Metallica, Bench Press, and Being Harder to Kill

Q & A with USMMA Defensive Line Coach, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer & On Repeat Sports Brand Ambassador: Lou Scala

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

Lou: I started lifting in 9th grade to train for high school football. I felt like by my senior year of high school, I became really serious about training, because I was going on to play college football.

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

Lou: I usually train in the mornings. It’s a great way to start the day!

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

Lou: I usually listen to a good mix of music. Rock music like Disturbed, Guns and Roses, AC/DC and Metallica, and rap music like Jay Z, DMX, Eminem, and 50 Cent.

ORS: Do you have a favorite exercise?

Lou: I love all exercises, but my ultimate favorite is bench press!

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

Lou: My main fitness goal this year, just like every other year, is to be harder to kill.

ORS: Do you write down your goals?

Lou: I recently started to write down process goals for myself. The things that I need to do on a daily or weekly basis to stay on top of everything.

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

Lou: Becoming a certified personal trainer has definitely helped me to improve my training. I learned some new things and it helps keep me accountable for any clients I am training.

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

Lou: My inspiration comes from my family. I have two young sons, and I want to be a great role model for them in all aspects of life. My hero is my dad, who was a great role model for me and the man I am today!

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

Lou: The most overlooked thing when it comes to getting results in the gym is knowing how to exercise for a specific goal and exercising to break through limits.

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

Lou: Some advice for any newcomers to the gym is to be confident, stay consistent, and learn as much as you can from the people who have experience in the gym.