Lazar Angelov is a former professional basketball player who transitioned to a ultra successful fitness career. With over 10 million Facebook fans and millions of other fans following his other social media accounts, Lazar is now known as one of the most popular fitness models in the world.

Why did you decide to start working out?

LA: I was basically forced to choose this path. My dream to become a successful professional basketball player disappeared due to knee problems and getting out of shape during my time in the army. So I had to find an alternative. For a person who has been in sports all his life it’s very hard to start a regular job, mainly because he is used to a more dynamic lifestyle. So I wanted to start doing something close to sports and fitness was my choice.

What is your preferred workout routine?

LA: I prefer a 5-day split, so I can work each muscle group separately. I like to train heavy every time, since I believe I have reached my genetic potential and this is the only way to improve just a little bit more.

Sample routine:

Monday: Chest & Abs

Tuesday: Back & Traps & Forearms

Wednesday: Shoulder & Abs

Thursday: Arms & Forearms

Friday: Legs & Calves & Abs

Sometimes I would make small changes like adding upper chest to the shoulders workout, so I can train that group twice a week or I would work on my calves more often. It all depends on which muscle group is going behind during the period I’m in.

What is your preferred diet?

LA: I like to eat foods, which contain carbs a lot, but I try to do it only during the day. I try to limit carbs in the evening as much as possible. I have never followed my calories absolutely precisely, since I know my body too well to do it. I only do this for my clients. When I decide it’s time for cutting hard, I go on a carb cycling diet for a certain period of time, but not for too long, because I would start to lose muscle mass.

Sample diet:

Meal 1 – Breakfast

• Eggs
• Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter
• Grapefruit

Snack 1

• Rice
• Chicken
• Brocoli

Meal 2 – Lunch

• Pasta
• Tuna
• Avocado

Snack 2 – Post Workout

• Rice
• Chicken

Meal 3 – Dinner

• Salmon
• Green Salad

Snack 3 – Before Sleep

• Cottage Cheese
• Broccoli

If you could pick only 3 exercises to do, what would they be and why?

LA: Deadlift, Squat and Bench Press. I like to lift heavy even though lately I have been avoiding deadlift a little bit due to lower back pain. If I have to pick another exercise to replace it, I would choose EZ Bar Biceps Curl, it’s one of my favorites.

What types of supplements do you take and recommend? What are the benefits of each?

LA: The supplements I take throughout the entire year are whey protein, casein, BCAA and glutamine. I take whey protein before and after working out, since I need a quick influx of amino acids to the muscles then. BCAA and glutamine I usually take throughout the entire day, especially while I’m on low-carb diets and this way I also prevent muscle breakdown.

What is your favorite motivational quote?

LA: To achieve what others won’t you have to do what others don’t.

What is your proudest fitness accomplishment to date?

LA: The fact that my fans acknowledge and value what I have achieved and that I am able to motivate so many people to work out. That cannot be replaced by any medal or award, because I know I have helped others and not only myself.

What advice would you give for a fitness beginner?

LA: To pay really close attention to their diet. Many beginners don’t do that.

Besides fitness, what are your other interests?

LA: I like all kinds of music. I also like to go to the mountain where it’s calm and quiet. I also like to watch movies when I have free time.

What are your future goals both personally and professionally?

LA: There are a few projects I have been working on lately. East Mode is already out and many people are transforming their bodies with its help. I’m working on something really big called Lazar Angelov’s Fitness Academy, in which I am currently putting all my knowledge in. Still, the main personal goal to me is to recover from my injury and come back to the gym. This is the first item on my list.

Website: LazarAngelov.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/LazarAngelovFitness

Instagram: @Lazar_Angelov_Official

Twitter: @Lazar_Angelov