Mike Arone Fitness

If you have ventured on bodybuilding.com anytime in the last few years, you may have heard of DO WORK CREW becoming a way of life in the fitness community.

Anthony Bartoline (aka BDubdiesel) has built up the community so much that it has manifested itself into an epidemic throughout the gym rat community and it may be trickling into a gym near you-even your basement gym. You know-the one that also acts as your bedroom and storage for your dad’s collection of Hustler magazines from 82’.

Let’s check out Anthony’s story…

It all started when on Novemeber 23rd 2006 when Anthony Bartoline was struck on his motorcycle while, ironically enough, traveling to the gym.

He was badly injured and besides a spectrum of other injuries,  reconstructive surgery was needed on his hand. Anthony was told that in many cases this would result in minimal or complete loss in the use of his right hand.  Having realized what he was up against, the journey back into bodybuilding was going to take more than training like an animal, but that of a strong mind and a big heart.

Though it probably seemed like an eternity-it took Anthony only 7 months to get back in the swing of things.

Fast forward to today….Anthony has 4 sponsorships for modeling and bodybuilding and has been training clients again for over a year. He made the final 15 for bodybuilding.com’s 2009 Spokesmodel of the Year and also won their 2009 Bodygroup of the Year with his motivational group called the DO WORK CREW…

How did it all start for you? What made fitness your way of life?

Since I was about five years old I always played every sport I could. Naturally, I was a little maniac always wanting to run around, tackle stuff and score goals so I guess it’s been in me since day one. It really started becoming my lifestyle a little after high school and college when all the sports went away. It slowly changed my direction from lifting and being in shape for sports to lifting and fitness becoming a sport in itself.

The “Do Work Crew” seems like such a straight forward concept but it means much more. Why do you feel this group has become so popular on BODYBUILDING.COM?

The “Do Work” slogan was a saying we all used growing up. If someone was giving it there all, 110% day in day out they were “DOIN WORK”. Slowly it caught on and became a lifestyle. Always giving all you possibly can to everything in your life to better yourself, which is the main goal. Whether it’s school, sports, work, lifting or whatever you can use it for anything in your life. It’s always there for you as a reminder the harder you work at something the more you’ll get out of it. It’s a no nonsense approach for going after your goals and dreams. If in all honesty your life aspirations mean that much to you-you should be doing all you can to achieve them. If you’re not you then you never wanted it as much as you thought you did.

What certain quality should someone have to be a member of the group?

Heart and dedication is the biggest factor.

It’s also the biggest factor for success in life I think. If your heart is all in then your mind will follow. Set your goals higher then you can reach today and tomorrow you might just surprise yourself.

You’re obviously an animal in the gym…

What type of workout split do you currently follow?

MONDAY – Chest and 6 to 8 sets of triceps

TUESDAY – Back and 6 to 8 sets of Biceps

WEDNESDAY – Legs

THURSDAY – Shoulders

Friday – Arms, Bis and Tris

Saturday – All Calisthenics, cardio, and abs

I also do about 30 minutes of cardio currently after every lift and abs everyday there not sore.

I always like to ask…what is one exercise that you feel a trainee can’t do without?

I’m a huge fan of Incline Dumbbell presses.

I feel it gives great symmetry and size. Even though it’s primarily a chest movement, you will activate many other muscle groups in the process. I even like to move only one arm up and down at a time to get my core more involved on occasion.

Bo Jackson swore by it and well Bo Knows.

How does nutrition play a role in your training?

It’s a huge Factor and so many people think a great body is built in the gym. Don’t get me wrong actually working out is huge but a truly perfect body is always built in the kitchen. What you eat drastically depicts what you’re going to look like.

Timing of your foods is also very important. It really is a science of trial and error for what works best for you. I’m still changing and trying new things all the time.

You’ve been seen on some supplement ads. What is your insight on supplements? Are they important to you? Which ones do you prefer?

Supplementation goes right in there with your diet. It’s important to find which ones and what types work best for you body. I prefer Cellucor products because they truly are the top-shelf of bodybuilding and fitness supplements. Anyone that has spent the money to try something from them will agree with me. They use higher quality and cleaner ingredients in my opinion, and when you’re on one of their products YOU KNOW IT.

The tats! Anyone that reads my blog knows that I am a big fan of tattoos-mainly because they’re badass and they usually mean something important-unless it’s a tattoo of Foghorn Leghorn playing guitar or some shit.

Of your tattoos, what is your favorite and what is the meaning behind it?

They all mean tons to me. I hate the dudes that just walk in a place pick some  bullshit off the wall just cause they think it’s cool and have no story or meaning behind something that’s on them forever.

Over my heart it says “Until We Meet Again” with my grandparents names who passed away. I hold them close to my heart and I know I’ll see them again one day but that’s where they stay for now in my heart.

Also the Tattoo that goes across my collarbone reads “For Myself, For My Friends, For My Family Forever”. They are lyrics from an old Throwdown song.

Anyone that knows me personally knows I’m very loyal to those I love, my friends and family is extremely important to me.

The shirt comes right off my back at any time for them even if it’s the only shirt I own.

Who’s your go-to artist?

I have gone to a lot of different artists, but I gotta give a huge shout out to First Class Tattoos in Long Branch, NJ. They have done a majority of my work and they are some of the coolest gangstas ever in that shop (laughing).

In your videos, you’re usually listening to your IPod which I can only assume isn’t Rick Astley’s Greatest Hits. What do you play on your IPod to jack you up for the gym?

Music has always been a huge part of my life growing up in the New Jersey hardcore scene; IT’S NOT JUST SCREAMING MUSIC PEOPLE!! HAHA!. I also love hip-hop. Usually I’m jammin’ out to E-Town Concrete, Remembering Never, Biggie, of course Ready to Die is still epic, Killswitch Engage, and some old school Eminem to name a few.

You’ve got big plans for bodybuilding and modeling. What are your goals for the future?

Well the online ads are awesome but I guess any fitness model’s main goal is to be in print in some big fitness magazines. I’d have to say that’s my biggest goal as of right now. I also would like to step on stage in the future either for modeling like a F.A.M.E. contest or just a full blown bodybuilding show.

Where can we can tabs on you and find all the most up to date info on you?

The easiest way to know what and when I’m doing anything is probably on Twitter.com/bdubdiesel

Of course you can reach me on my personal website also AnthonyBartoline.com

I’d like to shout out my training partner Chris- my tattooed Brothas from the west coast Nick Edge and Nate You guys rock Sacrifice and Honor clothing is going global homie. Kevin and Mike from Cellucor -you guys have been nothing but supportive and helpful and I love you for it.

…And just everyone that has been DOIN’ WORK and not looking back man.

Life’s to short to not try hard at everything you do!

Anthony thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. My readers are now 26% more badass having read this!

Be sure to check back, I’d be glad to keep everyone informed of what you’re up to.