Rising Star: Taylor Vertucci Talks With Simplyshredded.com

Quick Stats:

Age: 20
Height: 4’10” – 147 cm
Weight: 97 lbs – 44 kg

How did you get started with fitness/bodybuilding?

I was underweight and I had stopped eating and became very unhappy with myself. I entered my first bikini competition ‘thinking’ that I looked good and would do well. But I didn’t realize how skinny I had become.

Let’s just say I did ’horrible’! After I got the competition photos back, I knew I had to make some changes. The following week I got a gym membership and the rest is history.

What motivates you to keep going and push harder?

I’m very self-motivated and I love seeing results. I also have an amazing support system. My family, friends and my boyfriend have been incredibly supportive of me. Even my fans and followers are always there for me.

I’m happy to have such a great fan base and to be able to help change people’s lives.

What is your next goal?

I would love to be on the cover of a well-known fitness magazine. That would be the coolest thing!

What is your current training philosophy?

I believe in training with heavy weights and low reps.

Full Routine:

Monday: Legs

Single Leg Extensions 4 x 10
Double Leg Extensions 4 x 10
Deadlifts 4 x 8
Lunges 50 Steps
Reverse Hack Squats 4 x 10
Cable Kick-Backs 4 x 10

Tuesday: Back

Close Grip Seated Cable Row 4 x 10
Wide Grip Lat Pulls 4 x 10
Dumbbell Row 3 x 10
Single Arm Seated Cable Row 3 x 10
Close Grip Lat Pulls 4 x 10

Wednesday: Shoulders

Dumbbell Shoulder Press 4 x 10
Side Lateral Cable Raises 4 x 10
Front Raises 4 x 10
Reverse Fly’s 4 x 10

Thursday: Legs

Single Leg Extension 4 x 10
Double Leg Extension 4 x 10
Leg Press 4 x 10
Barbell Squats 3 x 10
Jumping Weighted Barbell Squats 4 x 10
Weighted Side Lunges 50 x Each Side

Friday: Abs

Hanging Leg Raises 4 x 15
Medicine Ball Ab Crunch 4 x 15
Lying Leg Raises 4 x 15
Hanging Leg Raises 4 x 10

Saturday: Rest

Recovery

Sunday: Back

Close Grip Seated Cable Row 4 x 10
Wide Grip Lat Pulls 4 x 10
Bent-Over Barbell Row 4 x 10
Single Arm Seated Cable Row 3 x 10
Close Grip Lat Pulls 4 x 10

Favorite form of cardio?

I don’t normally do cardio. I do plyos and occasionally if I am trying to cut down, I will do the stairmaster to help shape my booty.

What is your approach to nutrition?

Even though I have a high metabolism, I try to eat very clean. Eating clean makes me feel a lot better.

Daily Diet:

Meal 1: 3 Egg Whites, 2 Whole Eggs and 15 Almonds
Meal 2: 4 ounces 99% Lean Ground Turkey, ½ cup Brown Rice and 1 cup Green Vegetables
Meal 3: 5 ounces Red Meat, ¾ cup Brown Rice, 1 cup Vegetables
Meal 4: 5 Egg Whites, 1 Whole Egg and Salad
Meal 5: 1.5 Scoops Whey and 15 Almonds