How and when did you start training?

I started training when I was young. I was raised in a health oriented and active family, so it was not difficult for me to get started. My Mom had been taking me to gym with her throughout most of my childhood, and once I turned 13, I wanted to lift weights like all the adults. I was giving a personal trainer to help me get started and I was hooked from that day on. Once I added a little muscle, I wanted a little more, and once I got six pack abs, I wanted to be a little more defined. Eventually, I looked back and realize I did something that most people cannot. This small accomplishment built up my confidence and gave me the courage to continue to challenge myself.

How many days a week do you train and
what is your routine?

I train 5 days a week. Weekends are for friends and family, but I may add a fun activity such as a morning hike. My Training varies between heavy compound movements and volume oriented isolation movements. I will even throw in some full body workouts.
A typical week’s routine will look something like this.

Click image to download a PDF

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

When I am focused on getting ripped, I look at food as a tool. What I decide to put in my body can make me look average or it can help me get a ripped six-pack. I keep my lean protein high, carbs low, and fat low. I will eat low carbs (25g) and High Protein (300 – 400g) Monday – Friday. On Saturday and Sunday I eat High Carbs (300g) and Moderate Protein (150 – 200g). I keep fat content down, but I will eat some healthy fats here and there. My protein sources are mostly Chicken and Eggs. My Carbs are mostly Vegetables and Oatmeal. I eat frequently, and I eat fast. As I mentioned earlier, food is just a tool I use to get Cut and Jacked!

What are the contents of your fridge?

My fridge is filled with chicken, eggs and veggies. I even have a mini fridge filled will all the eggs I buy at Costco. I keep sweets out of the house. If I feel the urge to eat something sweet on the weekends, I will go to the store and pick up some sugar free Jello.

What is your favourite cheat meal?

That’s a tough question. I find myself craving French toast, Mac N Cheese, and Cereal. French Toast in the morning, Mac N Cheese during the day, and Cereal at night. If you want to know how I keep from breaking my diet on these cheat meals, its simple… I don’t keep them in the house. If I had French toast, Mac N Cheese, and Cereal in the house, I would be Big and Swollen… Not Cut and Jacked.

How do you managed to stay motivated?

Staying motivated is a never-ending battle. You really have to look at yourself, ask what you want and how you are going to be held accountable. Getting complements is encouraging, but I feel you really have to put yourself in a situation that will hold you accountable. I commit to contests, photo shoots, and make bets with friend and family to stay motivated. I tell as many people as possible that I will be in the best shape of my life by this date and have them hold me accountable. Once I commit to a deadline, I will follow through because I do not want to let my friends and family down.

What is your greatest bodybuilding/fitness
achievement so far?

My greatest bodybuilding/ fitness achievement is my body. Sure I have some trophies and medals, but my body is the best representation of my achievements. The fact that my hard work and dedication is so visible in my appearance is a huge plus, because in most sports you would have to show off a trophy to prove your accomplishments. Any bodybuilder or fitness model only has to pull up their shirt or sleeve to prove their dedication to fitness. So while I might not have trophies on every wall in my house, every time someone complements me on my physique, I am reminded of my achievements and encouraged to keep pushing forward.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to take my passion for fitness and use it to coach others on how to get six pack abs. I will establish myself as the top fitness model and use my website HowIGotSixPackAbs.com to coach people on how to get in great shape. I love fitness and I love helping other reach their goals.

 

 

 

Who are your favourite bodybuilders/ athletes
or fitness models?

I have had the great opportunity to work with Champion Bodybuilder Dr. Sam (Saman) Bakhtiar. He continues to be a positive influence on my life and I am grateful the opportunities available to me because of his guidance. In terms of bodybuilders whose physique I would like to emulate, I would have to say Frank Zane, Serge Nubret, and of course Steve Reeves. As for Fitness models, I have always looked up to guys like Greg Plitt and Obi Obadike. Sorry, Greg and Obi, I have you in my sight!

What is the number one philosophy you live by?

"The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for the
accomplishments and victories of tomorrow."
William J. H. Boetcker

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

1. Compete to stay motivated. You don’t need to do a show but always strive to improve and give yourself a deadline!
    
2. Find a mentor. Today we suffer from information overload. Find a person that you admire and ask for guidance, otherwise you may find yourself confused and making very little progress.
    
3. Give yourself plenty of time. Everyone had to start somewhere. This is not a just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.

 

More info on Erick at:

Website:  www.HowIGotSixPackAbs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Erick-Ruiz-Salgado
BodySpace: bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/ErickSalgado
YouTube: youtube.com/user/ErickRuizSalgado