Q- For the readers who may not be familiar with the name AJ Roberts, could you tell us a bit about yourself – what you do, your accomplishments and your competitive history?
I started Powerlifting when I was 17 years of age and quickly had success winning the WABDL deadlift world championships.
From there I went on to win the WPC World Championship a few years later before eventually breaking the All-Time Total Record into 308 weight class in March 2011.
In March 2012 I squatted 1205lbs and the retired from Powerlifting.
After a short spurt in CrossFit I decided to switch to Bodybuilding and did my first show March 15th weighing 100lbs less than when I was Powerlifting.
Q- How did you first become interested in training/powerlifting?
I grew up watching Strongman and was always fascinated with trying to add muscle mass to my body.
I actually had a York bench and weights in my bedroom and despite not knowing what to do i’d just bang out rep after rep.
It wasn’t until I moved to the US though that I discovered powerlifting. I had been banned from playing High School sports due to a second year international student and so I was looking to fulfil that competitive edge.
I lifted in a local competition in some small private gym and deadlifted 510lbs. I was instantly hooked.
Q- What do you think is the biggest thing people may not know or understand about Westside and the Conjugate method?
That it’s simply a concept and a theory not exercises, sets or reps.
Q- After accomplishing so much in the sport of powerlifting, why did you decide to walk away from competing in the sport?
I pushed my body to the edge and was walking on the tightrope of death. I literally thought I was about to die and after seeing several people I know pass away, or have heart attacks I decided I had achieved everything I set out to do and it was time to walk away. Mentally I was no longer willing to do whatever it takes.
Q- After deciding to stop powerlifting, how did it come about that you ventured into CrossFit and now Bodybuilding?
Louie and I had been running seminars for CrossFit out of Westside for a few years and so I had got to know many of the community very well.
After I moved to California I was hanging out at a CrossFit event and basically got asked the question “So what now?”
This lead me to the decision that I wanted to be competitive in CF and so that journey began. Being an extremist I pushed way too hard way too fast and my body began to fall apart.
I had to take a step back and re-evaluate and after looking at what was needed for me to actually be a competitive CrossFitter I realized it wasn’t something that I wanted to do.
So again I was back to the question “So what now?” which lead me to bodybuilding.
Q- What does your current training program look like? Do you incorporate any powerlifting and/or CrossFit into your bodybuilding programming?
I follow the Mountain Dog principles which is a Conjugate based program developed by the bodybuilder John Meadows who used to train at Westside.
I’ve put my own spin on a lot of things and brought a lot of movements over from powerlifting. It’s allowed me to transformed my body rapidly and bring up my weaknesses quickly.
Q- Besides the three powerlifts (bench, squat, deadlift) what are some of your other “go to” assistance lifts to bring up the big three?
There are way too many to list here and to be honest it’s so dependant on the individual that what works for me probably isn’t going to work for everyone else.
I think the key is the understanding that it’s the assistance that build the big 3 and should make up 80% of your training.
Focus should be on muscle groups and exercises should constantly be rotated to avoid adaptation.
Q- If you could only do ONE exercise for each muscle group (chest, back, shoulders, quads, hamstrings, and arms) with the goal being hypertrophy what would they be?
Chest – Bench Press
Back – Pull ups
Shoulders – OH Press
Quads – Leg Extensions
Hamstrings – Glute Ham Raise
Arms – Curls / Extensions
Q- Obviously your nutrition has changed over the years. Can you talk about how it has evolved as you moved from powerlifter, crossfitter to now bodybuilder?
Powerlifting I was on the see it eat it diet.
Crossfit I followed a modified paleo diet.
Bodybuilding I wised up and hired Shelby Starnes and simply do what I’m told.
Q- What supplements (if any) do you feel have provided the greatest benefit to helping you as an athlete?
BCAA’s
Q- What are your future competitive goals?
I want to earn my IFBB pro card
Q- Is there one tip you could give to those who are reading that may be interested in breaking into competitive powerlifting, CrossFit, or Bodybuilding?
Decide if it’s something you really want to do, what level you want to get to, and whether you’re willing to do whatever it takes to be the best.
Commit to your decision and have an unbreakable belief in yourself.
Q- Lastly, how can people reach you if they want to contact or follow you?
Facebook.com/ajroberts
Instagram.com/ajroberts
Twitter.com/ajroberts33
Thanks!
