Ultraphysiques Interview: NPC Classic Physique Athlete Mike Cassella

Quick Stats:

Age: 33
Height: 5’7
Stage Weight: 170

Off Season: 185

How did you get started with bodybuilding/Living the Fitness lifestyle?

I was always an athlete. As a kid I played pretty much every sport from swimming/diving, track and field, to soccer, football, baseball and basketball. My family decided to move to a new town around junior high, I had a lot problems adjusting. I rebelled and pretty much fazed out all the sports. At that point I let myself go and as I got older I put on some weight, by “some” I mean a lot. I was very unhappy with myself and finally got fed up. I went out and bought some books on bodybuilding and nutrition, taught myself enough to turn myself around and make my great transformation.

Where does your motivation come from?

My biggest motivation comes from my family and from the desire I have to keep moving forward, and never regress to the person I was when I let myself go.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

I like to train each muscle group individually. After a good warm up set to get the blood flowing, I start with heavy weight and finish off light with high reps and full contractions.

Full Routine:

Monday: Legs

Tuesday: Chest and abs

Wednesday: Rest day

Thursday: Back and calves

Friday: Shoulders and abs

Saturday: Arms and calves

Sunday: Rest day

If you had to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?

First one is definitely incline bench press, one of my favorite and strongest exercises. My upper chest was one of the hardest things for me to grow. Heavy incline bench helped me get passed that, as well as made my flat bench stronger without doing it all the time. Second is deadlifts because, in my opinion, it’s the best compound workout. Third is bent over barbell rows because it helps form the awesome v-shape which is key to having a cobra back.