IFBB Pro Jake Phippen, 2013 Sacramento Pro, Masters IFBB 35+ Mens physique winner. Takes time out to discuss life after his first pro win, training, nutrition and his future plans.
NAME: Jake Phippen
AGE: 36
Years competing: 1 1/2yrs
Interesting fact: I've competed in contact sports for over 30yrs of my life.
Sponsors: Anytime Fitness, Salt Lake City, Utah and Nutraspire.com
AGE: 36
Years competing: 1 1/2yrs
Interesting fact: I've competed in contact sports for over 30yrs of my life.
Sponsors: Anytime Fitness, Salt Lake City, Utah and Nutraspire.com
ABFITT: Jake
congratulations on your first Pro MPD win a few weeks back at the
Sacramento pro. What have the days been like following your win?
Jake Phippen: Thank You! The days after the show have been a bit crazy. This
is my 3rd interview and have been contacted by numerous competitors for
contest prep and potential new personal training clients. Also, I was
on a mandatory break from structured eating or working out which was
driving me nuts. Although I was able to indulge in some foods I normally
don't eat while getting ready to get on stage. Overall relaxing and
stress free.
ABFITT: Jake can you give us your MPD background and talk about your favorite show or win.
Jake Phippen: -2012 NPC Utah State
Championships (June 2012) 1st open div, Overall winner Open div, 1st
Natural div, Overall winner Natural Div
-2012 NPC USA National Championships 15th place C-class
-2012 Muscle and Fitness Male Model Search top 10 (held during the Olympia Expo)
-2012 NPC National Championships 5th place C-class
-2012 Muscle Contest Excalibur 3rd Masters 35+, 4th open C-class
-2013 NPC Utah State Championships (June 2013) 2nd place open A-class
-2013 NPC USA National Championships 3rd place C-class
-2013 IFBB North American Championships 1st place Masters 35+ B-class, 5th place Open B-class
-2013 IFBB Sacramento Pro 1st place Masters 35+
It's hard to pick a favorite show or win but 2 stick out in my
head. My very first show I had no clue what I was doing. I had to figure
out how to pose by watching youtube videos and looking at pictures of
other competitors. I was extremely nervous and had no idea what to
expect until I walked out on stage and a 'sudden calm' came over me.
Everything was a bit of a blur but I presented myself good enough to
take home 4 trophies. I was completely lost for words and couldn't
believe I had just stood on stage willingly to be judged on my physique
and won. This sparked my competative edge and I knew this was what I
wanted to pursue. The other win was at the Sacramento Pro. I wasn't sure
if I had what it took to really be a competitor at the Pro level. My
goal for the show was to just not finish last. Things went well that
night for me winning my first Pro show and giving me the confidence that
I can be a competitor at this level. I'm more motivated now to take
this journey as far as my body will let me.
ABFITT: Take us through your contest prep, how far out to you start and what is your main focus when planning a prep? Can you give our readers an example of a day of contest prep meal planning. (of course we dont want you to give away any prep secrets).....
JAKE PHIPPEN: I typically like 10-12wks to be fully prepped for a show. This gives me enough time to bring my body fat down slow and sustain muscle mass without having to play catch up 1-2wks out. Taking it slow will also gives me a healthier look and allow for small adjustments to dial me in. I prefer to do a mixture of heavy lifting and supersets. I will also add in some cardio depending on how I'm progressing. When planning my prep I always take judges critiques and study contest pics from my previous show to make improvements to my physique and stage presents. Then I adjust my workouts to fill in weak spots and start posing everyday first thing in the morning. The best way to describe how I train is I lift like a bodybuilder and condition like an athlete. In other words lift heavy and condition with sprints. Meal planning is pretty simple. I take my daily macros and divide it up fairly even for 6 meals. I never deplete myself of carbs, sodium, or water. My carbs are rotated, I measure 3000mg of sea salt daily, and drink 8-10liters of water. I do this up to the day before I step on stage. Doing this gives your muscles a full look and not stringy and flat.
