Andre Bland was born in Hampton, VA, USA on February 12, 1988. He works for Parks and Recs, as well as the Public School System. In addition, he volunteers in the PE department at an amazing elementary school. He is also a drug free, all natural athlete. Pretty much all day, he works with kids, in which he loves dearly.

WP: Andre, what has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

AB: My stepping stone to get me where I am today would be my mom and my faith. Personally, I feel that my mom has guided me through the years to make wise choices in both.

WP: What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

AB: Maintaining my physique has actually been pretty easy. The hardest thing for me is be patient for the things I need to work on. I stay lean pretty much year round. And my work out schedule has become part of my daily life. Lately, I haven’t done much different. I think I’ve taken more rest days than I did in the past. I’ve also cut down on my cardio a lot. I have a competition coming up, so I’m going to still try and fit my cardio in.

WP: Where do you reside now?

AB: I am currently living in Williamsburg/James City County, VA, USA. It’s quite an active town with a lot of attractions. There are a ton of great people here, some amazing kids, and plenty of places to keep in shape.

WP: Have you ever played any type of sports or activities?

AB: I’ve always been involved in some sort of activity through the years. In my Pre-K years, I was in gymnastics. I used to watch the gymnasts as they would perform all of their stunts and acrobatic tricks on bars, beam, and floor. It really painted an image in my mind of how much hard work pays off and how important proper technique was.

Following this, I was very active in my neighborhood having races, playing kickball, tag, and wrestling around a lot. During the middle of my 2nd grade years I was introduced to the sport of wrestling after a short grapple over something minor in a local Food Lion. Being that the season was coming to an end, I didn’t actually join the sport until I was in 3rd grade.

Wrestling became a pastime for me. I learned so much discipline. I became attached to the sport so much that it just grew on me as I got older. I was a team captain in high school. I wrestled a year of Division I College Wrestling. But, I eventually dropped the sport. I think that was one of my toughest choices, but I was so happy when I did.

Also, in high school I was involved in Cross Country. I started in 8th grade competing as a JV runner. I was pretty good at it. I wasn’t the best. In fact, I don’t think I ran enough to be an elite long distance runner. My 5k times hovered around the low to mid 18 minute range before I dropped the sport. That too was another tough decision.

But, let me not leave my PE out of the sports field here. I was a big Physical Education student. In school, PE was always my favorite class. In just about every school I’ve attended, I would set a personal goal to reach outstanding fitness records. I’d set records for both pull ups and sit ups primarily no matter what school I was at. Some schools didn’t actually track the records, but the instructors had told me that they never seen scores that high. My senior year of high school, I was a teacher’s aide for one of my previous PE teacher’s younger classes.

Currently, I’m competing in the fitness industry around the country and pretty soon around the globe. During my free time on Fridays I volunteer in PE department at one of the local elementary schools. It feels good to give back some of the knowledge that’s been passed on to me. Pretty soon, so of the very kids I influence now will be making some pretty decisions themselves about fitness and lifestyle.

WP: Wow! That's outstanding! You really sound active! Tell me about your family. In addition, are you married, single, or dating?

AB: I was raised by my mom, Pamela Robinson. I have three brothers. I have an older brother named Anthony Bland, and two younger brothers being Nicholas and Marshall Robinson. My mom works in the school system. I cannot remember exactly what her job title is, but I do know she helps families in need. My mom also owns Sunbeach Tanning Salon. My two younger brothers are both in High School in Williamsburg. And lastly, my older brother is living in Georgia.

Currently, I’m single. My wife will come around for me!

WP: I like how you said your wife will come around for you! She would have to know how to sprint to keep up with you! Ha-ha! What has modeling taught you thus far?

AB: Modeling has taught me a few things. One of the biggest things it taught me was to be happy with how God made you. I cannot stress this enough, because so many people want what I have and they have no clue what I went through to get to where I am now. Another thing it has taught is to stay strong to my beliefs no matter what. I know I’ve done a lot of stuff wrong, but the past is over. I was raised conservative. And I can’t just drop my beliefs for personal pleasures whether it is for money or anything else.

WP: That is so true. You have to hang onto what you believe in. Modeling can steer you in the wrong direction if you allow it. And, for a physique like yours, it doesn't come easy and it isn't made over night. What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

AB: I think the hardest thing for me to overcome was knowing that growth takes time. I was constantly trying to find instant results, and it would frustrate me. In fact, I was so determined to see results that a lot of times I would go overboard on my work out. But that’s when I realized that I had to balance things out better and just be patient. I’m a whole lot more self-conscious than most people.

