Michael Maillet’s Inspiring Interview With Simplyshredded.com

Michael Maillet proves that even with a heart condition you can still achieve your goals

How did you get started in bodybuilding?

I got into bodybuilding when I was about 22 yrs old and extremely unhealthy. I was a drinker, cigarette smoker and constant junk food eater. It took 1 person to get me to take things into perspective – Someone told me, “Don’t make your mom bury you before you have to bury her.” It really hit home. After hearing that I quit smoking, and cut alcohol too and began training in Moncton, New Brunswick at Body & Soul. Since then, I have competed 4 times and have loved every moment of it. In my most recent competitions I placed 3rd in the National Capital Classic, and in November 2009 at the Ottawa North Eastern Ontario Championship – I won 4th over all in the open class, 1st in my weight class and Best Posing award. I have my sights on September 2010 for the Ontario Natural Provincials in Hamilton, Ontario.

Where does your motivation come from?

I guess my biggest motivation comes from people saying I can’t do it. My doctor once said I couldn’t train or play contact sports, etc. Basically play it safe and not do anything was the gist of things. I guess what motivated me most is proving them wrong. Being able to show people that if you really put your mind to something you can accomplish everything. Because I have a heart condition, it only motivates me more. I want to show that regardless of an infliction, you should reach for the stars. I strive that much harder to show that regardless the hurdle, you can overcome them if you put your mind to it.

Award Winning Posing Routine from November 7, 2009

What is your training philosophy

My training philosophy is rather simple. Each day that you hit the gym, plan your routine – its like a plan of attack – go in with a game plan. Don’t catch yourself looking around aimlessly wondering which excercise to do – time is precious. Also train for you, and no body else. It has to be something you want to do, and never be afraid to ask questions. Regardless of how intimidated you may be by someone, because that is how you learn. You might be surprised on how willing a person is to relay some knowledge.

If you had to pick 3 excercises, what would they be and why?

To be honest, I love them all – I don’t actually have favorite excercises. I just truly love the feeling training gives you – a complete body wave of adrenalin and almost like a euphoric feeling of accomplishment each and every time you have completed a set.

How do you cut down for a competition?

To be honest, 90% of my cutting is all diet, I do some cardio, but not intense to avoid as little muscle breakdown as possible. I do regular low intensity cardio, usually cycling or spinning aswell as power walking to sweat it up.

What is your philosophy on nutrition?

I guess first and foremost, you have to remember that we eat to live, not live to eat. I try and be sensible when I eat most of the time, with some small little cheats here in there. I myself eat as clean as possible during the week, but don’t prevent myself from eating junk, just choose to eat it when I know I can burn most of what I have eaten. I believe that eating clean, and having portion controlled meals has been the key to my success as an amateur bodybuilder, but more importantly as an aid in leading a healthy lifestyle.

What are your favorite meals and foods.

I love cheese, and pretty much anything made with cheese. I love stirfrys that are chalk full of veggies, and beef or chicken. I love Tilapia, its by far my favorite white fish. Love spicy foods. My favorite meal in the whole world, would have to be the old fashioned turkey dinner, with all the trimmings. And I absolutely love peanut butter.

My favorite cheat food?

As funny as it may sound, my favorite cheat food when I am dieting especially is old dutch creamy dill chips – I am not doing a product plug its the truth – they are so tasty.

What supplements do you use that give you the greatest results. How do you use them?

I have tried a few different ones, but I think what works the best for me, are the simple ones. Primarily I use L-Arginine regularly. I buy the straight form of them, and don’t buy into those supplements that are full of all kinds of things I can’t pronounce. Way I see it, if I can’t say it, I won’t use it. I use the arginine to increase the over all “pump” when training. It helps increase the oxygen in my blood, and gives me more endurance. I compound that with Kre-Alkilyn creatine formula. The 2 combined works amazing….The way that I take them is to take the recommended dose of Creatine 1st thing in the Morning, and then again 20 minutes before I hit the gym – the Arginine I usually take around 6000mg 20 minutes before I train, and I don’t take it on my off days. I am now only taking the arginine, however I am taking a 2 month break from any supplements to give my body a complete rest.

Who are your favourite bodybuilders?

If I had to pick 2 pro’s, I would have to say Shawn Ray, he competed in the Arnold Classic’s and the Olympia constests, but never won. He did however remain in my eyes the most consistent and most symmetrical bodybuilders of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. He has since gone on to be a successful business man. Which I also admire. Of course I adore Arnold himself. his philosophies, his approach to training, and the focus he had were terrific. His drive and determination were and in my opinion still un-matched.