Athlete Name: Dave McCulley

Pro Division: Men’s Classic Physique & Bodybuilding

Where did you earn your Pro status?

2020 NFF Alamo Showdown Classic

Where do you plan to make your Pro debut?

2020 NFF Lonestar Muscle Mayhem

Tell us a little about yourself….

I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. I went to college at Texas A&M University and after coming home joined the San Antonio Fire Department in 2014. I am currently a Firefighter/Paramedic serving the city of San Antonio on the North East side of town at Station 38.

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I started right after high school when my friend, John, at Gold’s asked me to do a bodybuilding show with him. Looking back we had no idea what we were doing, but after winning my first show, The Texas Shredder as a teen and Novice Heavyweight I was hooked.

Where does your motivation come from?

My desire to be the best at whatever I set my mind to. I have an unbreakable will when I set my mind to something and that carries over in all aspects of life including bodybuilding, Fire Service, and everything else. Also, seeing the many health problems of people as a paramedic, I want to keep my body healthy so I can live long and healthy.

What are some of your greatest achievements?

Being a member of the San Antonio Fire Department.  Earning my pro card in 2020, and in my hometown.

What is your current training philosophy?

I train every other day due to my schedule working 24hrs on and 24 hours off a lot of time. Push – Pull – Legs – Upper. I do 2 weeks of Intensity followed by 2 weeks of strength work.

What are 3 tips you would give to someone trying to reach their goal physique?

Find a diet that works for you and you can maintain. Stay consistent. The compound effect works – small boring steps over and over will result in great outcomes over time – you just have to put in the work and stay consistent. Don’t make excuses. Thoughts – positive or negative, grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition.

What is your diet like? And does it differ on-season v. off-season?

You could describe my diet as “If it fits your macros” I suppose. I am very scientific when it comes to my diet. I track everything – the only way you can analyze results and make adjustments. I don’t limit myself to anything, I don’t cut out anything. If I can make it work into my calories for the day I will eat it. This includes anabolic French toast, flat bread pizzas, protein ice cream, etc. This doesn’t change off/on – the only thing that changes is the amount of calories.

When trying to cut down what type of cardio do you do and why?

My body doesn’t need much cardio.  I prefer to restrict calories and diet for longer rather than doing hours of cardio every day.

What is your next goal?

Win a National Title.

What’s your Favorite Quote?

Will Power is but the unflinching purpose to carry a task you set for yourself to fulfillment.

Social Media:

IG: @dave.mcculley

Photo Credit: Santos Rivera

IG: @soffitography