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

AB: The hardest thing for me to deal with when it came to my diet was knowing that I didn’t have the life of the normal competitor. My work schedule would dictate my eating schedule to an extent. But nonetheless, I still manage to eat as healthy as I can for the most part. Lately, I’ve been cutting out snacks. I’ve had a few cheat days, but not too many.

WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you model today?

AB: A few of the key factors that dictate the way I model today include the fact that I know I’m a huge role model for those around me. People watch the choices I make. I have to model clean. If I don’t I just feel a conviction in my heart. As I get older I realize how important my choices really are. In my earlier years I wasn’t as aware.

Another dictating factor is knowing that a photographer, management, or even peers are not always looking out for your best interests. Very few people care about the best interest of others. Most people just care about “themselves”. So if I do everything that everybody else wants than, I’ll just go downhill.

WP: How has your training compare to when you model to when you do not. What do you do differently?

AB: My training for modeling is that exact same for when I model as compared to when I don’t. I train year-round. There is no off season. I think the big difference would be diet. I don’t have to worry about as much of a strict diet for modeling as I do for something like bodybuilding.

WP: That is the physique that I respect the most. Those that stay fit all year around. Also, when you get asked to model, you're ready right then. That will get you far in this industry. What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.

AB: Here is a list all my accomplishments thus far. All in all it seems like a lot, but it really isn’t. For 2008, I’ve won every competition for my age category. I’m glad about that.

2007 NASF American Challenge Nationals
2nd YM

GameDay Magazine Article December 07

2008 Old Dominion Classi
c 1st YM 1st MN 1st MN Overall 2nd MOD M

2008 American Challenge Nationals
1st YM 1st YMO 3rd MOD M

2008 OCB Yorton Cup Nationals & Super Pro Qualifier
1st JD 4th MOD S

Amateur of the Week for Bodybuilding.com for adult men! My week is coming up

Jan/Feb (01/25- 02/05) 2009 Featured Profile for FAME Body Proud

February 2009 Mr. World Physique Model Online Contest (placement 3rd)

2009 FAME Northeast USA Model & Figure Championships
1st Fitness Model 2nd Muscle Model

WMBG AM 740 Radio Interview (3/2/09)

VA Gazette Special Edition Sports (3/11/09)

Featured Photo on World Physique Network (3/30/09)

Featured Profile on World Physique Network (4/3/09)

April 2009 Mr. World Physique Model Online Contest

April 2009 (4/13-4/17) Featured Profile for FAME Body Proud

FAME World Championships Banner

WP: Wow! Impressive! You will be on our header on our main website, too, very soon. Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

AB: In 10 years, I have no clue where I’ll be. I know I’ll be much wiser, I’ll have developed a whole lot more, and more than likely I’ll have perfected many of my weaknesses. Maybe I’ll be acting, maybe I’ll be finishing up school, or maybe I’ll be doing music stuff. Honestly, I have no clue how my life will be in 10 years nor do I really want to think about it right now. Hopefully I’ll be happily married, have a wonderful family, and be the greatest father I ever can be. That sounds like a great goal for me!

WP: Sounds like a good goal to me, too! Can you tell me any photographers you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?

AB: I’ve worked with Peter Leider, Mike Sansevero, John Schultz, Lage Carlson, and Andy Lundgren. I will be working with many more in the future. As far as photographers I’d like to work with, I’m not exactly sure.

WP: What supplements do you currently take?

AB: At this very minute, I’m not taking any supplements. I’m 2 weeks out from competition. I try to cut out supplements when this close to a show. But personally, I like Muscle Milk. It tastes good and I know it helps, even if it doesn’t do a whole lot.

WP: What are your pet peeves?

AB: I really can’t think of any big pet peeves. If this question was asked a few years ago, I’d probably have a long list. I guess the biggest pet peeve would be seeing so many fathers abandoning families, knowing that there are so many homeless people on the street, seeing the death rate on a rise, and in the midst of all of this knowing that people don’t seem to care. It’s so sad. I just feel a desire to do something. I just don’t know how yet.

WP: What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

AB: I think the most important thing in my life is God. If I truly believe that there is a God out there then I have to stay strong to my faith no matter how hard it can be. Following this, I feel my family is next. My mother and brothers have been with me my whole life. We’ve been through so much. I love my family! I feel that love is important too. It took me awhile before I actually grasped the concept of the term love. It’s overused so much in society today. Even I have overused it. I don’t know what it is, but there’s this burning love in me. It like I just have to give back all the love I was never given out to others.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

AB: In the past few years, I’ve changed so much. I’ve become more conservative than before. I’ve been a lot more peaceful and no so bitter. I’ve been a whole lot more forgiving. I think in the past few years I’ve just become freer. Before this year, I was always so bound up. I had so much anger bottled up inside from constantly being abused, used, and mistreated that I couldn’t take it anymore. It wasn’t until I actually moved to Williamsburg that I started to calm down and just let God work things out instead of trying to do everything myself.

