One-on-One with Zane Watson IFBB Pro
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This past July 2013, Halifax was host to Part 1 of the CBBF Nationals which was a Bodybuilding only event. As per usual, the biggest and the best from all across Canada came out to compete with the hopes of winning and earning one of the coveted IFBB Pro Cards that would be handed out and be the next step and start to a new chapter in one of their lives. One of those lucky competitors to earn his IFBB Pro status was 25 year old Zane Watson. Zane, one of the youngest competitors to earn an IFBB Pro status has not been in the industry for very long. Having entered the sport of bodybuilding about 2 years ago and paving a promising career for himself within the industry, Zane is one of those competitors where dedication, smart training and dieting and great genetics have all lined up correctly. Following in the competitive footsteps of both his parents, Zane is ready to take on the IFBB stage and make a name for himself.
I had the pleasure to talk to Zane about bodybuilding and life after becoming an IFBB Pro. Like the physique he brought to stage in Halifax, his answers are on point and clearly laid out.
Q. How did you get started in Bodybuilding?
A. My father and mother were both National Level bodybuilding champs so it was easy for me to fall in love with the sport already having a very educated coach.
Q. Going back to the day that you won your IFBB Pro card, how did it feel? What was that moment like for you? What did it mean?
A. When I obtained my IFBB Pro status I (other then when the announcer forgot to mention that there was a 2nd Pro Card before half my fans/family left the auditorium) felt like I had accomplished everything I had dedicated years of training to. The moment was short, it meant that I was at the bottom of the IFBB rankings determined to climb the polls.
Q. Do you take an off season?
A. I don't diet or do as much cardio as I do during a contest prep however my training stays intense and consistent year round.
Q. What is a typical training schedule like for you?
A. My splits vary. I switch things up often. When I train 4 days a week it's common to go back, chest/bis, legs, shoulders/tris.
Q. Who are some of your influences or heros in the sport that you look up to?
A. I have a lot of respect for Ben Pakulski and his scientific approach to bodybuilding. I have trained with him numerous times... overall great guy. Dorian Yates definitely is an idol of mine. I will be competing in the 212 weight class so naturally I have started to analyse my competitors and think David Henry has a great physique.
Q. What has been your favourite moment to date?
A. When I was 11-12 years old I went to Ohio with my family to the Arnold Classic. My father and I were late for the night show and when waiting for the elevator the doors opened and it was Arnold standing there with 6+ body guards, he asked 2 of the men to get the next lift so we could join him on the ride down to the lobby. It was surreal.
Q. What are your future plans regarding competition?
A. 2014 Toronto Pro
Q. Advice for those getting into the sport
A. Just do it for yourself, avoid injury, be consistent.
Q. How long are you usually prepping for a show?
A. I prep 8-12 weeks depending on the condition I am in prior to prep
Q. What is your take on doing cardio? Off season and not?
A. I think cardio is never a bad thing. The healthier you are as a bodybuilder the further you will go.
Q. How important is posing?
A. I feel that posing is 1/4 of whats needed to be a successful bodybuilder. Along with conditioning, symmetry, and colour.
Q. If you had not turned IFBB Pro by this year, what would your next steps have been in regard to competing again?
A. To be honest I had felt that this would have been the end of the road for me as a bodybuilder.
Q. Looking back on your competitive career, is there anything you would change?
A. I won my first and second show in the same year, then placed 3rd in the Nationals the first time, and 1st the 2nd time a year later. The next year I obtained my Pro status. I feel even though I placed 3rd it made me a stronger athlete. I wouldn't change anything. I had a blast
Q. What do you do when you are not competing?
A. When I'm not competing I am the owner/operator of a wildlife company that I started 5 years ago. It keeps me very busy along with my ongoing training.
Q. What is your favourite body part to train?
A. I love training every body part. It all depends on the workout itself and how I feel that particular day of the week.
Q. What is your favourite supplement(s)?
A. My favourite supplements are Greens+/psyllium fiber. I use all MusclePharm protein supplements. BCAA
IFBB Pro Zane Watson is a bodybuilding competitor with a no fuss clear path and vision of what he wants to do with his life. He set his plan into motion in just under 3 years and has already achieved what many hope to in careers that have spanned several more years. Look for Zane to make his IFBB Pro debut in 2014 at the Toronto Pro SuperShow.