Hazel Adames: Hi Luke. Congratulations on joining Team Muscle Talk and thanks for agreeing to take part in this interview for us!
Firstly, what made you decide to start working out and how old were you?
Luke Nichols: Went to the gym as a fairly skinny 20 year old as a couple of my mates went and I didn't want to be left out.
HA: It's your birthday soon, how old will you be?
LN: I will be 37 this year.
HA: Where abouts are you from and where do you train currently?
LN: I am from Bedford and I train at Golds and Flexibility gym in the town.
HA: Just how tall and heavy are you, (off season/competition weight)?
LN: I'm 5ft 8; I got up to 18st 4lb earlier this year. I intend to be 98-100kg come October.
HA: Can you give us a rundown of your competition career please?
LN: First competed in 1995, winning an open show and novice Mr.Britain. Then I had time off to return in 2001 winning a qualifier and placing 3rd in the Mr Britain finals. Same again in 2002, placing 3rd again, returned in 2003 to win class 2 Mr Britain. Also in 2003 placed 4th in the European's, Worlds and Universe competitions.
2004 saw me win the EFBB Mansfield Open and Mr Britain, both as a light heavyweight. Another 4th at the Universe and Worlds and a runner up in the European's. I returned in 2007 to win the Mr England.
2008 saw me do 3 UKFBB shows, winning the Stars of Tomorrow 2008, qualifying me for this years final as a under 100kg competitor.
HA: You are a family man, do your partner and children support you in your training?
LN: Very much so. My partner Sianne is very supportive in all aspects of my prep. I'm always having a pose down with my 3 children and always coming 4th!
HA: How do you alter your nutrition when you have a competition coming up?
LN: I tend to eat clean all year round; I just make sure I never go hungry and have a constant supply of good foods.
HA: What is your training routine like? Do you change it regularly?
LN: Everything gets trained at least once a week; I may work on weak points which maybe get trained twice weekly. I do like to change it around to keep it fresh.
HA: How do you fit your competition preparation in around your work?
LN: Very easily now. As I run a nutrition store within a gym (Corpus Fitness with in Flexibility Gym), I want for nothing making sure I have a fully stocked up fridge, plenty of protein powders and a clean grill.
HA: How is the preparation going for the finals? Are you doing anything differently this time?
LN: So far so good. James Collier is helping me on the diet side which I have never had before. Plenty of food that I'm used to coming in, which is always good.
HA: What do you consider to be your strongest and weakest body parts?
LN: My balance is a strong point. People do tend to make a few comments on my calves. I don't believe I have any weak points as I prioritise them.
HA: I'd better mention Sam (pitbulladams), your training partner. How long have you trained together and do you think having a regular training partner helps you progress?
LN: We used to train together all the time but now it may be once or twice a week if we can hook up. I do train with another (Ian “Hitman” Holden) who used to compete in the late 90's and is always up for a hard workout. Finding a good training partner is always hard so I tend to use them when possible. Sometimes I'm too early so I train by myself.
HA: As a personal trainer, what advice would you give to someone thinking about entering a competition?
LN: Prepare, Prepare and Prepare. Listen to somebody you trust... not to everybody!
Keep in simple – diet and training.
HA: In the bodybuilding world, who inspires you?
LN: I do follow the pro's both in the USA and Europe but I tend to take more interest in the UK scene as I believe we have some really good physiques around at the moment. My favourite physique is Flex Wheeler, of the current crop is Phil Heath.
HA: Other than training and living the lifestyle of a competitive bodybuilder, what else do you like to do in your spare time? Do you get much time to relax?
LN: I tend to hang out at home with the family in my spare time. I don't get too much time to relax but when I do it's watching DVD's with Sianne and the children.
HA: As a member of Team MuscleTalk, you will be involved in a lot of promotion work. Do you think this will help promote bodybuilding in this country?
LN: I really hope so. I think the whole MuscleTalk team has some really good athletes that want to promote bodybuilding as a sport. They are all very approachable and likeable people so this can only be a good thing for MuscleTalk, bodybuilding and fitness.
HA: Many thanks for taking the time to be interviewed and on behalf of all the MuscleTalk members, I'd like to wish you all the best in the British Finals. See you on MT!!
Thanks Hazel.