Aspiring bodybuilders may come and go, but few make as much of an impression as local Vancouver, British Columbia, celebrity Big Roger (no last name needed). In case you need to know his stats, here goes: 20-inch biceps, a 52-inch chest, a 33-inch waist, 18-inch forearms, 19-inch calves, and 29-inch legs. What's even more astounding is that the 26-year-old Roger has only worked out for six years—although he'd competed in other sports prior to dedicating himself to bodybuilding.
Once again, I learned that appearances can be deceiving. Although he appears brutally muscular, Roger is one of the most soft-spoken people I've ever interviewed.
Windy City Times: Let's talk about growing up and exercise.
Big Roger: I was a competitive swimmer for about 11 years. I didn't stop swimming until I was about 18.
WCT: Why did you stop?
BR: Because I didn't grow enough to be a good swimmer. Plus, I wanted to work out [and be a bodybuilder] since I was 13 years old—but my parents didn't let me because I would've been too stiff to swim.
WCT: So you've always had this interest in bodybuilding?
BR: Oh yes. I wanted to stop swimming and start training—but my parents wouldn't allow it.
WCT: So you've been bodybuilding for ...
BR: Six years.
WCT: Only six years? Your dimensions are huge.
BR: I grew really fast. My shoulders and back are pretty wide from swimming.
WCT: What is your exercise regimen like?
BR: I go to the gym for two days and then take off one; when I'm there, I usually work out two body parts. [Note: Roger sent me his regimen that shows he works on the legs and abs the first day and then the shoulders and the forearms on the second day. After one day of rest, he works on the chest and triceps; the following day involves the back and biceps. He actually works on his calves and triceps almost every day he works out.]
WCT: How long do you work out?
BR: I do it extremely fast. I don't do any cardio. [He's trying to build mass.] Working out takes me about 45 minutes. I really don't take any breaks. I tried to follow what other bodybuilders did, but now I do what works for me. For example, I don't bench-press at all.
WCT: Really?
BR: Yeah. I actually only work with dumbbells. Those are all I need to help my muscles grow.
WCT: Who's been your biggest influence?
BR: [Bodybuilder] Lee Priest has probably been the biggest influence. His size and symmetry [impress me].
WCT: What is your diet like?
BR: I eat every two hours. Everything I do is based on those two hours. Sometimes, I have a protein shake; other times I'll have chicken. Protein is important. I also eat tuna, rice, and beef. I also take carbs every two hours as well. Once, I went on a low-carb diet and my personality changed. I wanted to get totally ripped. I cut carbs [drastically] and that affected me physically and mentally. I didn't go to the gym; I didn't even have the energy to get out of bed. I was depressed. My muscles and my joints hurt. I didn't know what caused these things until I asked around. After eating some carbs, I felt better immediately.
WCT: What is your ultimate goal regarding bodybuilding?
BR: I'd like to go pro. It might take a year or two.
WCT: You have a web site [www.bigroger.com]. Tell me what's on it.
BR: It's basically me. (Laughs) It talks about workouts and there are 25 galleries of 24 pictures each. People can contact me and ask me anything on the message board. They can also e-mail me at roger2@telus.net or at bigroger@bigroger.com .
WCT: You live in Vancouver. What's the best part of living there?
BR: Honestly, I've never seen another city as beautiful as this one. It's so clean and the architecture is pretty contemporary. I actually like Chicago, too. The buildings there are pretty new. I'm sure I'll see [newer] buildings when I come there next year.
