Exclusive Interview with James Hollingshead
Last year one of the hottest names in British bodybuilding was James H
ollingshead. The twenty-three year old future star caught the attention of the bodybuilding world at the 2012 UKBFF London Championships where he brought in an eye popping package of size, symmetry, and aesthetics. With the momentum of last season’s strong showings behind him James is poised to hit the stage again in 2013 in hopes of earning his pro card. Find out more about one of bodybuilding’s promising young talents in this Rx Muscle exclusive.
Q.) How did you first become interested in bodybuilding?
A.) I first became interested in bodybuilding in I believe 2006. A good friend of mine was a member of my gym, and I thought looked awesome even then. He was a Jr. and I went to watch him, that’s really the true seed of my interest.
Q.) Although your only 23, you've already been competing for four years. Has it been difficult making the sacrifices that bodybuilding requires at this point in your life?
A.) It’s been very difficult both financially and mentally. Of course it’s a very demanding lifestyle , eating when due , cooking days in advance , training when you have to regardless of what everyone has planned, I’ve certainly had some difficult times. The costs of doing this are great, the truth is the more you get into it, the better you get, the more you spend to keep upon the progress.
Q.) In your opinion, what are the keys to success for a young bodybuilder?
A.) Success as in placing well or success as being a figure who people like and would seek advice from? If I answer both you then understand me as a person. Firstly, winning or placing comes from being consistent, having desire, a plan and the want to win. Without the basic want you cannot expect miracles to occur. Unless of course you’re very gifted! The second to me is more important personally. I admire people who offer their time to help others and give people encouragement to do great things, give your time and respect to people and people will respect you back. Of course sometimes you don't have time or you’re not on the mood, for those times just be honest about how you feel. Honesty goes a long way not just in this game but the game of life itself.
Q.) Let's talk about your training. How would you describe your training style? How has it evolved over the years?
A.) Simply put, my training adapts to what state my body is in. Pre contest I have taken a Y3T approach, all of the 2012 season however, now being the offseason I have kicked up the intensity and am trying more rest pause and DC training techniques as the bulk of my routine. As it stand I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm very instinctive.
Q.) What would you say is your best body part? Could you describe what a typical workout would look like?
A.) My best body part would have to be my back , don't get me wrong its far from perfect and needs plenty more meat on it :) But, it’s improved the most in the 2012 season.
I dropped the weight and went for the feel, it’s a prime example of what we should all do but don't. I am guilty of that too. There is nothing more satisfying than lifting up more than last week’s workout. In the grand scheme of things does excessive weight matter? I've yet to be convinced. The skeleton of my current back regime would be as follows.
-wide grip lat pull down 2 warm ups followed by rest pause set ( hard and heavy) with stretching between sets.
-bent over rows same principle as the above exercise.
-followed with a widow maker (high rep set or two)
-Reverse grip pull down.
-Last of all dead lifts, pyramid up to singles
-Usually around six sets.
Q.) Last May you took the 2012 UKBFF London Championships by storm and vaulted yourself into the National spotlight. Given the hype that accompanies that success do you feel added pressure heading into this contest season?
A.) I was on a super high after winning the London show, I had a lot of contact from people after that one! I, in all honesty, love pressure. I think it’s a key ingredient for success.
I never get beat by pressure, I utilize it. It lets you know how bad you really want it. The more you feel pressured the hungrier you truly are.
Q.) Although your physique was impressive onstage, your presentation was equally impressive. Is this something that you spend a lot of time working on? Do you feel that good stage presence is something that is lacking in the sport today?
A.) Stage presence is so important. We all judge on f
irst look like it or not. If you cannot hold yourself well then it appears the work ethic isn't truly there.You are a product and you must be polished! Little shout out to 5x British champion Steve Avery, as he taught me the in and outs of presentation.
Q.) You’re currently the owner of Zero Limits Personal Training. Do you think the training and of prepping other bodybuilders has helped you have a better understanding of how to train your own body?
A.) Yes, Zero Limits is being put together as we speak. I have trained quite a few people and what I find is that's it’s a very positive and healthy thing to be around people who are different from you. It keeps life interesting. In terms of helping others prep, I enjoy that also. I tend not to overdo it. I have a reasonably calm approach to helping others. I believe everyone has the power to achieve, they just need a little push in the right direction. I have helped some great physiques previously, two standouts being Sarah Williams and Krishaan Silva, who both placed very well at the British Championships.
Q.) What are your competitive plans for 2013?
A.) My plans are to train hard but keep a grip on life also. I am enjoying training and my body is responding well so I could possibly be at the finals in October ;)
Q.) If you're able to win your pro card, would you jump right onto the pro stage? Or would you take time off and try to refine your physique before stepping onstage again?
A.) If I won my pro card I think it would fuel me to take a year and refine myself so that I could step up to the big boy league without getting lost in the herd! We shall see!!!!
Only time will tell if 2013 is the year that James cashes in on his enormous potential. With a strong offseason under his belt James is ready to prove that 2012 was no fluke, and that he has what it takes to become one the new faces the bodybuilding elite.
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