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.
When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?
When I do cardio I almost always do HIIT. I really hate cardio so I want to get it over with as fast as possible.
What is your supplementation like?
I use quite a few supplements but my favorite is Faktrition Pre Cmplx and BCAA Cmplx. It really helps fuel my workout and gives me an amazing pump.
Favorite quote:
“Train insane or remain the same.”
Photo Credits: Jimmy Murtaugh; Alpha Design Photography
Mike Cassella placed 1st in his Class at the 2016 NPC John Kemper Classic
Facebook: Mike Cassella Instagram: @Iron_Mike_C