Local Spotlight: MyoFactor Supplements
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tom Mattice; co-owner of Myofactor Supplements in Pompton Plains, NJ. During our interview, we talk about how he helps body building competitors, some common misconceptions with the sport, as well as his recommendations to those new to exercising and body building.
Maintaining a physically fit lifestyle is nothing new to Tom, who prior to becoming a bodybuilding and supplementation coach, was a semi pro BMX bike rider and an MMA fighter. With an extensive background in sports and supplementation, he has the knowledge needed to help athletes perform at their best. Tom began body building and coaching clients four years ago and since then, has assisted multiple athletes in earning their pro card (for those that don’t know, a pro card is attained only when a competitor you places in the top three in their class or division in a national qualifying competition, thus earning the title of a professional body builder).
Dr. Esemplare: Why did you start coaching clients and open Myofactor?
Tom Mattice: I have always been into fitness and training since I was younger. I started a smoothie bar in a small gym in Newton, NJ. While I was there, I would constantly have people asking me for advice about exercising, supplementation, and nutrition. As I began to talk to more and more people, I realized I could really start helping them reach their fitness and competition goals. I started with one client and my coaching repertoire grew from there. At the same time, my smoothie bar was doing well, and I got together with Tim Mazeye and Chris Jones to open up Myofactor in Pompton Plains, NJ. I have now been open for two and a half years providing supplements, coaching and nutritional support to people new to exercising and body builders in the area.
Dr. Esemplare: What would you say the #1 misconception about bodybuilding is? Why do you think that is?
Tom Mattice: I would say the number one misconception about body building is that people think it is a hobby and can do it just for fun. It is not a hobby if you want to be successful in the competitive body building landscape. The reason for this, I believe, is because a lot of times people see the physiques of competitors without realizing the hard work and discipline it takes to get that way. The mental aspect of the sport is the hardest aspect. It takes a lot of discipline to keep your diet on point throughout the day, especially when you’re craving foods that you can’t have. A quote that always stuck out to me when I was competing is “the shittier you feel, the better you look.”
Dr. Esemplare: What are your three top recommendations for people who want to compete and/or start on their path to being strong and fit?
Tom Mattice:
If someone wants to compete in a body building show, I believe before they take on the endeavor, to go to a local show. This is where you would learn about the different classes, what you may be interested in competing in, and the overall environment of how a show is run. If you decide that you want to compete, I would suggest looking up coaches, find someone who has experience in your class. Find a coach who understands your goals but also will be honest with you, only allowing you to bring your best self to the competition stage. Using a coach can take the guessing work out of how to prepare for a show, especially when it comes to dieting, workouts, tanning and all the other details that may seem small but can make a huge difference in the package you present.
When it comes to starting out on their fitness journey, I would recommend starting off slow. They should set some checks and balances. Without checks and balances, your fitness journey can come to a complete halt due to frustrations and unrealistic expectations of your body. Also, they should stick to their own word and trust the process. The more they trust the process and hold themselves accountable the better results they will experience.
When it comes to supplementation, if I have a new customer that comes into my store that is just starting their fitness journey, the first thing I recommend is starting with a multivitamin, protein and creatine supplement. This will help them to improve their muscle mass and strength. I have new people coming in and they ask me for this fat burner or this amino acid, for example. Before I educate them on these supplements, I make sure they are taking the basic stuff to help them with their fitness goals. Then I will suggest what is best for them based on their goals. A lot of times people want to start taking supplements because they see others taking them, but they don’t need that supplement. I do my best to educate my store clients on what they need and don’t need.
Dr. Esemplare: How can we learn more about you?
Tom Mattice: You can visit my website at https://www.myofactorsupplements.com/ and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Also you can follow me on Instagram at @__feast_
I want to take a moment to thank Tom for sitting down with me and allowing me to learn from him about competing and supplementation. If you are starting your fitness journey, well into it, or wanting to be successful in body building shows reach out to Tom. You can stop into his store as well, he and his staff are wonderful and extremely informative.
