| The Definitive Interview: Erik “The House” Fankhouser, new IFBB Pro |
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 Universal Nutrition (UN): So Erik, how does it feel to be an IFBB Pro? Erik Fankhouser (EF): It hasn't quite sunk in yet. It all happened so fast. I'm on cloud nine right now. It is so amazing that I'm going to have an opportunity to be onstage and trade shots with the guys that I came up watching and reading about in the magazines. UN: You planned on initially competing at the USAs, but instead decided to hold off and do the North Americans. What lead to that decision? EF: I thought I was ready in July, but I received some timely advice from people in the know who suggested that I wasn't in the kind of shape that I needed to be to win. At the time it was frustrating, but looking back, it was the best advice I could have ever received. I realize that the 5 weeks of extra dieting forced me to take everything to a whole new level. Not doing the USAs lit a fire under my ass. I was in the best shape that I had ever been in before the USAs, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I was in the best shape I was capable of. UN: What did you differently this year in order to get into shape? EF: The key was the longer diet. I started 30 weeks out. Plus, every time I compete I get to know my body better. This time, I was connected. I told my body what to do-mind over matter. It is amazing how much you can change yourself once you're in tune with your body. UN: Was the longer precontest period the single biggest change you made this time around? EF: Yes it played a big part in dialing me in. Also the carb rotation I used this time around played a part in it. I was on zero carbs for three weeks at one point with zero fat. You could say I was up to my gills in fish. I was eating fish eight times a day for the bulk for my 30 weeks. when I would get carbs they were from oats that's it. the fat I would get was some red meat about 10 oz every few days as needed. UN: What approach did you use in bringing your upper body up to par with a set of the best wheels in the game? EF: My training frequency was the same, but I approached each group differently. I hit my upper body with more heavy core movements. For my legs, I focused more on stretching and squeezing in order to bring out lines and detail. UN: What factors would you attribute to being able to progress so fast? EF: This is only my 5th show ever. Those contests have spanned the past 3 _ years. I would say that learning my body better and better each time combined with just having a fierce competitive nature led me to where I am. No matter how well I did, I knew I could always do better. Nothing has been handed to me. I've busted my ass. The goal was to turn pro and I did. UN: What is your first planned pro show? EF: Right now, I have no idea. Maybe 2008, maybe 2009. I'm not competing just to compete. I compete to win, to make an impact. UN: What is the offseason plan? EF: Just to add quality size. To stay tighter in my offseason. I could get up to the 275 I did last year, but I want to be harder. It makes dieting down that much easier. I mean, if I could be 250 at under 10% bodyfat, that would be fine by me. I just want to get better. I have a lot on my plate between training, photoshoots, guestposings plus work and family. I'm looking to train legs once every 10 days, but to hit chest and back twice in that period before it is time to train legs again. UN: What supplements are you using right now? EF: Right now I'm using a different mix of Universal and Animal products, including Torrent, Shock Therapy, ZMA Pro, NOX3, Animal Pak (of course) and Animal Flex. I used Flex this year for my whole contest prep and even though I was harder and drier than ever before, my joints didn't bother me at all. I thinking about adding Real Gains now that my show is done. UN: Anything else to add? EF: I would like to thank Universal and Animal for helping me take my game to the next level. Also my biggest supporter my wife “The Landlord” and son Xavier. They did tons of leg work and brought me down to earth when the game was getting to me. All my bros on the Animal Forum that helped motivate me when my training was down, and my trainer Andy for keeping my head straight and believing in me. last but not least all of team Fankhouser for rockin the house at the show. |
