Q&A With WBFF Pro Neil Anderson

WBFF Pro and model Neil Anderson reveals his top secrets in this exclusive Q&A with LA Muscle. Find out how he manages to keep in shape all year round...

What age did you start bodybuilding?
I started bodybuilding around 15. As a competitive athlete (pole-vault), I was training on the track, gymnastics and bodybuilding inspired training. I focused on condition, as I saw the best on the track appeared to have the best and most conditioned shapes. Equally inspired by the 90's movies that celebrated amazing physiques. Mike Mentzer methods were cut in with my performance training to develop in my teens.

What made you get into lifting weights?
Growing up in a quiet area of Belfast most of my friends were a good bit older. They could be tough on me so I was encouraged to develop to fight back. Equally at the time Belfast was an intimidating place, I always felt a strong physical presence would command respect. As I matured the desire stuck and throwing back to the likes of Arnie, I felt the male form should be represented by a strong athletic physique.

How many titles have you won?
In NABBA Mr NI I won two titles moving up the ranks with the 1st Timers in 2011, Novice 2012. Had a runner up place in the Mr Britain 2011. 2014 had a pro card win WBFF in the london O2 arena, Top 5 in Europe 2014 and 2015 WBFF pro muscle category. Top 10 Worlds Las Vegas 2015. Placed 2nd in the 2016 LA pro/am. This year a time out for my ACL recovery after tearing it 2014 season.

What has been your greatest achievement in the sport?
I feel my 2nd place in the LA Pro is up there for me. It showed me that I'm at the top level and could push for a good place in the worlds. Don't get me wrong top 10 in the world made me proud in the massive line up that competes in Vegas, but there is much more in me. This year isn't my year to get back up there but next year the focus is on!

What's your favourite body part to train?
My strongest lifting is back and it's my favourite to hit.

What's your most dreaded body part to train?
Legs had been, due to having to hold back a little at times. There was a bit of frustration and discomfort that I am gladly passed now. Still legs is always great when it's over and not so fun at the time!

How much do weigh off season mode?
I hit 17st 12 this offseason. That's my biggest to date and a good lot more than previous competitive seasons that I normally sit around 17st 4.

How much do you weigh on-season?
15st 4 is about where I hit on stage last year.

How many carbs and protein do you have off season?
I tend to favour additional kcals from fats, I keep plenty carbs but net carbs are fairly low when I consider my fibre intake. Protein can go up to 350, carbs about the same but tend to vary from 300-450 or so.

How many times a week do you train?
Off-season I only lift 4 or 5 days. I might get a surf in on the weekend or a couple days when it's on. Most are surprised by that but can still move well. I tend to really hammer the off-season hard, heavy lifting but decent rest too.

How many carbs and protein do you have on season?
I am a fan of a low carb approach for myself. I just find bigger feeds of protein and fat working the glycolytic pathways works. It allows me to feel full yet mentally sharp and less cravings. So I can go as low as 40 net carbs for long periods. Fibre I keep high too say another 40g. So approx 80g to track per day running in to shows.

What's the toughest thing about comp prepping?
The last few weeks, juggling clients preps with my own can be a challenge. Mostly the drop in energy at that stage that makes it difficult. That being said as I have always been pretty easy going about prep, it's just what I do. I still socialise however am happy to drink water and get home a little earlier.

Who is your favourite bodybuilder?
Arnie was and always will be the man. levrone had a shape that always struck me as one of the most balanced with size and aesthetics. Consequently for shape he has always been my favourite.

What supplements do you use on a lead up to a show?
Six Pack Extreme, Possessed - to keep me focused and give solid pumps when I'm low, otherwise Vasculator when I don't feel like I need the added boost of caffein. Vitamin B12 helps my energy and mood. Limitless to help maintain mental sharpness. I ease back on protein however have gold whey on days schedule doesn't allow for post training meal.

How much water do you drink on a normal day?
4 litres normally.

How much water do you drink on a last week of a show?
Vegas can be interesting as you sweat profusely and never fee like you are water loading! I had way over 10 litres a day and still struggle to get it 100% there. LA was a little easier. When I compete in the UK I would load up to about 8 litres.

What's the first thing you eat after a show?
Depends, I often go pasta or pizza. If a good steak house is about I would have a steak but have the hand cut chips, creamed spinach. Obviously as one of three courses by that stage!

What's your favourite food?
Steak, either a big t bone or chateaux briande. Bison is amazing used to love that when I lived in Canada.

What do you like doing outside of bodybuilding?
I love motorbikes and I surf, skate and snowboard when I can. Seems a strange combination but I like to marry an athleticism with the physique.

What's your favourite film?
Point break, True Romance and pumping iron. Too different to decide.

What's your favourite book?
On the road -Jac Kerouac

Who has inspired you to become a bodybuilder?
Arnie, having watched him in movies awe struck as a kid. Directly I had a lot of inspirational characters offer support and care later when the seed was planted and already taking root. Guys in Northern Ireland like Patrick Sweeney, Dave fox, Derek Lynch, Chris Murray and Dave Warner. All passionate about the sport and gave me time and support. More recently Paul Dillet bodybuilding legend and inspiring individual.

What advice would you give anyone who wants to take up bodybuilding?

Take your time to develop and learn. Knowledge is key in this sport!