WP: What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?

AB: I’m roughly 5’7”. I weigh around 154 on average. My waist size is generally the 29/30 range. My biceps are 15 inches.

WP: Any shout outs?

AB: I’d like to give a shout out to my mom, Pamela Robinson, and my brothers Anthony, Nicholas, and Marshall. I would also like to thank everybody who’s helped me to get to where I am today. I would like to thank them for their guidance, critique, and even some of the constructive criticism I’ve received.

WP: Give me an example of your workout.

AB: This is a sample of what I do; no weights included! It's much more complicated. I also change the routine every 10 to 12 weeks!

Day 1 (Monday):

Recovery: 1 min
Deadlift
Weighted Wide Grip Pullups
Back Squat
Narrow Grip Seated Row
Standing Calf Raise
Pullover (Machine)
Seated Calf Raise
Decline Sit Ups (4 sets of 25)

Day 2 (Tuesday):

Recovery: 1 min
Military Press
Bicep Curl
Dips
Front Raise
Hammer Curl
Tricep Extensions (pull downs)
Lateral Raise
Popeye Curl
Rear Delt (Machine)

Day 3 (Wednesday)

Light Cardio and Crunches (Rest day)

Day 4 (Thursday):

Recovery: 1 min
Prone Leg Curl
Bench Press
Hamstring Extension
Pec Fly
Hip Abduction
Decline Press
Hip Adduction
Incline Press
Ab Work (3 min variation routine)

Day 5: (Friday)

Row Machine Cardio/Bike/LSD (Long Slow Distance) Jog
Carb up the night before to have energy for the cardio

Day 6: (Saturday)

Free

Day 7: (Sunday)

Focus on God!
"Even in the pain, pray through it!"

WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

AB: A typical diet for “ME” is not too strenuous at all. Lately, I’ve been eating stuff like sausage, eggs, yogurt, and maybe a waffle for breakfast. Then I snack on a yogurt and maybe a Nutri-Grain bar. For lunch I’ll eat something provided at the schools, or I’ll just make a sandwich and eat an apple and maybe some cereal. Following this I may have another snack. And I usually finish the day out with water is available. This could range from a soup to a pasta. I do eat my greens by the way.

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

AB: As far as future projects go, I have a few photo shoots planned. But, currently I’m focusing on my competitions. I have a FAME Lone Star show in May, FAME World Championships in June, and a Musclemania Mountain Pride show in July.

I’ll be competing as a natural bodybuilder, a fitness model, as well as a muscle model. I’m going to continue training, and hopefully go out there and put forth the best shows I’ve done as of yet.

WP: You're going to be very busy! Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?

AB: I’m very open to sponsorships or donations. I have a paypal account via DOG4U@msn.com

Also, if anybody has any questions for me please feel free to ask. I’m still young and still learning. I’m open for interviews, motivational speaking and much more.

WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!

WP: Oscar, you worked very hard to win this title and I am so proud of you! We are honored! Let’s begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.

OF: My name is Oscar Fajardo, Jr. I’m originally from the Philippine Islands. I currently reside in Chesapeake,VA. I’m married to my gorgeous wife, Lorraine, and we have two beautiful little girls: Aleah, who is 4 and Cara, who is 2. I work as MRI Technologist with a degree in Radiology.

WP: That sounds like a beautiful family! What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

OF: Well, I was diagnosed with a rheumatic heart disease when I was 9 years old. I have always been really skinny because my condition did not allow me to do any physical activity. I was on prescription drugs such as Penicillin for about 12 years. My condition is really what put me where I am today. Just the thought of doing the things I couldn’t do before, made me focus and work harder today.

WP: That will sure help change a person's life! What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

OF: It has been a challenged, especially when I first started. Now, I just look at it like I’m training for a show or have a photo shoot. Everyday is challenge to me; just trying to get away from the pantry is one. Ha-ha.

WP: I bet it has been. I know you have competed before. Can you tell me more about it?

OF: Yes, I have. The very first show I did, I was terrified. During the pre-judging, I messed up one of the mandatory poses, which is a big part of it. I beat myself down so hard that I didn’t want to get back on stage for the live show. My wife talked to me and reminded me of all the things I’ve been through. She was right! I did it and finished 2nd Overall. I did two other shows after and finished 2nd after a tie break formula for first and 1st at North Carolina Open last April.

