CutAndJacked.com Interview:

Steve Cook

How and when did you start training?

I started training at a very young age for sports. I was lucky to have an Athletic Director as a father. He would take me along with the rest of my siblings to the track and to the Gym, he would make me do push-ups during commercials of football games. I learned at 10 or 11 how to use free weights with proper form. It was love from day one. I quickly became noticeably muscular for my age. In high school I set all the weight-room records and loved to lift for hours.

Congratulations on becoming the 2011 bodyspace spokesmodel winner tell us about your journey?

After I was done playing college football I decided to compete in a Natural bodybuilding show (muscle-mania in Las Vegas). I won and like they say the rest is history. But the Bodyspace spokesmodel journey really began when I got divorced. I was unhappy at the time and the only thing I really had to turn to was my love for weights. I had just competed in a Bodybuilding show and was approached to do the bodybuilding.com Boise fit expo's fit body contest. The Fit Body Contest is different from bodybuilding and I found that I enjoyed it. After I won I started looking for other competitions like it. I found the Muscle & Fitness Male model search in Las Vegas held during the Olympia. I worked my butt off, got into the best shape of my life while finishing my bachelor’s degree and I ended up walking away 1st out of 90 guys.

I then set my sights on the Bodyspace.com Spokesmodel search. I entered because Bodybuilding.com had been a place that I spent so much time reading and gathering information that I  jumped at this chance to represent the site that help me reach my goals while going through a very tough time in my life.

How do you manage to stay motivated and consistent?

It can be difficult. I make sure to surround myself with positive influences. I have great people I associate with at the gym, on Bodyspace and at work. I also make sure I always read new things and watch motivational videos (pumping Iron).

How long do you usually spend in the gym?

I spend about 1 to 1.5 hours in the gym. I like to switch up how I train every couple of weeks and sometimes I do two shorter sessions. If I'm doing more strength training I might only be in the gym for 45 min

What is your training routine like?

This is an example of one of the splits I have done. I like to keep the body guessing and I am constantly changing exercises, rep tempo and volume.

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

My diet stays fairly constant year round. I am always within 5 lb of stage ready. I allow myself more carbs, and will enjoy fruit and dairy products in the "off season". As I get closer to a competition or photo-shoot I start dropping the carbs (always Carb cycle). I keep my protein between 250 and 300g. My Fat stays around 50 to 70g. I eat 6 meals a day. Lean protein like ground turkey, chicken sirloin steak and fish are all staples in my diet.

Do you count calories or weight your food?

I do count calories and weigh my food during the pre-contest time. It's more of a mental thing. I feel like I am doing every thing I can to win as I weigh and pack my food each day.

How do you deal with cravings for junk foods,
sweets and salty food?

I make sure that I never go into starvation mode. I eat every 2 to 3 hours and If I do have a craving I find a healthy option like almond butter to satisfy it.

What is your greatest bodybuilding/fitness
achievement so far?

Being the Bodybuilding.com bodyspace spokesmodel. Hopefully I will also be able to say IFBB Physique Pro in the near future.

What are your future goals?

My overall goal is to help others lead healthier, happier lives by educating them on training and Nutrition. I also have personal goals such as earning a pro card in Mens Physique, landing more covers and even acting.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

I would like to read minds. Might not like what people are thinking but the honesty would be real and you would find out real quick who your real friends are lol.

What is the number one philosophy you live by?

I live my life knowing that I can't always control what happen to me but I can control how I react to those things. I strive stay positive and to treat people with respect.

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

1. Set a goal (start small)
2. Work like hell
3. Stay consistent with diet and training (Rome wasn't built in a day)