USMC Vet Talks Discipline and Consistency

Q & A with USMC Veteran, NPC Men's Physique Competitor, Personal Trainer & On Repeat Sports Brand Ambassador: Robert Phipps

ORS: When and why did you start lifting? When do you feel like you became a serious lifter?

Robert: At a young age, I was always doing push-ups and enjoyed the men's physique look. So at least, I had that to start. It wasn't until 2013 when I really decided to take things seriously.

ORS: What time of day do you train and why?

Robert: Some days are different from others. For me, training at noon works better due to work life, but other days, I would train in the mornings just to start off with a nice pump.

ORS: What do you listen to on repeat at the gym to get you into beast mode?

Robert: Haha.. Eminem "Till I Collapse."

ORS: Do you have a favorite exercise?

Robert: I would say that my favorite exercises are cable lat pull-downs and dumbbell chest press.

ORS: What is your main fitness goal for the coming year?

Robert: My main goal right now is to earn my Pro card in Men's Physique.

ORS: Do you write down your goals?

Robert: Yes! Before any contest prep, I will write down my goals, look at my previous prep, and make the necessary changes to reach that specific goal.

ORS:What has led to the biggest improvements in your training or physique?

Robert: Discipline and consistency! I cannot stress that enough. Focusing on that alone contributed to the biggest improvements I could have made during my fitness journey.

ORS: Who inspires you in the gym? Do you have a hero?

Robert: Well I don't have a hero per se, but there are a few guys that inspire me throughout my journey; Horacio Cuellar, Charles Glass, and of course, my training partner, Jeremiah Sipes.

ORS: What is most overlooked when it comes to getting the results you want in the gym?

Robert: For me, I feel that attention to detail is definitely overlooked when it comes to getting results. I see a lot of individuals in the gym, who just like to throw up weight. When you start incorporating mind-muscle connection in your routine, it changes everything.

ORS: What advice would you give someone new to the gym?

Robert: My biggest advice to a beginner is to trust the process. The results you're looking for will not happen overnight. Be patient and be consistent. Once you walk into that gym, leave your pride at the door. Do what you can do, this is not a race; it's a journey.