I WAS ALWAYS FASCINATED WITH EAGLES, THEY ARE FREE AND FEARLESS.
BIG BACK GRIPS USER PROFILE INTERVIEW: GARRET AMERINE
TRAINER, FITNESS DIRECTOR, MODEL
Garret Amerine is a personal trainer and fitness director who lives in Southern California, along the coast, south of Los Angeles. Originally from South Carolina, Garret is also a veteran of the Iraq war and served a number of tours there. And we’ll ask him about that.
We met Garret when we were looking for staff for our booth at the Muscle Beach Championships in Venice, CA, and he has since worked additional Big Back Grips events. Garret maintains a competitive physique year round; as of this article, he was preparing for the MuscleMania Model Universe Championships in Miami and placed 4th out of top 77 competitors from around the world.
Interview Questions
BBG: So tell us what it was like to work the crowd at Muscle Beach? Had you ever done anything like that before? Was that your first trip to Muscle Beach?
Garret Amerine: It was an awesome experience. I have not worked a fitness booth before but I have attended many shows and expos. I have been to Muscle Beach before many times, it’s the Mecca of Fitness.
BBG: Now, the next event you worked with us, at N101, was a little different. Can you tell us about that?
Garret Amerine: It was for a great cause to support our fellow gay friends on their fight for equality.
BBG: So you’re comfortable with the adoration of crowds, so to speak?
Garret Amerine: I model quite a bit so it doesn’t bother me at all.
BBG: Did you enjoy getting our logo tattoo’d on your chest and back?
Garret Amerine: It was a fun and different experience.
BBG: Speaking of tattoos, yours is very impressive. Is there a story behind it? Is there any more ink in your future? Has the tat ever gotten you jobs or kept you from getting jobs?
Garret Amerine: As a kid I was always fascinated with eagles, they are free and fearless at the same time. Maybe I’ll get more ink later in the future but not right now; as you mentioned, yes it has gotten me jobs and lost me jobs as well, but it is my signature.
BBG: What would you advise any young aspiring models about getting tattoos, in a professional sense?
Garret Amerine: It is your choice but it could hinder you.
BBG: Ok, so give us a little background on yourself if you don’t mind. Where you grew up, where you went to school and for what.
Garret Amerine: I was born in Santa Ana, Calif., but grew up in South Carolina. I played football and baseball all through high school. I went to Citadel Military College.
BBG: Can you tell us about your military service, including what led you to serve?
Garret Amerine: I joined after September 11th. I felt like it was my duty.
BBG: Can people who have never been in battle ever truly appreciate what it’s like? In what ways did your military service change you?
Garret Amerine: People that have not served will never appreciate what it is like. It made me appreciate what we have in USA and what all Americans take for granted. It also made me open minded to cultures from all over the world.
BBG: Thank you for sharing that. So back to your current life….
BBG: We’d like to ask you about your work as a personal trainer. There are all kinds out there, of very differing quality. What should people look for when choosing a trainer? If someone already has one, how do they know if that trainer is really doing the job?
Garret Amerine: Is the trainer walking the walk or just talking the talk. Is the trainer inspiring you to make a life change or is the trainer just being your friend?
BBG: Clients also come in varying quality, don’t they? What makes for a great client? What makes for a client you wish would use another trainer?
Garret Amerine: A great client is the client that gives me 100% of everything I ask them to do. Now clients that complain of not getting any results but do not give any effort of the things I ask them to do, they suck the energy out of the room.
BBG: Did you play or excel at any sports?
Garret Amerine: I played almost every sport you can think of but excelled at football and baseball at the collegiate level.
BBG: What brought you into the world of lifting and when? What are your main goals in fitness?
Garret Amerine: I used to watch all Arnold Schwarzenegger’s movies and all the athletes on TV so I went to GNC and bought my 1st work out book by Lee Haney. I wanted to keep pushing my body, and also to become an inspiration to people around the world.
BBG: We know you are married. And that your wife works out. AND that she uses Big Back Grips in her workouts. Do you and your wife ever train together?
Garret Amerine: Yes, she uses and loves Big Back Grips. We do workout at least twice a week together. She keeps me motivated.
BBG: What does she do, if we might ask? And what role does your wife play in your professional goals?
Garret Amerine: She helps manage me and makes sure I have everything that I need. She is my best coach and always keeps me on track and grounded.
BBG: What are your biggest accomplishments in your workout history so far? : Titles, personal goals achieved, etc.
Garret Amerine: Last year at the Musclemenia Model America received 7th place out of 80 competitors, just received 4th place in Model Universe in Miami and now preparing for more shows, tbc. Personal goals- got my 1st editorial and cover this year. More of that to come…
BBG: What is your workout schedule like?
Garret Amerine: My workout schedule changes quite often on the needs of competition coming up, shoots, etc.
My most basic workout schedule is
- Monday-chest AM; calves and abs PM, cardio
- Tuesday-back AM; biceps PM, cardio
- Wednesday-Shoulders AM; calves and abs cardio PM
- Thursday-Legs AM; abs and cardio PM
- Friday-repeat
- Saturday- functional training
- Sunday-rest
BBG: What about your diet?
Garret Amerine: My diet stays pretty consistent, I cycle my carbs, but they stay pretty low anyway. I believe in lots of liquid protein because it’s easier for your body to process. I stay away from drinking alcohol.
BBG: What are your favorite exercises or body parts to work? What do you consider your best body part? Do have a body part that’s especially challenging to make headway on?
Garret Amerine: I love doing legs and squats are my ultimate favorite. No exercise can make you feel like squatting does- that sweet pain. My best body part would have to say is my back but far from perfect yet. My most stubborn body part – my calves but they are starting to change.
BBG: If someone were going to work out with you, what are they in for, what’s your workout style? What would you want from a partner?
Garret Amerine: They would be in for a fast pace workout, short rest, and high intensity. Complete focus and someone that can push to help me do those few extra reps.
BBG: What’s your advice to people just starting out?
Garret Amerine: Start with the basics (squat, push, pull). Consistency. Rome was not built in a day.
BBG: Finally, can you give us your workout for just one body part: back or legs, shoulders, chest or arms, even abs. Just pick your favorites.
Garret's leg workout
- Shoulder width squats – 5sets x 15 reps; 12 reps; 10 reps; 10 reps; 10 reps (each set weight goes up)
- Roman deadlifts – 5sets x 15 reps; 12 reps; 10 reps; 10 reps; 10 reps (each set weight goes up)
- Front squats – 4sets (10-12 reps)
- Sumo stiff leg deadlifts – 4 sets (10-12 reps)
- Hack squats – 3sets (10-12 reps)
- Good mornings – 3 sets (10-12 reps)
- Plyo – jumping lunges – 3 sets (20 reps)
- Leg extensions superset with leg curl – 3 sets(15 reps)