Name: Nick Garton
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division?
Physique is the opportunity for a different type of “bodybuilder” to show in the NPC. It’s an opportunity for men with a balanced lifestyle between athletics, clean eating and those who enjoy a little healthy competition to thrive. This division is generating a significant amount of new interest, so in this first year we are the pioneers and are responsible for inspiring and setting the bar for all aspiring competitors.
Age: 27
Hometown: Dana Point, CA
Current city: Orange, CA
Years training: 12
Education: Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego
Occupation: 24 Hour Fitness Club Manager (Foothill Ranch, CA)
Favorite type of training: Cardio Intervals and Pyramids
Favorite body part to train: Shoulders
Favorite exercise: Arnold Press Pyramid – 11 sets, 6 up and 5 back down Set 1 – 12 reps x 30lb Dumbbells, Set 2 – 10x40s, Set 3 – 8x50s, Set 4 – 6x60s, Set 5 – 4x70s, Set 6 – 2x80s and back down – minimal rest
Rep range: Depending on the type of training that I am doing.
For strength and size - I do a long warm-up and eventually end up doing my target weight for 3-6 reps – any more than 6 reps means I need to add more weight.
For cutting and sculpting - I do different compound and super-set style exercises for about 10-20 reps.
Number of sets: Again, this depends on my goal. When lifting super heavy, 4-5 sets of 3-6 reps. Light sets (pre-contest), I have been stacking 4 or 5 exercises together and doing 5 sets, 20 reps each with minimal rest.
Typical workout duration: 60-90 mins lifting and 25-40 mins cardio.
Training split: In the last 3 weeks before my contest I have been focused on mainly upper-body and my weak points as well as cardio intervals.
Sunday – Upper Chest
Monday – Cardio/Back
Tuesday – Shoulders/Biceps
Wednesday – Cardio/Back
Thursday – Biceps/Shoulders
Friday – Upper Chest
Saturday – Cardio/Abs
Typical daily eating plan: I eat about 6-9 times a day -- small portions that are around 35 grams of clean protein per meal. This helps maintain my muscle mass and keep my metabolism working fast. I have a little bit of sugar and caffeine prior to my workouts and always replenish with amino acids (BCAA’s) and a shake.
Breakfast - Egg Whites & Fat Free Cottage Cheese, Oatmeal; AM1 - Shake with Fat Free Milk; Lunch - Can of Tuna, Rice Cakes, String Cheese; Pre W/O - Bread with Jelly; Post W/O – Shake and Banana; PM1- Protein Bar; Dinner – Chicken Breast, Veggie, Rice; Evening - Yogurt
Favorite supplement: Banana Cream Optimum Whey Protein
What peaked your interest in training?
I grew up playing soccer and was a skinny, lanky kid. I originally started lifting to bulk up when I decided to try and switch to football in high school. I would spend hours in our “gym” in the garage with my dad doing every exercise I had ever seen. I would make adjustments as I learned new exercises and techniques and as my body developed and adapted to what I was doing. The harder that I worked the more that I saw changes in my body and was more successful on the field.
Who influences/influenced your training?
My family because I always strive to set a good example for my younger sisters and make my parents proud through applying hard work and determination in everything I do. I’m extremely close with my family and my parents have always focused on instilling a strong work ethic in my sisters and I. They will always be my greatest support system.
Sports: Football (wide receiver, return specialist, and defensive back) for the University of San Diego (2002-2006), Soccer from a young age (nationally ranked club team through high school), Track and Field (100m and 200m).
Special interests:
Cuban family dinners with my parents and sisters, watching the Niners win, hiking with Lugg (my Lab/Bulldog mix), my yearly trip to the Doheny Blues Festival with my Dad, any excuse to exercise outside, and my obsession with Yelp – looking for new places to eat.
Awards and/or accomplishments: Magna Cum Laude graduate from Hahn Business School University of San Diego, 1st Team All Pioneer Football League Wide Receiver and Return Specialist (football) University of San Diego, 1st Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All American Wide Receiver, Captain of Football Team at USD, hold numerous receiving and kick return (punt and kickoff) records at both University of San Diego (including most yards receiving in single game – 243 yards and 3 TD’s) and Dana Hills High School.
Physique, fitness, bodybuilding competition history: None to date.
Next planned competition:
The Jay Cutler Desert Classic, April 23rd Las Vegas
What keeps you on track towards reaching your goals?
I am constantly looking for a new challenge and adventure. When I first started playing sports, I learned that the most successful athletes are the ones that don’t need to rely on others to keep them motivated. After I have set a goal, I use self-discipline and determination to work hard and push myself to the end.
Interesting fact or something you would like our readers to know about you:
I accomplished my athletic achievements while overcoming a condition I was born with in my left eye that severely limits my vision in that eye. And I’m half Cuban.
Contact information: [email protected]
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