Tim Staggs is a CPT, owner of Staggs Fitness, and national level physique competitor. He’s married to Rebecca Staggs, national level bikini competitor.

MP: When and why did you decide to start exercising?

TS: I started exercising when I was 14 years old. My grandparents bought me a weight bench with those old cement plastic coated weights. I was very skinny, poor, and was picked on every day. I started lifting at 5’9” 115lbs. because I knew the one thing I could change was being skinny. I admired guys like Schwarzenegger and Stallone and strived to create a physique like theirs.

MP: What propelled you to become so involved in the fitness community?

TS: I started competing as a bodybuilder in 2001. After my first show I knew I was addicted. As I continued to compete and learn I started helping others, like I had been helped. In 2009 I started making a career out of helping others. In 2010 Staggs Fitness (www.staggsfitness.com ) was started and it became my full time career. I haven’t looked back since then and have continued to grow my business.

MP: Describe your typical day in the gym. What kind of training do you focus on?

TS: My routines are always changing. My typical day in the gym right now consists of weight training and cardio. I typically do 1- 1 ½ hours of cardio a day with about an hour of weight training. I have a bike at home that I usually do an hour of low intensity cardio on and I incorporate HIIT. Some of the HIIT I do is sprints, hill sprints, plyo, basketball, mountain biking, and running bleachers. My weight training is typically 5 days a week. My current weight training split is chest, back, legs, shoulders/calves, and arms. I usually keep my reps between 8-15 and sets between 12-16.

MP: What is your typical diet regimen like? What do you deem as some of the most important foods in your diet?

TS: My diet consists of the same foods year round. The only difference between off season from contest prep is the amount of foods. Protein is my number one most important food, but I also believe complex carbs, healthy fats, and veggies all need to be incorporated into the plan. I do not ever take carbs or fats out completely. Contest prep consists of 6-7 meals per day.

MP: What’s your stance on supplementation? What are some of your favorite supplements to take and why?

TS: I believe supplements have a place, but just as supplements. I believe to many people want to rely on supplements for success when nutrition is number one. Nothing can replace real food, but some of the supplements I take religiously are:

-Multivitamin

-Fish oil

-ZMA

-L Glutamine

-Calcium/Vit D

-Creatine

-Protein powder

MP: How has your knowledge of fitness, dieting, and supplementation changed over time? What have you learned with experience?

TS: I think to be successful as a competitor and as a personal trainer you must always be learning and reading the newest research and studies. New studies are coming out everyday dispelling old myths and revealing new facts. The biggest changes I have made is incorporating High Intensity Interval Training into my routine and fine tuning my nutrition.

MP: What’s your secret to keeping yourself lean year round?

TS: The secret to staying lean year round is not to diet, but to eat healthy. Many people change their eating and go on diets to get lean. This is a lifestyle and you should eat to be healthy and if that is being done then there is no need to “diet”. I always eat unprocessed foods as the staples of my nutrition. I still enjoy the occasional pizza or ice cream, but just on occasion as a reward for my hard work. When it is time to get serious and lean up for a show or photo shoot then the reward food gets removed and calories are at a deficit.

MP: What advice do you have for a beginner and advanced weight lifter?

TS: My advice for a beginner or advanced weight lifter would be the same, hard work and consistency. If you do those 2 things with proper knowledge you will succeed.

MP: Where does your motivation come from when it comes to training to your full potential?

TS: My motivation always comes from trying to be the best. Right now I am trying to be the best Men’s Physique competitor in the nation. When I accomplish that overall victory at a national show then my motivation will be to be the best IFBB Pro Physique competitor. I always remind myself that my competition is working as hard as me and that they are not skipping workouts or meals. To be the best and to reach or maintain your full potential you must keep that “eye of the tiger”.

MP: What are your future goals both personally and professionally?

TS: Right now I have placed 9^th  out of 21  and 7^th out of 27 at the national level in the Physique division. My goal is to continue to improve and to break the top 5 and then to win my class. By doing this I will achieve my pro card. Professionally I will continue to grow Staggs Fitness (www.staggsfitness.com) by helping others reach their health and fitness goals all over the world. I currently have clients in 3 countries and looking forward to our continued expansion across the globe!

Contact Info:

Website:    www.staggsfitness.com

Fan Page:  www.facebook.com/staggsfitness

Email:         tim@staggsfitness.com