.

Going to university in electrical engineering after high school forced me to quit most competitive sports I was involved in, due to a very busy curriculum. Lifting was something I could do on my own time to relieve stress and didn't involve relying on anybody else but me. I've made some impressive gains as a natural athlete: coming from a 150lbs at 6'1" to 230lbs when I decided to do my very first competition. I needed a good push in the back from my good friend and training partner: (another WBFF pro fitness model) Lucas Couturier. The knowledge from my coach Dave Ruel really helped me bring everything together by including proper nutrition to my training.

What mistakes did you make as a newbie?

As an ambitious beginner I made the same mistake most people do which is overtraining. My workout would last 3 hours and that's not including cardio. I also didn't know much about proper nutrition. You would often find me in a fast food joint before or after a workout.

We know consistency is key, what tips would you give to anyone struggling to stay consistent?

Set yourself meaningful goals, something that will be a priority in your life. Once that goal or those goals are set, stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize. In my case deciding to compete for the first time was the turning point between simply working out and really training.

Do you listen to music whilst training?

It depends on my mood, I like to listen to rap/hiphop songs that brings out emotions like pain and anger, just like I could listen to upbeat dancehall songs or House music.

What do you think about when you have to
dig deep and push out that last rep?

I think about winning. I'm a very competitive person and my toughest opponent is myself. Ultimately, my goal is to always improve myself, therefore I need to surpass my previous performance.

Free weights vs machines what do you feel are the pros and cons of both and which do you prefer?

Free weights are a lot more functional, it doesn't require alot of equipment and can be done almost anywhere. They are more demanding as most free weights exercises are compound movements and they require more use of your stabilizers. That also means that there are more chances of injuries if the movements are not performed properly. Machines are great when it comes to isolating a muscle group and providing a resistance during the entire movement. They are more secure, but not always functional and don't help strengthen your stabilizers as much as free weights. I prefer free weights but I like to include both in my training programmes as each offers a different type resistance.

What are you most proud of?

Of my mother for raising 6 children on her own after my father past away and for inculcating good values in our lives.

Do you bulk and cut or stay lean year round?

I stay lean all year round, but will occasionally go on a clean bulk when needed. I'm actually planning on bulking before my next competition, the WBFF world's championship in 2013.

What types of cardio do you do?

My cardio varies, between long and steady pace fast walk, jog, elliptical, bike, treadmill,... and interval training. It's usually a combination of both: interval training after my lifts and long steady pace cardio on off days.

What is your training routine like?

This changes every 4 to 5 weeks. I'm currently on the following split:

Big muscle group:
1st exercise 7sets of 15reps
2nd exercise 5 sets of 5 reps heavy
3rd exercise 5 to 7sets of 10-12reps

Small muscle group:
1st exercise 5 sets of 10-15 reps
2nd exercise 5 sets of 10

Monday: Chest and triceps

Tuesday: back and biceps

Wednesday: yoga, abs and calves

Thursday: Legs

Friday: Shoulders, abs and calves

Weekend: cardio and beach volleyball or basketball :)

What is your diet when trying to get in peak condition?

Meal 1:
6 egg whites + ½ scoop protein powder
½ cup Oatmeal
1 teaspoon Peanut Butter

Meal 2:
8 egg whites + ½ scoop protein powder
1 Banana

Meal 3:
8oz chicken breasts
8oz sweet potato
spinach salad

Meal 4:
50g whey protein
1 serving of greens

Meal 5:
8oz Tilapia
2 cups broccoli

Meal 6:
8oz salmon or Red Meat
Handful of asparagus

POST WORKOUT:

50g Whey Protein isolate

Who are your favourite athletes, bodybuilders
or fitness models?

Of course Arnold and all the classic bodybuilders played a big role in inspiring me, but I’m a big fan of Ulysses William Jr.'s shape. He has good proportions and symmetry while maintaining an athletic look.

What supplements do you use if any?

I'm currently sponsored by Xtra Sport Nutrition and use their Whey protein, Iso cut, BCAAs, L-glutamine and creatine.

What top 3 tips would you give to anyone wanting
to get CutAndJacked?

1. Set a date and a goal, then commit to it!
2. Focus on the end result, keep your eyes on the prize.
3. No excuses, just do what you have to do! Tell yourself that somewhere someone is training harder than you. That usually sets me back on track.

Honoré Levesque

Weight: 195 - 200 lbs Height: 6'1.5"

www.honorelevesque.com
www.youtube.com/user/MrNoreality
www.facebook.com/N0REE