ABFITT: How does your contest prep training differ from your off season training and whats your take on steady state cardio versus HIIT or HIT?
ABFITT: Take us through your contest prep, how far out to you start and what is your main focus when planning a prep? Can you give our readers an example of a day of contest prep meal planning. (of course we dont want you to give away any prep secrets).....
JAKE PHIPPEN: I typically like 10-12wks to be fully prepped for a show. This gives me enough time to bring my body fat down slow and sustain muscle mass without having to play catch up 1-2wks out. Taking it slow will also gives me a healthier look and allow for small adjustments to dial me in. I prefer to do a mixture of heavy lifting and supersets. I will also add in some cardio depending on how I'm progressing. When planning my prep I always take judges critiques and study contest pics from my previous show to make improvements to my physique and stage presents. Then I adjust my workouts to fill in weak spots and start posing everyday first thing in the morning. The best way to describe how I train is I lift like a bodybuilder and condition like an athlete. In other words lift heavy and condition with sprints. Meal planning is pretty simple. I take my daily macros and divide it up fairly even for 6 meals. I never deplete myself of carbs, sodium, or water. My carbs are rotated, I measure 3000mg of sea salt daily, and drink 8-10liters of water. I do this up to the day before I step on stage. Doing this gives your muscles a full look and not stringy and flat.
ABFITT: How does your contest prep training differ from your off season training and whats your take on steady state cardio versus HIIT or HIT?
JAKE PHIPPEN: In season prep consists of more target training, decreased
caloric intake, and an increase frequency of cardio. My lifting is still
heavy but I don't go full out. I try to keep a few reps in
the tank. Cardio is determined by the progress of lifting and diet. If I
need to tighten up more then the cardio is increased and vise versa if
I'm dropping pretty quick. In the off season my caloric intake
increases, cardio is cut to a minimum, and I try to increase maxes on
core lifts. By doing this it helps build the muscle that was burnt off
while competing and help restore hormone levels back to normal. Along
with the heavy lifting I will implement high reps to bring blood flow
into those fibers for expansion and recovery. Cardio is very basic
either incline walking or 20min HIIT.
I feel steady state cardio and HIIT are equally important
while prepping for a show. Your body needs the high intensity for that
conditioned look but also needs to be able to recover while still
burning body fat which the steady state helps with. I believe that you
need to limit your steady state cardio
to about 45-60min to avoid overtraining and burning muscle. Moderation
is key.
ABFITT: So whats next Jake? What are your future plans now that your first pro win is under your belt? Any thoughts on the Olympia in 2014?
JAKE PHIPPEN: I am planning on doing one of the first shows of 2014. Not
sure as to which one yet. It will depend on how I'm looking and if I
need more time to build my best physique to be a real competitor. The
ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympia and that's what I'm striving
for. If I don't accumulate enough points or win a show to qualify in
2014 I will continue to improve and work towards that goal.
ABFITT: What advice would you give guys thinking about competing in MPD?
JAKE PHIPPEN: Once you've decided to compete have fun, keep your eye on the prize, and give 110% until the shows over. If you hire a coach make sure they put your health first and comp second. This will allow for a long term career and you will enjoy the whole process.
ABFITT: How can ABFITT readers follow you and your MPD career?
JAKE PHIPPEN: Facebook: IFBB Pro Jake Phippen, Twitter and Instagram: IFBB_jphippen
ABFITT: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with ABFITT and I wish you continued success.
ABFITT: What advice would you give guys thinking about competing in MPD?
JAKE PHIPPEN: Once you've decided to compete have fun, keep your eye on the prize, and give 110% until the shows over. If you hire a coach make sure they put your health first and comp second. This will allow for a long term career and you will enjoy the whole process.
ABFITT: How can ABFITT readers follow you and your MPD career?
JAKE PHIPPEN: Facebook: IFBB Pro Jake Phippen, Twitter and Instagram: IFBB_jphippen
ABFITT: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with ABFITT and I wish you continued success.
JASON BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: ALL PHOTO CREDITS