How did you get started with bodybuilding?
I always wanted to look like my heroes growing up such as Schwarzenegger, Van Damme and Stallone so fitness was always a part of me though I was very skinny with scoliosis. I had to wear a back brace in my teenage years and when that didn’t work, they injected a metal rod in my spine to keep it from curving. 2 years later after being bored one day, I went along with my parents to the gym and liked what I saw: The feeling of the pump was awesome and soon after that I was bit by the fitness bug.
Where does your motivation come from?
I’m an intense and driven person in everything I do and throughout my life I was always told that I was too dumb by peers or I was too short, too skinny or not qualified to do much. I then made up my mind of who I wanted to be and pushed myself in everything I did.
What is your training philosophy?
I use common sense when it comes to my body and no matter what new moves come out or new methods, the basics are always the same: Proper Nutrition, LIFT and REST and Repeat. That is it and it is also important to be consistent and not give up or miss training sessions or important meals. I’m also in this for the long run as I see myself looking better even when I’m at 60 years old; therefore I train wisely so I don’t injure myself which leads to the reason why I’m exercising. Do I need to bench press 500lbs? Am I a firefighter trying to build strength? No. I’m just an actor/filmmaker, personal trainer who looks and feels good so I don’t see the point in lifting that just to tell people “I can bench press 500lbs”.
Damian Bailey’s Beach Workout
If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?
- Wide Grip Lat Pull Down: Because it develops your V shape back
- Tricep Push Down: Because you see the expansion of the tricep muscle as you push down
- Cable Crossover: Becuase I like how the squeeze in the pecs feel
What is your philosophy on nutrition?
Nutrition is just as important as the training aspect. It’s such a big factor in the fitness industry that’s noramlly overlooked. People feel that supplements can take the place of real food, but let me tell you that this is incorrect.
Supplements are only used to supplement a good diet!
What supplements do you use?
I’m not big on supplements but if anything, whey protein. I tend to stay away from them as I feel diet is the most important thing.
Sample Bicep Circuit Training
Favourite Bodybuilders?
Schwarzenegger because of his determination and drive to succeed. Plus he was very confident.
Arnold – The King
Favorite Quote?
EMBRACE BIGNESS: always think BIG, think outside the box, nothing is impossible with God.
