Proof of Isaac's raw 825 lbs Bench Press"
The following is an interview between Isaac and the Guinness Book of World Records
GUINNESS: When did you start working out with weights and how many years have you been doing it?
ISAAC: I started at about 8 years old, at that time I really didn't know what I was doing, I played midget sports, basketball, baseball, football, and started fooling around with them and learning through trial and error.
GUINNESS: We recorded and documented you as having the largest muscular chest and arms in the World, your chest measuring 74 and 1/4th inches, arms 29 inches, forearms 22 inches, 365 lbs of bodyweight. How many hours a day did you work out to achieve these dimensions?
ISAAC: Normally I lift 3 to 4 hours a day, 7 days a week, but from the age of 15 to 25, I lifted 6 hours a day, sometimes on a rare occasions 7 hours a day. So I put a lot of hard work and time into it.
GUINNESS: We have witnessed you bench 825 lbs. and documented it, that was an incredible sight. Isaac you accomplished this all without the use of steroids or any other muscle enhancing drugs. Can you tell us your feelings about the wide use of drugs in the sport?
ISAAC: I think the use of steroids and other drugs is deplorable. I don't believe in them, and I have no respect for the people who use them, champion or no champion. To me, using steroids is the same as using cocaine or heroin
GUINNESS: What is your opinion on the use of protein powders, supplements etc.. and have you ever used them?
ISAAC: I have never used them, I feel if you eat right and have a good diet you don't particularly need them. But I do think there are some circumstances where some people have a tough time putting on weight, I feel it is ok to use them then, but I only believe in natural protein powders, no synthetics. I'm trying to develop a natural protein powder at this time to distribute, looking for a knowledgeable partner to work with me.
GUINNESS: If you never used steroids or supplements, what do you attribute your great size and power to?
ISAAC: I've worked out for almost 30 years, 6 to 7 days a week and I never missed more then a week of lifting in all that time. I lifted between 4 to 6 hours a day. Hard work, discipline, consistence, diligence, will power, and drive; these are the intangibles one can't measure and I feel they made me who I am today.
GUINNESS: Do you consider yourself the strongest man alive today or ever?
ISAAC: Well, first of all, I don't think there is such a title or that any one man could lay claim to it. I might be able to bench press more than anyone or lift some heavier objects than anyone, but I'm sure there is a man out there who can do more push - ups than anyone else and he might consider himself to be the strongest, so its just one opinion anyway. It's just like saying, "who's the best athlete in the world?" I can't see how one person could say they are "the" top. I will say this, I do consider myself to be one of the strongest men alive.
GUINNESS: You are the strongest man I have ever seen! I know you must have some secrets, but can you tell me in general what a typical workout consists of ?
ISAAC: Basically, I do a lot of flat benches, barbell curls, triceps extensions, and squats. Usually between3 to 5 reps. I stick to the heavy exercises and do a lot of sets.
GUINNESS: What does your diet consist of?
ISAAC: Basically, I try to eat steak and fish twice a week for protein and pasta for carbs, but I don't have to watch everything I eat, like a bodybuilder does. When I was younger, I ate a lot of peanut butter and drank a lot of milk, mostly during my teen years.
GUINNESS: For the teenagers out there, can you tell me how big you were as a senior in high school?
ISAAC: In the spring of my senior year, I was 250lbs., 56 inch chest, 20 inch arms, 35 inch waist.
GUINNESS: Are there any unusual feats of strength you would like to tell us about that you have done?
ISAAC: When I was like 17,18 years old I use to get under my father's station wagon in the front where the engine is and lift it off the ground with my back. I've lifted and carried 500 lb. boulders, lifted a truck engine over 900lbs, carried 100 gallon barrels of gas one time, just a lot of things through the years.
GUINNESS: I understand there are some people in the lifting world who don't accept or believe your accomplishments. What do you say to them?
ISAAC: It's immaterial what they think, I know what I've done and who I am, and I am not out to prove anything to anybody but myself. Those people are just insecure about themselves. I'm the best in the world! Ifthey can't take the heat, they need to get out of the kitchen! Don't get me wrong, I have total respect to the athlete who has achieved their feats drug free, and if they can surpass me, more power to them and God bless them.
GUINNESS: What do you say to the people who never saw you bench over 825lbs., and are waiting to see you do that? Especially other strong men and power lifters..
ISAAC: I've worked for years to do what I've done and been totally drug free. I want to get paid like any other world class athlete to perform, meaning 7 figures. If I'm offered that, and a contract is presented to me, I will show up !!
GUINNESS: What do you do for a living?
ISAAC: I own a retail and wholesale clothing store, specializing in Big and Tall clothes for men, from size small to 10x large. Also carry a complete line of Levi Jeans for ladies. I also wholesale uniforms to stores and factories around the country.
GUINNESS: I also understand you have had many ladies magazines around the world who want you to pose. Me, being female I can see why. You are strikingly handsome. Do you accept these offers and how do you handle the adulations?
ISAAC: Thank you, No, I don't accept those offers. I feel no need to pose. I believe in good morals and some things are better left unknown. I am a very private person.
GUINNESS: What do you have to say to the young people reading this as far as advice, etc...?
ISAAC: We all strive to be unique, but a lot of us forget that we are given this uniqueness through birth, no two people are alike. I say work hard and good things will happen. What is important are the intangibles, like, drive, heart, will power, diligence, intestinal fortitude. These things can be applied to every part of your life, and will make you a successful person. Above all, stay away from any kind of drugs at all costs. The most important thing is the person you are inside, not outside; your heart and soul are what really count. If you are a good person and treat others how you would want to be treated, good things will happen to you. Good luck to everyone!!!!
GUINNESS: How do you think you compare to the men in the World's Strongest Men competitions as far as power?
ISAAC:First of all, I think most of them use muscle and power and enhancing drugs..... , that aside there's no man I can't handle as far as raw power is concerned..
GUINNESS: Do you consider the men in the World's Strongest Men competitions to be athletes or athletic? And how do you compare?
ISAAC: I havn't seen anything to show me that there are any athletes in those competitions.. yes, they are powerful men, but that doesn't mean they are athletes., just as a lot of Pro Football players are good football players.. but, being athletic is a whole different story... Yes, I am an athlete. For example, I can jump rope like a Pro Boxer and I will match anyone in a basketball shooting competition... just to name a few things... So, I don't think men in the World's Stongest competitions compare to me on that level....I mean, I noticed some of them have a hard time tying their own shoes! ...
