He had been a weightlifter in high school and finally decided to try bodybuilding. His inspiration came from watching other famous body builders like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Teddy saw results within a couple of weeks, but it was not easy, and throughout this life-changing journey, he has learned a lot about dedication and hard work.

 

Teddy trains for 2 to 3 hours a day about 6 days a week and sometimes 7.  He understands how rest days are important but some days it is hard for him to stay out of the gym since there is a lot to do, and it has become more of an obsession rather than hobby. 

 

Teddy has a routine to target different muscles each day. The routine he currently follows involves a day of chest and back, a day of shoulders and arms, and a day of legs. He repeats this routine twice a week. Each time, he includes a main exercise which is either squats, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, or cleans. When he prepares for bodybuilding shows, Teddy focuses a lot more on cardio activities such as speed walking.

 

“My favorite part about this lifestyle is being able to see how a body can change, from bulking to cutting. It is cool just watching what the human body can do,” says Teddy.  “I also like learning new things and working towards goals I’ve set; I like putting a vision in my mind and then achieving it.”

 

His diet is dependent on the type of training he requires.  For example when he trains for weight lifting competitions, he needs proteins and carbs to bulk up.  When he trains for bodybuilding competitions, his diet consists mostly of egg whites, broccoli, chicken, fish, and rice cakes, in addition to his morning and night multivitamins. During the day, he has a couple of protein shakes but does not rely on supplements. 

 

The dieting and posing are the most challenging aspects of competitions, but Teddy continues to push forward. He envisioned himself as a top 5 competitor in the Mr. and Ms. Natural Minnesota competition and ended up placing 4th and being the leanest. After competitions, there is always something new to chase, and he works hard to make those dreams a reality. 

 

Fortunately, Teddy is not alone. He shares how his family and friends have been a huge support throughout his lifting career so far and how he could not do any of this without them and their motivation. 

 

He says sometimes he even talks to his mom on the phone daily, and she helps him forget about how challenging the training is—and how hungry he might be! 

 

Trainers Erik and Lisa, from Fitness Revolution have also helped him maintain his diet, and he is grateful for their support.

 

“Prepping for my bodybuilding show (Mr. and Ms. Natural Minnesota) taught me more than just dieting strategies and what it takes to excel in a bodybuilding show,” Teddy stated. 

 

“It brought me closer to God, because I would spend so much time by myself thinking about life.  It taught me to appreciate family and those that love you, much more.  To appreciate the little things in life and show thanks for everything. Those two months of prepping made me a much better person, and I thank God everyday for all those that helped me through it. “ 

 

If all goes as planned, Teddy will be doing at least one show next year.  He would like to compete in the NPC Gopher State Classic and the NANBF Mr. and Ms. Natural Minnesota.

 

Though preparing for these types of shows is the hardest thing he has had to do in his life thus far, something about it was very “special and addicting” for him, and Teddy can’t wait to do it again.