Joining 
us today is National Level MP Competitor David Gonzalez. Congrats on a great showing! What made you decide to compete in the Men’s Physique Division?
What appealed me to the division was that it promoted a healthy look and lifestyle. It was a new and fast growing division that brought in tremendous athletes from various athletic backgrounds. To be aesthetic, well-proportioned and conditioned is something I continually strive to be. This division promotes that, and was a perfect opportunity for me to hone in my skills to see how I compared to other respectable athletes. More importantly, being that this division is still relatively new, I wanted to be a part of the elite group that helps shape where this division goes.
Can you tell us a little about the show in which you just competed?
I just recently competed at Jon Lindsay’s NPC USA Bodybuilding Championships. This National show brings on the best National qualifying Men’s Physique athletes for a shot at two Men’s Physique IFBB Pro cards, in which I took 3rd in my class amongst a very competitive group of athletes.
How did you feel after pre-judging?
I felt on cloud nine to say the least. It was very humbling and an honor to be in the presence among athletes of that caliber. For me to be able to make it to the National level in a short period of time, and be on stage with the Nation’s best was both awe inspiring, and self-gratifying. Of course the jitters were there as one never knows what the final outcome will be, or what the judges were looking for, but it was still bar none a GREAT experience.
How did you feel about the final results of the show?
I felt great finishing in the top 3 of a very competitive class and division. It’s a very respectful finish for being my first National show. I felt no reason to hang my head low, as I competed among some of the very best. If anything, it just provided me with a catalyst to keep pushing forward. Knowing that I’m within striking range of achieving a Pro card is very motivating on its own. But chasing after the very best and fending off the other elite group of athletes is a constant reminder for me to continue to up my game. This is a very competitive division, with very talented athletes. I felt honored to be able to display my work amongst the very best and stand tall as part of the top 5 for my class.
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division and what it may be able to do for your career?
I’ve honestly never thought about what the division could do for my career. What appealed me to the division was that it promoted a healthy look and lifestyle. It was the “look” that the average person would be inspired to achieve. More importantly, it was new, and it’s still currently evolving. I wanted to be a part of something new, and help build on what that “look” for the division should be. The Physique division does have tremendous crossover appeal to other markets, which is great , as it provides a broader audience. But knowing that I have the ability as a Physique Pro to motivate or inspire others is a reward in its own.
Age: 
33
Hometown: Bensenville, IL
Current city: Arlington Heights, IL
Years training: 14
Education: College (Associates degree in Marketing along with a degree in Computer Networking)
Occupation: Sales Operations Supervisor with CDW (IT Technology Company)
Favorite type of training: Strength and Conditioning
Favorite body part to train: Back
Favorite exercise: Bent over T-bar rows
Rep range: 8-10 on heavier days, 12-15 on lighter days.
Number of sets: 4-5 sets
Typical workout duration: 1 ½hrs
Training split: Day 1 - Back; Day 2 - Chest; Day 3- Legs (quads/calves); Day 4 - Arms (bi’s/tri’s); Day 5 - Shoulders; Day 6 Legs (hamstrings/calves)
Typical daily eating plan:
Breakfast – 1 cup of oatmeal with protein shake,
Midmorning snack – protein shake or 7-8 hardboiled eggs,
Lunch – 8oz grilled chicken breast with 1 cup of brown rice,
Afternoon snack – 8oz grilled chicken breast or 8oz salmon, or 8oz of ground sirloin with 1 cup of brown rice,
Dinner - 8oz grilled chicken breast, or 8oz salmon, or 8oz of ground sirloin with 1 cup of brown rice and green salad with lemon as dressing.
Favorite supplement: Labrada Nutrition Lean Body MRP protein shake, and ProV60 protein.
What peaked your interest in training?
I’ve always been athletic, from playing soccer as a child to track and field into my high school years. Naturally as a competitive athlete, I strove to be the best, which lead to training and improving my body. Staying active and fit was something that became an addiction as well. I quickly saw results, but also enjoyed the sanctuary of the gym, which allowed me to work away the stresses that the outside world brought on.
Who influences/influenced your training?
I’ve had many influences in my training over the years. It all started with my older brother, Victor. Watching him and his friends consistently going to the gym and the gains they made logically made me want to follow in the same steps. Training with him was the original catalyst that built the foundation of my training. As I continued my training, I was fortunate enough to encounter fellow gym members, Patrick Kelleher, George Assmus, and many others who are now all close friends. Each provided insight, and guidance to my training regimen. These friends, and what I like to call my mini-family at the gym, constantly aid in my evolution of training. They consistently remind me to never allow my body to adjust, and motivate me to push my body to the limit. Over the course of years in my training, I’ve been able to take pieces of knowledge, and influence of each, to mold into my very own. Without the influence of these individuals, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.
Sports: 
Track and Field – I was a sprinter all throughout Jr. High and High School. Competed in the 100m, 200m, 4x100, and 4x200 meter relays.
Soccer and baseball as child.
Special interests:
In my free time, I enjoy free hand drawing; primarily using pencil, charcoal, or pastels.
I’m a big movie buff – Action, Comedy, Horror, Drama, Adventure, Crime, Epics/Historical, War, and Science Fiction.
Big time gamer – Call of Duty Series, Gears of War Series, Batman Arkham Asylum, Resident Evil Series, Halo Series to name a few.
Utilize my community service day each year from my current employer for volunteer work.
Physique, fitness, bodybuilding competition history:
2011 NPC Midwest Ironman – 1st Short Class, Overall Winner
2012 Arnold Amateur – 5th Short Class
2012 Wings of Strength Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza – 1st Short Class, Overall Winner
2012 USA Bodybuilding Championships – 3rd B Class
Awards and/or accomplishments:
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Robert Morris College
President’s List for Academic Achievement
Next planned competition:
2012 IFBB North American Championships
What keeps you on track towards reaching your goals?
I always aim to improve, never settling, or taking things for granted. I’ve surrounded myself with a great support system of family, friends, and colleagues who consistently encourage me with positive reinforcement. I learn from my mistakes, and build off my weaknesses so as to not repeat them.
Interesting fact or something you would like our readers to know about you:
I’m a big fan of the History channel. Easily get sucked into programs that detail Ancient Greece, World War II, Dinosaurs, Ancient Mayan civilization and calendar (2012), Nostradamus, Super Humans, etc. I figure if I’m going to work the body and feed it as I train, I might as well do the same for my mind…knowledge is power!
Facebook:
http://facebook.com/DavidGonzalezMensPhysique
Contact:
http://facebook.com/DavidGonzalezMensPhysique
[email protected]
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