Athlete Interview - Zac Perna

Athlete Sport - Bodybuilding

Titles Won

• ANB Teenage & Novice Bodybuilding 2015

Tell us why you chose the sport you compete in?

I've always had a love for weight training and just fell in to the lifestyle. I enjoy the daily challenges inside of the gym and outside of the gym that contribute to the success of bodybuilding.

What is your motivation to be the best at your sport?

I have a strong passion for helping and influencing others. So to be seen as a role model to those younger than me is a great driver.

What would you consider to be the most important aspect of success in your sport?

Consistency. Results don't happen overnight in this sport and anyone who's tried to change their body knows it takes a lot more time than you initially assumed. If you are consistent with the nutrition and training aspects every day for months and even years, the results will show.

What is your training philosophy?

I place a strong focus on mind muscle connection and consciously squeezing the target muscle with every rep. This may mean I can't go as heavy as usual but this is offset by the injury prevention aspects of the training style that I think are very important.

What is your nutrition philosophy?

I believe in eating a wide variety of unprocessed, whole foods with a large amount of vegetables per meal. I have used IIFYM in the past, but found my body doesn't react well to certain foods and eating healthier, "clean" foods tends to yield greater results in my physique and health.

How do supplements play a role in your recovery and performance?

I have been consistently taking supplements for years and attribute a large amount of my physical performance to them. BCAAs and creatine helped me retain muscle mass during cuts and I always make sure I have a quality whey protein on hand.

If you could only choose 3 supplements to use for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Creatine: For strength and size gains, this can't be found in high amounts naturally so supplementing with creatine 5g daily has always been part of my supplement protocol. BCAAs: I have used BCAAs consistently in the past (during workouts and after workouts) to help preserve muscle during a cut and add a little extra boost during workouts. I'm also addicted to Mango Beyond BCAAs, they taste phenomenal! Fat Burner: I have used pre workouts for a long time and like a little bit of caffeine before workouts, but a fat burner like Oxyshred has the right amount of caffeine for early morning cardio and a weights session. It's not too strong so I can train twice a day and still use it in both sessions. Plus it has natural fat burners that are good to have daily!

What is one supplement that you noticed had an immediate/significant impact on your success in your chosen sport?

Oxyshred: This fat burner has got me through countless hours of fasted cardio and weights sessions where I felt like I had no energy to begin with! It gives a strong energy boost and suppresses my appetite enabling me to keep my diet in check when going through periods of calorie deficits and therefore resulting in getting me to my leanest shape.

Would you like to thank any sponsors?

Big thanks to EHPLabs and Gymshark!

And Finally... Do you have a morning ritual and if so what is it?

Every morning I wake up with 1 scoop of oxyshred by my bed and take my killer dog Bear (toy cavoodle) for a walk down at the beach. Fasted cardio is a must for me year round for health and wellness!

Social Media

Instagram: @zacperna (https://instagram.com/zacperna/)
Youtube: Zac Perna (www.youtube.com/zacperna)
Snapchat: zacperna (https://snapchat.com/add/zacperna)
Facebook: https://facebook.com/zacpernafitness