How and when did you start training?

When I was a kid growing up I wanted to be a professional wrestler. I always admired the muscular freaks in the wwe. I used to watch the Arnold and Stallone films and would say to myself I want to look like that one day. When I was 14 my mom bought me my first bodybuilding mag and I was instantly amazed that anyone could look like that. Next thing I knew I was skipping class to go to the school weight room. My dad didn't find that too amusing so he bought my first weight set. I grew out of that and moved on to the YMCA. Grew too strong for that and moved to a local fitness centre. Grew out of that and move to Gold's gym new haven (IFBB Pro Evan Centopani's home gym) it's the last hardcore gym in ct and the greatest gym I've ever been. The people at golds gym new haven are like family. The Montanari Bros (the owners of golds) are the ones that helped reach my goal of competing one day. I love them like blood. I owe allot to the iron game. I met my wife (IFBB Bikini Pro Tabitha Klausen-Leandri) at the gym. I stayed away from drugs and alcohol because of bodybuilding. I've lost many friends over the years due to their choices and I realize now if I didn’t bodybuild that could’ve been me. Making a living as a personal trainer I can honestly say I’m living a dream. I get paid to do what I love to do.

How do you manage to stay motivated and consistent?

Staying motivated is very easy for me. I love setting new goals whether big or small and going for them. Now that I compete it's extremely easy to stay motivated. To give myself a quick kick in the @$$ all I have to do is think about that there is someone out there training harder dieting harder and sacrificing more than me. Plus being married to a beautiful IFBB pro helps. I mean I can't be that fat lucky guy married to the hot chick can I? Lol.

How long do you usually spend in the gym?

I can spend all day at the gym. Whether its because im working or lifting or just hanging out. Training wise its 90 mins tops for weights and cardio. If its pre-contest more like 120mins do to posing practice.

What is your training routine like?

My training schedule is different every week except I always have at least 2 rest days and hit each body part once a week. I am a big believer in basic movements and heavy weights.

What is your diet when trying to get in peak condition?

I won't go into details because its quite boring but lets just say I eat lots of chicken, potatoes, and a ton of rice.

Do you count calories or weight your food?

I do count calories both off-season and pre-contest. I weigh all my food year round also. Even at Thanksgiving dinner I weigh my turkey just to see how much im getting in lol. My digital scale is my sidekick lol.

How do you deal with cravings for junk foods,
sweets and salty food?

If its off-season I will just give in to the cravings. If im getting ready for a show I just think about how weak I would be for the lack of self-control and if I really want to sabotage everything I've worked for and that pretty much kills any cravings.

What is your greatest bodybuilding/
fitness achievement so far?

Just being able to say I've been up on stage under those bright hot @$$ lights.

What are your future goals?

Short Term: To win the overall at my next show.
Long Term: To open my own small training studio with my wife.

If you could have one superpower what
would it be and why?

To be able to turn into the Incredible Hulk. Why because who doesn’t want to be big "cut & jacked"

What is the number one philosophy you live by?

Live for something or Die for nothing.

What top 3 tips would you give to anyone
wanting to get CutAndJacked?

1. Eat right
2. Sleep right
3. Train right

 

More From Rudy

you can find me on TWITTER at @RudeMuscle on FACEBOOK at Rudy Leandri III & look for my website that’s coming soon WWW.RUDEMUSCLE.COM