Images of Adam Sjogren View Photo Portfolio Not a BBPics member? Join Now! Birthdate: January, 1984 Height: 5 7 Weight: 178, contest 172, off-season 188 Neck: 15 1/2 Chest: 43 Arms: 15 Waist: 32 Quads: 23 1/4 Calves: 15 1/2 email: bigad84@yahoo.com

My name is Adam Sjogren. I am 20 years old, and currently attend the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I grew up in the small suburb of Paxton, MA, which is located just outside of Worcester. I attended Wachusett Regional High School in Holden, where I played baseball, football, and track. Sports are what first encouraged me to get in the gym, but after a short time, it was personal desire and drive that took over. I continued to be successful in all sports until sophomore year, when I dislocated my shoulder playing football. Unfortunately, the baseball career also suffered. However, I consider this all a blessing, as I made the decision to stop participating in high school sports, and pursue my goal of being a competitive bodybuilder. I would like to note that I was not blessed with great genetics, and was relatively overweight during my first few years of High school, which also contributed to my desire for a better physique.

I quickly saw results, and my motivation grew only stronger. I would continually set personal goals, and once achieved, aim higher and higher. After a few recommendations from fellow gym members, I decided to compete in the local INBF Northeast Classic Bodybuilding Competition held annually in Worcester, MA. I dieted hard for 12 weeks with the help of a successful NPC competitor, and stepped onstage at 162 lbs. Unfortunately, I did not fair so well, and placed 4th in my class of 5 teens (I was 18). I was extremely discouraged, but used the dissatisfaction as fuel for my training.

I took 2 years off from competing, and put on a significant amount of muscle, in hopes of competing in a more publicized competition, and placing better than before. I weighed 199 lbs at my peak, and cut down to 186 before beginning the actual pre-contest diet on February 1, 2004. On May 2nd, at the New England Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure championships in Boston, MA, I stepped onstage at just over 170 lbs, and placed 4th in the middleweight class of 7 competitors. I was extremely pleased, as much of my competition had several years of training on me. However, I will not settle for 4th, and will continue to train as hard as ever to achieve my many goals, including a first place finish.

As a result of doing competitions, I was fortunate enough to meet a few photographers willing to take my photos and help me to get my name out. To date I am yet to be featured in any big publications, but have high hopes of a promising future. I am hoping the gallery posted by John Mitchell will allow easy access to my photos for agencies/supplement companies to view.

When I am not in the gym, or preparing meals, I am busy with school work, or researching the latest nutrition information. Bodybuilding is my passion, and I never get tired of talking about it, or learning new information that may potentially help me achieve my goals. When I am not in the midst of a pre-contest diet, I spend a significant amount of time helping friends and family achieve their own goals in terms of diet and exercise. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by great people who were willing to help me from day one. Whether it was answering a simple nutrition question of giving me training advice, all the knowledge has had an impact on my success thus far. It seems only right to give back and help out others now that I have adequate knowledge. I enjoy helping people, and it is extremely rewarding to know you have had an impact on someone achieving their goal, and building a better, healthier body.

Aside from the health/fitness aspect, I enjoy watching and following sports, especially baseball and football. When I am not dieting, and the schoolwork is manageable, I am sure to make time to party and have a good time with friends here at school.

In the off-season, I maintain a relatively clean diet. I do not weigh my foods, etc, but I estimate amounts and am always sure to keep my protein intake high, as well as my calories. My sources of carbohydrates are the main change, as I include whole wheat breads, jelly, and white rice, none of which I include in a precontest diet. Even though I eat healthy year-round, I am only human, and of course I have days/meals which I splurge and eat junk. My favorite cheat foods are pancakes and ice cream, without a doubt.

As for music, I listen to all types. My favorite group is the Dave Matthews band, but I spend most of my time listening to hip-hop for the high-energy beats. Pumping Iron would have to be my favorite movie. You can watch it over and over again, and it never seems to get redundant. My favorite celebrities are Hillary Duff, yes for her looks, and Jennifer Aniston for her success and personality, and looks as well.

Currently I am maintaining my condition as much as possible, and plan on competing in the New Hampshire and Mass. State Bodybuilding competition in September. I will begin dieting in early August, depending on my condition at that time.

In the future months, I am going to dedicate time to getting my pictures and name out, in hopes of meeting someone, or a company that is interested in helping me market their products. Since I first read the magazines, it has been a dream to be in them myself, and to be sponsored by a supplement company.

I would like to have a future in the sports supplement industry, as well as modeling/acting. The education I am receiving regarding in marketing is sure to give me the knowledge I will need to be successful in either. I enjoy working with people, and feel that marketing is a major that best suits me as a person, and my future goals.

My passion for bodybuilding will be life-long. The sport has taught me so much about discipline, hard work, determination, and will power. I am convinced that without bodybuilding I would be an entirely different person; one with less drive, and less focus. The sport is very rewarding, win or lose. The sense of pride and confidence you can gain from bodybuilding is something I wish all could be fortunate enough to experience.

Working with John was a great experience, and one that I hope you enjoy more often. Not only is John a great photographer, but a great person and friend as well. He cares about his clients, and is always willing to cooperate and even accommodate if need be. While shooting, John is very efficient, and rather than simply telling you what to do, he is open to suggestions and cares about your opinion as well. After the photo shoot, John was quick to send me some pictures online, and within a week, he had them posted on the website for all to view. I have worked with other photographers in the past, and John is certainly among the best in terms of efficiency, quality, and overall organization. He is a pleasure to work with, and I feel his work says it all with regards to his ability to shoot great photos.