Thanks for taking the time out to speak to me and our readers Shelby!

Can you tell us a bit about your current goals?

My goals are always to continue learning and improving, to help others do the same, and to enjoy the process.

My own views about bodybuilding have changed since knowing you and learning from you. What got you started in bodybuilding?

Growing up I was more interested in reading, writing, and drawing than sports. I didn’t get involved in weight lifting until a couple years after high school, but once I did I quickly fell in love with it and started learning all I could about nutrition, training, and everything else involved with the sport of bodybuilding. I’m a bit obsessive-compulsive and the fact that there is SO much that goes into it really appeals to me. I have always liked to really immerse myself in whatever I’m interested in.

You have put on an incredible amount of muscle in a short time. What would be the first thing you would tell to the trainees who want to put on lean muscle?

I think I’m just more consistent than most. I’ve averaged about 5-6 pounds of muscle gain per year, but this is my eighth year of competing (and 14th year of training in general); so over time that adds up. The first thing I would tell beginners is to be patient and consistent.

What weight category are you going to compete in your upcoming competition?

Light heavyweight, which has an upper limit of 198 pounds (90kg).

How many days per week do you train and about how long would each session be?

I train 4 to 5 days per week, mostly 5 for the past year or so. I have 3 longer workouts per week which are around 2 to 2.5 hours long, and 2 shorter workouts which are about 1 to 1.5 hours long.

What’s your diet like in a typical day in the off-season?

I typically eat 6 to 7 meals per day in the offseason – each with about 50 grams of protein, 30 to 60 grams carbohydrate, and 10 to 20 grams fat. Protein sources include eggs, whey, grass fed beef, wild caught salmon, shrimp, and ground turkey. Fat sources are nuts, nut butters, and oils like olive, macadamia, and coconut. Carb sources include oats, Ezekiel bread, rice, and a carbohydrate powder like waxy maize around workouts.

Three top things that can make a person a good bodybuilder/physique competitor?

• Be patient
• Be consistent
• Constantly seek improvement

Who were your best and most impressive three transformations people could get inspired with?

I have quite a few on my “Clients” page on my website, all are impressive to me.

In your view, what is the number one mistake people who are pursuing a lean physique make, men and women?

Being inconsistent with meals, training, cardio, etc; it’s hard to do everything right all the time, day in and day out, but if you want to make significant progress, you need to find out how to make that happen.

Who are your top five favorite bodybuilders?

I have a ton of respect for anyone that gives their all in this sport. Some of my favorites (based both on physique, and character) include John Meadows, Dorian Yates, Branch Warren, and Evan Centopani.

Where can people find more about you?

My website www.ShelbyStarnes.com and also my Instagram (@shelbystarnes100) and Facebook page (@shelby.starnes.58)

Anything else you want to tell our readers?

Stay humble and hungry.

Thank you Shelby!

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