WP: Are you planning to compete again in the future?

OF: Yes! I’m currently training for the June 27th Virginia Grand Prix Championships in Norfolk, VA; and the Regional Musclemania in Roanoke, VA on July 18, 2009.

WP: Good luck and let us know how you did! What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

OF: As far as competing, I have a fear of stage fright. I always have issues standing in front of crowded people ever since I can remember.

WP: I have stage fright myself. What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

OF: The hardest thing is probably not being able to eat out with my family. Also, not being able to eat cake, chocolate and everything sweet!

WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

OF: The key factor is my faith in God. I put God first with everything I do. If you have faith, there is nothing you can’t do or accomplish. That’s why I train the way I train and just stay concentrated.

WP: Amen to that! God is good! How has your training changed over the years?

OF: Before, I would go the gym just to sweat. Now, I actually take my time and focus on what I’m trying to train that day.

WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.

OF: I’ve been on several shows and accomplishments. They are:

ODU OPEN, July 2008, 2nd place Men’s Novice Short.

American Challenge, Nov. 2008, 2nd place (Tie break for 1st place, Men’s Open Medium).

North Carolina Open, April 2009, 1st place (Men’s Novice Short) and 3rd (Men’s Open Short)

Featured photo/member, May 2009 worldphysique.com

May Model Winner, May 28, 2009, worldphysique.com

WP: You've done well for yourself! Are you doing any modeling? If so, please tell me about it.

OF: Yes, I just started doing fitness model not too long ago. Right now, I have several shoots lined up. Since I’m training for a show, it makes it easy for me to agree to anyone who wants to book me for a shoot.

WP: I've seen a lot of your pictures you have uploaded to our social networking site. I have to say they are very impressive! What supplements do you currently take?

OF: Thank you. I take amino acid pre and post work out, Flaxseed after each meal and Whey Protein before bedtime.

WP: What are your pet peeves?

OF: I have many pet peeves but, the one that stands out the most are those people with dirty fingernails. If we were eating out and the server bringing our food has a dirty fingernail, I would not eat and even worst, not come back to that place.

WP: Oh my! You just made me sick to my stomach. That brings back some bad memories for me! Ha-ha! But, I didn't notice his nails until after I ate my meal! Okay, on with the interview. I have to get that off of my mind. Ha-ha! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

OF: Happiness is the most important thing in my life. You can be poor, ugly, fat, short, and stressed, but as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters in the end.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

OF: Over the past few years, I have learned how to be patience and how to think things through before I act on it. This is what I tell all my friends who are trying to get where I’m at. Things doesn’t happen overnight, some will even use enhancement drugs that their body really doesn’t need, just to get there quicker.

WP: What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?

OF: My height is 5’7”. My weight is 170 lbs. My biceps are 16 inches and waist is 29/30.

WP: Any shout outs?

OF: Yes, I would like to thank my wife and family back in the Philippines, my friends and co-workers, for their love and support.

WP: Give me an example of your workout.

OF: You might find my workout routine weird. At least my friends do. I do dumbbell lateral raises, calf raises and abs along with:

Monday: 2 sets of 10 reps on my chest and biceps exercises.

Tuesday: 2 sets of 10 reps on my lats and triceps exercises.

Wednesday: 45 minutes of cardio.

Thursday: 2 sets of 10 reps on my quads and hamstring exercises.

Friday: 2 sets of 10 reps on my traps and shoulder exercises.

Saturday: I rest.

Sunday: 45 minutes of cardio.

WP: That right there is the key to an awesome physique! Just look at what it has done for you! And, of course, along with a great diet. Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

OF: My diet pretty much stays the same throughout the week. At 6:00 a.m. I eat a cup of uncooked oatmeal with 3 scoops of Whey Protein. At 9:00 a.m., I have a serving of cottage cheese with a medium size apple. At 12:00 p.m., I have a turkey sandwich on wheat bread. At 2:30 p.m., I have two grilled chicken breast with sweet potatoes. At 4:00 p.m., I workout. At 6:00 p.m., I have a grilled chicken salad. And finally, at 9:00 p.m., I drink a protein shake.

WP: There you go! Perfect diet and workout! Can't beat it! Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?

OF: I’m definitely open to sponsorships. Anyone who is willing to sponsor me can contact me at my World Physique Social Networking site or mrtek44@yahoo.com.

WP: You have been a pleasure to interview! Congratulations on the well-deserved title. Thank you for your time, and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!