Ben White: The Wait for “The O” is Over
Below is an interview I did with IFBB Pro Ben White. Enjoy!
Ben, many people already know who you are but for those who aren’t familiar with you or those who really don’t know where you have come from. Let’s start by getting to know a little bit about your background and how you got into the sport of bodybuilding. Who exactly is Ben White?
Ben White: I got started with power-lifting when I was in my teens back home in North Carolina. I was naturally very strong, and living heavy was just natural for me. I had stopped competing for a while. I then moved up to Albany, back in 1998, this is when I met Teresa who had encouraged me to get back into power-lifting, which I did. I always placed 1st and won overall best lifter every time. I was on a streak. Then there was this rival of mine, which I can’t remember his name off the top of my head. He was power-lifting then started bodybuilding. I decided I could do this and beat him, so it was a challenge, and I won. From that point on I decided this is what I wanted to do—to be an IFBB Pro. So in the fall 2005, I started to pave my way. 9 amateur shows in a row then won my pro card at the USA in 2007. My first three pro shows I placed in the top ten, and just recently 1st place in Tampa and 3rd in Hartford. Qualifying twice for the Olympia has me more determined than ever to have that title of “Mr. O.”
You’re one strong dude! Last year at The Olympia you went toe to toe with Johnny Jackson. What do you enjoy better — bodybuilding or powerlifting?
Ben White: I have to say I enjoy bodybuilding more than powerlifting. For me, bodybuilding is a healthier lifestyle and not as stressful on the body as powerlifting.
Do you feel like this is the best Ben White anyone will see on stage?
Ben White: I always bring my best to the stage, so yes you will see the best of Ben on the stage.
No one trains not to win but where do you see yourself placing this year?
Ben White: Being there is only two, Stan and myself, 1st place.
What did your contest prep training program look like and did you train yourself or did you work with someone? Can you give us a detailed look at the program you followed?
Ben White: Prepping for this show I really trained on my own. My basic program consists of going back to heavy lifting. After my two successful placements this year, I was able to go back and lift heavier for this show. I am back to lifting 405 with sets of 8 and pulling over 700 in the rack.
Related Article: Interview with Robert Burneika
You eat clean year round, but what changes have you made to your diet for this contest prep and can you fill us in on what some of your meals consist of? Did you work with anyone to help dial in your diet for this show?
Ben White: For my bodybuilding shows, I was on the keto diet which worked very well for me, as for diet and powerlifting, I know my body well enough to know that sticking to a high protein, to keep lean and super high carbs to keep me full as well as strong.
What if any supplements have you used during your contest prep?
Ben White: For supplements, I rely on Nutrabolics which is my sponsor. They have a superior product line that helps to keep me fueled and energized. Here are just some of the products I use: Isobolic, skin bursting stack, glutabolic, hemorush, aminos, as well as hemotest.
Did you hit any roadblocks during your prep for this show or has everything gone as planned?
Ben White: Really the only roadblock was when I had to make a decision on whether to do Worlds Strongest Body Builder or getting on stage and competing for Mr. O.
Is there anyone you would like to thank who helped you get to where you are today?
Ben White: I would like to say a very big and special thank you to Teresa, who has been there for me from the beginning, Dave Palumbo who has been my coach and friend and has been there to see me bring home my first pro win in Tampa. My sponsor, Nutrabolics for believing and supporting me 100%. Gasp clothing, Rx Muscle, Flex, Muscle Mag, Bodybuilding.com for all the interviews and getting my name out there. Thank you. And last, to all my fans, clients, your support has been greatly appreciated. I look forward to having a good time at Mr. O and beating Stan. But more importantly getting ready for the Arnold. Til then, thank you.
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