NPC Overall Bikini Champion & Fitness Model Taylor Matheny Talks With Simplyshredded.com

Quick stats:

Age: 24
Height: 5’5” – 165cm
Weight: 120lbs. – 54kgs

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I was a Personal Chef in Houston TX at a private training studio. Many of my clients were competitors and I had learned very quickly how clean and strict their diets were. I thought they were all crazy for what they did. Although all of the bodybuilders and fitness models looked amazing and this inspired me to eat clean and train hard.

Long story short, 2 years later I became a Pro and have been absolutely hooked by the fitness and bodybuilding lifestyle.

Matus Valent and Taylor Matheny

Where does your motivation come from?

Knowing that every day I can handle any challenge thrown my way. It’s crazy but weightlifting not only makes my body stronger, it makes me mentally stronger as well. I have never put up with laziness! I learned early on in life that what you do in one area you’ll carry over into every other area of your life. Self-discipline is only the beginning.

I am blessed to be a strong influence and role model for people in the Fitness and Health Industry by helping them change the way they eat and live their lives!

What workout routine has worked best for you?

Full body workouts mainly every day, with variations of cardio (30-60 minutes incline walking). Sundays I don’t train but instead focus more on my cardio. I normally take my workout outside and either go for a bike ride or a hike.

Full Routine:

Monday: Full Body Circuit #1

Superset #1

Bent Over Row – 3×15
Deadlifts – 3×15

Superset #2

Around The World – 3×15
Hack Squats – 3×15

Superset #3

Hindu Push Ups – 3×15
Jump Lunges – 3×30 (15 each leg)

Tuesday: Full Body Circuit #2

Superset #1

Hack Squats – 3×15
Kettle Bell Upright Rows – 3×15

Superset #2

Walking Lunges – 3×15
Superset Single Leg Step Ups – 3×30 (15 each leg)

Superset #3

Push Ups – 3×15
Superset with Triceps Dips – 3×15

Wednesday: Full Body Circuit #1

Superset #1

Bent Over Row – 3×15
Deadlifts – 3×15

Superset #2

Around The World – 3×15
Hack Squats – 3×15

Superset #3

Hindu Push Ups – 3×15
Jump Lunges – 3×30 (15 each leg)

Thursday: Full Body Circuit #2

Superset #1

Hack Squats – 3×15
Kettle Bell Upright Rows – 3×15

Superset #2

Walking Lunges – 3×15
Superset Single Leg Step Ups – 3×30 (15 each leg)

Superset #3

Push Ups – 3×15
Superset with Triceps Dips – 3×15

Friday: Full Body Circuit #1

Superset #1

Bent Over Row – 3×15
Deadlifts – 3×15

Superset #2

Around The World – 3×15
Hack Squats – 3×15

Superset #3

Hindu Push Ups – 3×15
Jump Lunges – 3×30 (15 each leg)

Saturday: Cardio session

30-60 minutes of incline walking

Sunday: Outdoors workout

Bike Ride or Hiking

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

Jump Lunges – Because I like the explosiveness and getting your heart rate up while you tighten and tone.
Hack Squats – I go heavy on this exercise and I have more of a love hate relationship with this hardcore exercise. I hate doing them but I love the results!
Kettle Bell Up Right Rows – I love this exercise because it helps build nice and round delts.

What is your diet like?

I stay with a balance of fruits, fresh veggies, lean proteins, and complex carbs. I never deprive myself of any flavors or taste. I use fresh herbs and spices in abundance and I have special recipes for answering those sweet tooth cravings without feeling guilty!

Daily Diet:

Meal 1: 4 Egg Whites scrambled, 1/2 cup of Oats, 1 Scoop Nature’s Fruits Mixed in my Oatmeal topped with Cinnamon
Meal 2: 4 oz. Ground Turkey, 1 tbsp. Unsweetened Apple Butter and 1 Zucchini Sautéed
Meal 3: 6 oz. Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps dipped in Trader Joe’s Eggplant Hummus
Meal 4: Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Hummus
Meal 5: 6 oz. Ground Turkey, 1/2 c Salsa, Shredded Lettuce and Mixed Bell Peppers topped with Mustard and Chili Powder
Meal 6: Steamed Veggies, Shredded Chicken Breast, Garlic mixed together in a large bowl

When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

I would say both. I love running the stairs as fast as possible and then sometimes I mix it up with low intensity walks on the treadmill on an incline.