B I N A R A G A . I N F O

The Steel Spiel!

with Tom Venuto

Q: When and where were you born?

A: I was born in San Jose, California on August 6th 1968.

Q: Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

A: I lived in san Jose until I was 10 years old then moved to Sudbury, Massachusetts, 3 years. Then it was off to Pennsylvania, where I remained through my high school and college years. In 1994, I moved to Hoboken, NJ (Birthplace of Baseball and Frank Sinatra), which is where I live today.

Q: Could you briefly describe your education including degree(s), dates and so on.

A: I went to Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg PA. I graduated in 1990 with a degree in Exercise Science. I also went on to receive certification as a health-fitness instructor from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

Q: Did you play sports in high school or college? If so, what were they?

A: I played soccer from age 7 to 17. I played one year of Football in high school and didn't care for it. I ended up being a kicker (go figure) Although I enjoyed soccer and excelled at it, when I took up bodybuilding as a teenager I quickly came to appreciate the fact that unlike team sports, I was completely responsible for my own success or failure.

Q: Do you currently compete in any sports? If so, what are they?

A: I have been an active competitive bodybuilder for the past 11 years. I have competed in 20 shows and won 5 overalls, including the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania State Championships (all drug tested).

Q: When did you start lifting weights?

A: I started training when I was 14 years old. At the time, I was interested in"swords & sorcery" type stories and it was the movie Conan the Barbarian that inspired me to start training. When I saw Arnold on that screen, I just couldn't believe it was possible for a human being to look like that. The next day I saw Arnold as Conan on the cover of Muscle and Fitness magazine. I bought the magazine and the rest is history.

Q: How often do you currently train?

A: I train four or five days per week, hitting each muscle group once a week. I do cardio 3-4 days a week for 20-30 minutes in the off season and 6-7 days a week for 45 minutes before competitions.

Q: Where do you currently train (i.e., a gym, at home, etc.)?

A: I am currently working as the general manager of Empire Fitness Club in Hoboken, New Jersey. Empire is a chain of fitness clubs with locations in New York City and New Jersey. I train at our club in Hoboken.

Q: Who or what has influenced you the most in the way that you train?

A: Arnold was my first influence as a teenager. Later I was influenced by Vince Gironda. I purchased all his courses and I felt that he was way ahead of his time. Today, I am fortunate to have a very knowledgeable trainer, Richie Smyth. He is a former Mr. Eastern America and a North American Bench Press Champion. We affectionately call him "The Master of Pain." Training with him really is torture, but I swear I can see results after every session. His philosophy is "Inflict the most pain in the shortest amount of time possible," or something like that. I believe it's very important that we maintain a "beginner's mind" and stay open to coaching and learning new techniques and ideas. The day you think you know it all and you close your mind is the day you stop growing. Don't ever be afraid to try new approaches. After 15 years of training on my own, starting to work with a trainer was the best thing I ever did.

Q: Describe the toughest workout that you've done.

A: High rep squats without a doubt. I usually stick with the 20 rep squats, but sometimes I go real high in reps. The toughest workout I ever did was the day I hit 275 lbs in the squat for 32 reps. I've done 225 for 54 reps, 315 for 20 and 405 fo 8 reps, but the 32 reps was the hardest. It started to hurt at 12. At 20 I was dying! At 28 or 29 reps I think I saw my life flash before my eyes. I was hell-bent on getting 30. I got it. Somehow I squeezed out two more for a total of 32 reps - one set that's it. I then proceeded to collapse to the floor gasping for air for about five minutes. But that wasn't all. Next was on to two sets of Hack Squats. Three plates on each side for two sets of 50 and 40 reps. Then the clincher was leg extensions (drop sets) supersetted with weighted sissy squats. I couldn't walk normally for six days. For some strange reason I always have to do legs alone now - no one wants to train with me anymore.

Q: Were/are you a competitive Olympic-style weightlifter or powerlifter? If so, what are your best lifts and at what bodyweight(s)?

A: I never did any powerlifting. I herniated my L4 disc when I was 18 so I couldn't even squat or deadlift for years. I gradually worked up my back strength to the point where I can now squat moderate poundages and I can do high reps, but every time I go over 315 for a prolonged period, I feel it in my back.

Q: Have you competed in bodybuilding? If so, give us your highlights.

A: 1989 Natural New Jersey 1st lightweight and overall Novice
1990 Natural Pennsylvania 1st middleweight and overall open
1991 Natural Mid Atlantic States 1st midwt & overall collegiate
1992 Natural North American, 2nd middleweight
1995 Natural USA, 2nd Middleweight
1996 Natural New York State 1st middle and overall open
1996 NPC Physique 96, 2nd middleweight
1996 Steele Jungle Natural Extravaganza, 1st middle & overall open
1997 NPC Natural Eastern Classic 4th Middleweight

Q: If you could change one thing in the Iron Game, what would it be?

A: NO DRUGS!!!!

Q: What is the biggest mistake you have made in your training?

A: Forgetting that there is a difference between bodybuilding and lifting weights.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake made by most trainees?

A: Lack of consistency.

Q: What periodicals do you regularly read in order to obtain information?

A: Ironman, Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness, internet

Q: How many times per week do you read Cyberpump!?

A: I surf in occasionally.

Q: Do you enjoy reading Cyberpump!? If so, why?

A: I've found that some of the best information is not in the magazines, but on the internet. Many Mags are nothing more than "supplement catalogs." Cyberpump is a great site because it provides honest, no-nonsense, science-based information that isn't commercial and it doesn't endorse drug use. Lyle McDonald's nutrition articles are excellent - he knows his stuff.

Q: What is the strangest thing you have seen in the gym?

A: For years, we watched this guy do quarter reps on every exercise imaginable. At first we offered to spot him and gave him some advice - warnings even - but he wouldn't listen. Eventually we gave up even trying. We just sat at the front counter and said to each other "I wonder what will happen when he lowers that bar just an inch too far?" Sure enough, one day it happened: He had about twelve plates on each side of the leg press, plus a couple hundreds and some dumbells stacked on top. He was really going all out this time! In fact, he was doing more like 1/8 reps. On the fifth or six rep (if you want to call it a rep) he lowered it just a little bit too far and the sled came crashing down, pinning him in the machine. He was really stuck in there. It took three of us to lift the sled off him and he walked out seemingly unfazed. He didn't return for three months. When he came back, we said, "Where've you been?" He replied, "remember that thing with the leg press a few months back? Well, I broke my ribs."

Q: Do you have any parting advice for our readers?

A: Stay natural and don't impose limitations on your growth. You can build an incredible physique drug-free and a natural physique looks better anyway. Do your self a favor and read Skip Lacour's work, especially "Thinking Big." Realize that the only limitations you have are those you create in your own mind.