ERYK BUI

ZONE:Tell us abit about yourself..who are you?
BUI:I am the fourth child of 7 (6 boys, 1 girl). My parents are originally from Vietnam;
we escaped to the US right after the fall of Saigon.
I don't know where the heck my genetics came from,
but my bodybuilding success has been a pleasant surprise.
I didn't start bodybuilding until after I graduated from college in 1994.
I am a very hard working individual who demands the best
out of myself and the people around me. Outside of the gym,
I am a tough businessman and a loving father of one (Austin, 7).

ZONE:How did you got bit by the iron bug in the first place
& tell us about what it was like to turn pro!
BUI:The iron bug bit me first while I was attending school at Thomas Jefferson
High School in Port Arthur, TX. I was trying to get stronger for football
since I couldn't do anything about my height.
My coach recognized that I had a natural ability for lifting heavy weight
so he started a powerlifting program.
We went to the state championships three years in a row.
My competitive bodybuilding career began by accident.
I ran into John "Tank" Sherman, IFBB Pro, while training at Gold's Gym
one day and he talked me into competing.
"Tank" taught me the best ways to isolate bodyparts
since I was used to compound movements.
Now that I am an IFBB Pro, it feels completely awesome.
I remember opening a magazine years ago and seeing some of
the guys that I just beat at the 2004 Nationals.
I knew going in that I was going to do some major damage.
However, I was sick and tired of hearing about controversial calls at the national level.
I wanted to make sure that I dispel any doubt and crush
any attempt to screw me politically.
My advice to the "contenders" out there: Leave no doubt that you are the best
... give the judges no choice.

ZONE:What is the best part of this sport?
BUI:The camraderie forged along the journey.

ZONE:And the worst part?
BUI:The agony of defeat.

ZONE:And what about your training?
BUI:Just started a new split to pack on 20 pounds of dense muscle
before my pro debut in 2006 at the Ironman Pro Invitational.
Monday: Chest & Biceps Tuesday: Shoulders & Triceps
Wednesday: Quads, Hams, Back
Thursday: OFF
Friday: Chest & Biceps
Saturday: Shoulders, Back, & Triceps
Sunday: OFF I don't train calves.

ZONE:Who is your bigest inspiration & rolemodell thru the years?
BUI:Outside of bodybuilding would be my father.
Doesn't say much, just gets it done.
Inside the sport, would be Lee Labrada.
I think his physique is well-balanced.
However, to compete at the next level my goal is to have a physique that
is a morph between Lee Labrada and Lee Priest.
Can it be done? I'll let my photos do the talking.

ZONE:Future plans?
BUI:Come into the 2006 Ironman Pro Invitational at 195-200lbs.
with the same conditioning displayed at the 2004 Nationals.
..............................................................................................
For more Eryk Bui check his website at:
www.erykbui.com
..............................................................................................