Sam Bond Maximuscle ambassador

Sam Bond - Q&A

Tell us about yourself and how you became a gladiator?

I graduated in 2006 with a degree in Exercise Physiology (Hons) and was not exactly sure what do with myself. Ultimately I'd like to work within the field of preventing obesity, particularly in Children. I was working for a charity when I heard there was to be a new series of Gladiators. I wanted to be a Gladiator but was not invited to the auditions so I applied to became a contender and made sure I stood our from the crowd! From there it was a few more auditions, some camera role play and then it all came together.

What does your weekly training programme consist of?

Currently I'm training twice each day with the exception of when I don't feel like it. The evening sessions are predominantly strength training sessions but I also train at the local athletics track twice weekly where I sprint and also perform the Olympic Lifts. The morning sessions I tend to use to fill in the gaps of my training week hitting muscle groups or exercises I feel I have neglected that week or need further work. I also perform a little cardiovascular work in these morning sessions, but not if I can help it!

How much food do you consume on an average day?

To put it into context, my weekly food bill comes in at anywhere between £80 and £100. I consume roughly 4000 Cals a day over as many meals as I feel I need to be eating that day.

Which Maximuscle products do you use?

Promax, Creatamax Extreme, HMB-1000, ZMA, GH-Kick, Viper Active, Glutamax AKG, Pump up + NO2.

How do Maximuscle products help you during your training and whilst you compete?

I have a unique view of supplements from what I can gather. I do not rely solely on my products to get me results. But the way I see it is if these products can make a little difference, then taken altogether, they can make a bigger difference. If my competitors might be taking them, I have little reasonable choice than to do the same.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Each accomplishment seems to be bigger than the last but looking back I still have a certain feeling of achievement after winning my first bodybuilding competition in 2004 as a Junior. Other than that, I guess being a Gladiator is pretty cool!

Who are your heroes?

Ok this is going to sound really soft and I hope she doesn't read this but I have more respect for my mother than anyone else I have met so far in my life. Yes we argue but no one who has personally touched my life is as remarkable that I can see. Other than that, Arnie is the man lets face it. Has anyone achieved what he has done since him? Will anyone ever have such an impact on the sport of bodybuilding and even the action film genre as that lump of muscle did? And has anyone had such an aesthetically pleasing physique since him despite being "strictly" better than him from a bodybuilding stand point?

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

Riding my motorbike with friends-we have some lovely rides down my neck of the woods.

How do you stay relaxed and focused when the pressure is on?

Interesting question this one. I don't really feel pressure too often, but during the times where I do feel nervous or anxious, I try and rationalise with myself that I can only do my best going on my past learnings and that one day, this pending experience is going to be one that I use as an example in the future. Music always affects my mood though so whatever Im searching for, be it a kick up the backside or a distress, I can usually get a song in my head to keep on "repeat".

What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?

Glutamax® AKG. This wont make any sense to anyone who hasn't tried this or isn't gong to but when you have seriously high dosages of this product, you see results come thick and fast.

What are your future goals?

I plan on winning a pro card with the BNBF at some point. But Im not sure when. Im looking into Strength and Conditioning Coaching right now too, that interests me. Other than these 2 there are just far too many goals to list.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a physique like yours?

My advice would be don't listen to me! As ironic as that sounds, what I really mean is no one knows it all so to follow one person's advice is foolish. Ultimately if they are going to do well they need to learn from a wide variety of sources and they need to learn how to listen to their own body and what feels right.