Michael Anderson admits there was a learning curve the first time he competed in the Men’s Physique division.“I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, “Anderson says. “I went out there pumped up and flexed and looked like an idiot.”
But Anderson kept at it. After some feedback from the judges gave him a better idea of what to do, Anderson placed in the top three of his class the following week. It was all downhill from there, as Anderson has now won the overall at his last three contests, most recently the Natural Ohio Championships on March 24.
“Last year, I didn’t feel like I had enough experience under my belt to get on the national stage,” Anderson says. “So I took the winter off to get ready for this year. I’m going to try to get on stage as much as possible before doing the Masters Nationals in July.”
AGE: 39
HEIGHT: 6’1 ½
CONTEST WEIGHT: 188 pounds
LIVES: Cleveland, Ohio
CONTEST HISTORY: 2012: Natural Northern Ohio, Tall Class and overall winner; 2011: Natural Northern Ohio, 5th Tall Class; Natural Pennsylvania, 3rd Tall Class; Monster Mash, Tall Class and overall Winner; Mid Atlantic Grand Prix Tall Class and overall Winner
ATHLETIC BACKGROUND: “I ran track most of my life and held a couple of state championship titles and then a few national rankings in college. To be honest only continued lifting because found that attractive people got more attention! I went in and out of being consistent and inconsistent. I made the leap last year when I went to my first bodybuilding show and saw all facets of the sport- bikini, figure, classic men’s bodybuildng and physique. I was hooked!”
OCCUPATION: General Maganger of personal training for FitWorks
PHYSIQUE ROLE MODELS/INFLUENCES: Lee Labrada. “When when was in high school, I was a cashier at a supermarket. I remember seeing one of his spreads in a magazine and though ‘If only I could look like that one day!’”
BEST BODYPART: Shoulders
FAVORITE EXERCISE: Rear delt flyes
WHAT’S NEXT: Get on stage as much as possible before going for my pro card at the Masters Nationals in July.
3-5 YEAR GOAL: “I would like to be encouraging the next generation of athletes, just like I was encouraged to do this. I’d tell them to find a purpose for what they’re doing, find their own ability to be the best they could be and show others what they’re capable of even when they doubt themselves.”
