We were at the NPC West Coast Show and Expo on June 17, 2017, where Martin Carrillo competed for the first time.
We wanted to know about this young and promising bodybuilder so we interviewed him:
Name: Martin Carrillo
Age: 23
Height: 5'5
Weight: currently 160 lbs
BMI: 15%
Instagram: @mcdesigns_ie
Facebook: martincarrillo
Martin, every story has a beginning. Do you remember the exact moment when you decided to become a bodybuilder?
I had signed up at the local city gym in Riverside, Ca "City Gym" sadly is not there anymore but that place had some hardcore lifters focused on getting things done! And I loved that "no play, all work"
Did you have a role model, a bodybuilder you admired and wanted to be like?
I'm a huge fan of Mike O'Hearn and Kai Greene, both amazing athletes and Los my Dad he's not a bodybuilder but watching him work his ass off to provide for the family was always inspiring and we would do bell curls in our backyard from time to time.
What is your approach to nutrition and diet as a way to maximize results of the training?
DIET iS KEY!!! I always make sure my food is measured and I always meal prep the day before, I don't like doing it for the whole week as I feel like food gets nasty and won't taste as good, just have to simply stay consistent.
Tell us about your training. Describe your routine, including pre and post workout too.
Before I hit the gym I work as a graphic designer in Corona, Ca such a fun chill laid back job. I have a folder with my routine and weight/reps, so I make sure I check it out and it's up to date. Once I get to the gym, no talk, no play, get straight down to work. I do super sets focusing on multiple muscles at once, so Monday first round will be biceps, shoulders and triceps, 5 sets of 12 reps, no light weight and not too heavy, something right in the middle that's going to make you work for it. After my workouts I go home to shower, eat and prep my meal for the next day, and then relax with the family.
What is your favorite muscle group? Do you have a muscle or muscle group you don't like working on?
Mmmm don't really have a favorite, I like them all. They all have to look proportioned to each other so I have to like them all.
Are you actively competing?
I just did my first show NPC West Coast, on June 17, 2017.
Now I'm going to go to Las Vegas on November 4th.
What is your most memorable experience as a competitor on stage?
Just finally being able to show everyone all my hard work.
Have you won any awards?
Not yet.
What are your goals for the next year?
To simply improve my physique and be a better stinger and win a couple shows and be able to inspire other people.
Most people are not aware of the sacrifices that bodybuilders have to make to achieve their goals. What do you sacrifice to be a bodybuilder?
Besides food, I sacrificed a lot of family time, going out with friends and even taking my girlfriend out on dates. It's crazy how big of an impact it can make on your life. But you can always find ways to manage your social life and fitness.
Do you rather train alone or as part of a team?
Both. I'm part of the Elite Fitness Team and they got me through my first show.
Tell us about your team.
They are flipping amazing!!! I love them, funny, humble people. It's a big family and they're always there to help. They are the best.
Tell us about your coach.
Jarrod, super laid back, funny and always gets on your ass when you are slacking. Haha, He's very knowledgeable and always has answers to everything.
What is the best part of being a bodybuilder?
The results, the motivation and the pain other people get from watching you. I love having people ask me what I do, how I eat, how can I help, etc. I love helping others and hearing them say I motivated them is a dream come true.
Tanning and shaving are very important parts when getting ready for a competition. Do you have any products that you'd recommend to other competitors?
Honestly I always get simple razor and I use hair conditioning instead of shaving cream, it softens up the hairs and makes that razor just glide it's amazing. And of course after shave I use Bump Stopper.
Are you active on Social Media? What's its impact on your bodybuilding career?
Just Facebook and Instagram, working on YouTube. It has a huge impact: people all over the world pretty much get a glimpse into your life and your journey. You can share tips with other competitors. It's an amazing tool.
Do you practice any other sports?
I like playing baseball, going hiking, always open to be outdoors and being active.
Is it true that you hate cardio? ;)
Not at all! I love cardio! Haha! Put some headphones on and let your mind run free.
Do you have any advise for starting bodybuilders?
Stay consistent, focus on yourself, don't pay attention to what others are doing. Take advice and use what works for you and have fun! Learn from it, stay healthy and don't give up this sport, it is time consuming but be patient and I promise you will see results!
