Whether its hitting his ‘most muscular’ pose at a bodybuilding competition or nailing a punchline at the comedy club, New York native Andrew Ginsburg has found that he does his best work, well, on stage.
I had a chance to catch up with the champion bodybuilder, comedian,”All My Children” cast member…and human chameleon this past week. He gave me some insight on how he balances the fitness with the funny…
Come check it out…
Mike Arone: Andrew, thanks for taking the time to enlighten the readers of Mike Arone Fitness. I won’t hold the fact that you’re a New Yorker against you. I live here now, so I have learned to cope.
Andrew Ginsburg: Mike, I first want to say that I am a huge Boston fan. My dad was from Massachusetts, so he brainwashed me when he used to take me to Red Sox games at Fenway Park. We went all the time.
MA: It’s tough to resist the red and blue.
Alright on with the interview…you obviously have a passion for both fitness and comedy, but what came first fitness or the funny?
AG: Well Mike, similar to yourself I was always into sports…so I would say the fitness.
I attended Boston University to play tennis and always liked to lift weights in order to help my tennis game and keep me in shape.
MA: So then when and where did stand up comedy come into play?
AG: It wasn’t until the end of my junior year in college that I decided to give it a shot. I did an open mic at a Howard Johnson at Fenway in Boston.
From there I began to do the Boston circuit and became friendly with Boston comedy legend, Teddy Begeron. He basically showed me the ropes and got me going. When I graduated it was around the time of 9/11 and all of my family was back in New York. I decided to move back home and hit the NYC comedy circuit.
MA: How do you fit in your personal training business with your stand up schedule?
AG: It is tough.
I privately train clients on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for about 7-8 hours a day and am on stage either at Gotham or The Comic Strip 4 nights a week.
I am occasionally on the road, which makes it even more difficult.
MA: What about your own fitness regime and nutrition? Where does that come in?
AG: Well, I don’t eat as much as I would like to or should for my body type. It is very difficult for me to keep on muscle.
I eat roughly four meals a day.
MA: What type of split do you tend to follow?
AG: Being a hardgainer, I have found that a body split with one muscle group per day really works out well. I will work out 5 days on and 2 days off.
Other than that I will go back to an old school “Arnold Split”
Monday: Chest, back
Tuesday: Shoulders, bis and tris
Wednesday: Legs
Thursday: Chest and back
Friday: Shoulders, bis and tris
Saturday: Legs
I know it isn’t too creative, but it has worked out VERY well for me.
MA: Any cardio thrown into the mix?
AG: I was too skinny for that (laughing). Being 6’3” at 170 lbs, I would’ve looked like a marathon runner. If I started doing cardio, I would shed 5-10 pounds instantly.
MA: What is your favorite lift and why?
AG: Deadlifts.
Having long arms helped me with this lift. Other than that, I felt like I was growing while I was doing the damn things. It is a MUST for overall muscle growth.
I am also a fan of squats.
I used to be ‘Anti-Squat’ until I realized how much easier muscle was gained when I did them.
MA:Do you have your own method when preparing for a bodybuilding competition as far as nutrition?
AG: I don’t do anything too crazy other than cut down on carbs and keep protein high.
I was never too anal about this like some of the other guys. I typically cook and eat the same things every night, which upsets my girlfriend. (laughing) It is usually chicken, broccoli…you know the usual. I don’t have much variety.
MA: What about supplements?
AG: I keep it simple: Isopure Protein and BCAAs for recovery.
MA: Alright let’s talk a little bit more comedy.
If I am a reader of Mike Arone Fitness and I want to see one of your stand-up shows…
What does the majority of your material consist or what type of approach to comedy do you have?
AG: I base a lot of my comedy on hypocrisy and I like to keep it edgy.
I always enjoyed watching guys like Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison. These guys really pushed the envelope…and I do the same.
MA: What are your future plans for comedy and acting?
AG: I am starting to focus more on my comedy and acting now. A tour is being put in place where I will perform all through the Catskills. I will also book a few colleges and universities along the way. Performing for colleges is great!
I just came out with my second album called ‘Live at Gotham’ which launched on June 29th.
I also have another album, which was my first, called Dragon Slayer.
MA: Dragon Slayer? That sounds like the name of a video game for Atari?
AG: It’s actually named after my Chinese ex-wife who used me for a ‘green card’ and left me. (laughing) It is on iTunes for purchase.
MA: Wait back up! She did that for real?!? That’s awful. (laughing)
AG: Yeah she did, but it’s not really awful. (laughing) Me and my friends look back and laugh our asses off about it now.
MA: And where can fans see you NOW?
AG: Lately, I have been doing a ton of shows at the Comic Strip in NYC.
MA: I got to ask…do you think comedy is an important aspect to everyone’s health and why?
AG: Absolutely!
I believe that you live longer the more you laugh.
It’s also the first thing girls look for in guys – a sense of humor.
Plus, when I am training my clients I find it important to be able to entertain them so that they enjoy working out. Otherwise it will just be one long hour.
If you ever watch ‘Pumping Iron’ those guys (Arnold and Lou) they were always joking around and just having a good time!
MA: How can can the readers of Mike Arone Fitness keep up to date with what your up to?
AG: Everyone can check out AndrewGinsburg.com.
Also follow me on Facebook and my twitter page for all updated info.
MA: Andrew, thanks for taking the time to answer all of my questions. We appreciate your stopping in.
AG: Thanks Mike!
"I can do more push-ups than you."
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How do you find the funny in fitness?
Let me know in the COMMENTS below.
GREAT INTERVIEW/GREAT QUESTIONS. Wow at his before and after pics!! Did you ask him to give any Beachbody products a try?
I have a friend who was/is in his spare time now, who is a comedian. He was in NYC for 3 months perfoming and is now attending Second City in Chicaco. Maybe they know each other?
Great Job Mike!
Dude you are on not too many people can out do me in pushups!! haha
Having a screwball approach to fitness is the only way I can keep myself from rebelling against it hard-core. I guess I’m not the only one! Thanks to both of you for the post.
To make fun out of all this fitness hype is a very good idea and approach. This was missing. To laugh is very good for the health, too.
Happy laughing
Ursula