Neal Blassingame
IFBB CLASSIC & MENS PHYSIQUE PRO
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Old School meets New School! Neal got his start in the bodybuilding lifestyle back in the 80's with the bodybuilding scene in Portland, Oregon. Then as time went on, it was a lifestyle that he has incorporated into his own life and training.. now fast forward to today and the new divisions added to the sport since the days of just bodybuilding and you now have a new IFBB Pro! Neal is one of the very first three IFBB Men's Physique Pros in Oregon this year which will go down as the year of the man! Outside of training and living the lifestyle, Neal is a very dedicated family man and you see that by the photos he has all over his social media.
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1. When and why did you decide to start competing?
I have to go back into the time chamber. In the early 80's I started going to Matt Dishman at Knott Street gym. Back in the day it was the hot bed for bodybuilders. One of Oregon's best bodybuilders Tommy Armstrong took me under his wings taught me the lifestyle and how to properly train. From there the love for the sport and training just grew. I'm all about challenging my mind and body and with the new category men's physique I decided to make the ultimate challenge mentally and physically and haven't looked back.
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2. What makes you want to go farther in the sport?
I love this sport and everything about it. I love the stage and I feel that I can still Improve. I have also learned so much more about nutrition since competing, so it has been a big educational tool for me.
3. What type of training do you implement during contest prep and the in the off-season?
Coming off a show I like to do a 5x5 training splits to gradually bring my strength back up slowly. Cardio I keep in but it varies depending on how I'm feeling. I use both steady state and HIIT for around 20-25min 5 days a week. I'm old so I have to stay active lol.
4. What is your favorite type of dieting meals and what is your favorite type of cheat meal?
My diet foods of choice is bison, ground turkey, ground chicken, fish, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. With plenty of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. It must be HOT! Favorite cheat meal is carrot cake, cheesecake pancakes, and pizza.
5. Who are some of the people that have helped you along the way to get where you are now in life or in the sport?
My mom Shirley Lowe has taught me the meaning of hard work, consistency, and work hard for what you want and never giving up. My amazing wife Mena, none of this will be possible without you and your support, love you lots honey.. My sister Tina who has always been my cheerleader from far and near. I would like to give a shout out to Andre Scott, Derek Kaneshiro, and Travis Young for all the great posing advice. Anthony "twan" Chacon, and Daniel Beck for the Nutritional help. My training partner Avery Cummings, those workout sessions was way real!! Mentors that helped balance my life: Tim Finch, Chuck Amato, Mike Foster, Garland Brown and my longtime friend Robert Donaldson. Gym shout outs: Matt Dishman, Giants Gym, and Rhino Gym.
6. Who or what inspires you to strive for more in the sport?
For me it's all about living a healthy lifestyle and pushing myself to the limit. This sport allows me to grow mentally as well as make physical changes along the way. It's also about motivating others through my hard work. If I can help change lives with my efforts then my work has been done.
7. What is next for you as a competitor?
Next up for me will be making some improvements then competing in my first pro show next November maybe Sacramento Pro or a show in Arizona.
8. What is your favorite memory good or bad while prepping or competing?
No bad moments but learning moments. Last year during the Oregon state Overall I learned that you have to bring energy and excitement to the stage, have a stage presence and keep that presence till you walk off stage.
9. Any website you would like to plug, Facebook, Twitter, personal site, etc...
NealBlassingame.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
10. Anything you would like to say to all the visitors to NPC Oregon?
All the promoters have done an excellent job of putting together great shows. The competitors entry numbers and audience size growing each year. Keep up the good work and keep bringing us good shows. I'm a fan as well so I will always be in attendance.