Amateur Bodybuilder of The Week: Justin Maki

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Published on Sunday, 18 August 2013 14:07

Written by Justin Maki

Amateur Bodybuilder of The Week: Justin Maki

Class You Compete In: Light Heavyweight

Birthdate: November 17, 1987

Hometown: Gurnee, Illinois 

Career: Co-Owner/Personal Trainer at Total Body Transformation in Libertyville, Illinois

Years Competing:  4 

Competition History:

2010 Ironman: Middleweight, Novice-3rd place Open-3rd place

2011 Badger State: Light Heavyweight, 1st place

2011 Ironman: Light Heavyweight, Novice-1st place and overall Open-2nd place

2012 Badger State: Heavyweight, 3rd place

2013 Titan Open: Heavyweight, 2nd place

2013 Jr. Nationals: Light Heavyweight, 3rd place

Next Competition: 

I plan to compete next at Nationals, November of 2014.  After Junior Nationals this year I decided to take the next year and a half to work on my weak areas and come to nationals with a more complete product.

What initially attracted you to bodybuilding?

Growing up I was always around bodybuilding, my aunt and uncle were very into lifting and competing and it always intrigued me to watch my aunt as she got ready for shows.  Even as a kid I loved going to the shows and I always looked up to my Uncle Bo.  As I got older I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and here I am today!

At this point in your career, what’s the moment that stands out the most?

I'd have to say that this years show at Junior Nationals stands out the most to me.  It was definitley a shock to go from a local show to  national level competition.  My uncle that I mentioned earlier passed away in April and I decided to drop everything to qualify and compete in Junior Nationals in his honor. I put everything I had into that show and to stand on stage and take top 3 for him was something I will not forget.

How would you define your training style?

I would define my training style as ferocious!!! I was taught that you have three choices in life: Give up, Give in, or Give it all you got.  I train with everything I have every time I walk in the gym. 

What’s your greatest strength and greatest weakness as a competitor?

My greatest strength as a competitor would have to be will power.  I don't think a lot of people that don't compete realize that bodybuilding is more mental then physical and I've been blessed with the mindset to push past all barriers  and keep my eye on the prize.  I'd say my greatest weakness would be cardio… It gets hard to get out of bed in the morning and 4:30 am comes way to quick in the morning.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be? Why?

I'd have to be Wolverine. I want those healing powers!!

What are your hobbies and interests outside of the gym?

I am a movie buff! I wait for Tuesdays (The day new movies come out every week on DVD) like most people wait for Fridays.  I won't watch horror movies though, it freaks me out that people actually think some of these scripts up!  

What’s your FAVORITE reason to visit Rx Muscle?

I always am checking out the contest gallery to see who's doing well in shows but my main reason for visiting is for the contest prep videos. I'm always trying to learn from fellow competitors.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this point in your career?

I gotta thank Luis Castellanos. He is the one that has taught me everything I know about bodybuilding. He took me under his wing as a 19 year old kid and guided me to be the bodybuilder I am today. He has been nothing but supportive of me and has been the big brother I never had.  He's taught me to be humble in this sport and he leads by perfect example. I can't ever repay Luis for the knowledge and support he's given me. So thank you Luis Alonzo Castellanos!!!!

What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you?

My work number: (224)-280-8476

Email: [email protected]

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