Are these UConn’s biggest biceps? Confessions of a gym addict

UConn is of course known for its national athletic titles, but the gym isn’t just filled with D-1 scorers. We took some time to meet with a student that makes gains without being on a varsity team.

Dike Udensi, a fifth year Biological Sciences and Psychology major, tells us about his fitness love affair.

Dike flexing at his workplace, the Asian American Cultural Center

Word on the street is you like to work out a lot. Can you tell me a little bit about how you got started?

Before I started lifting religiously I always had the mentality that everybody who went to the gym was kind of douchey. That was just because the people that I was exposed to always had this mentality like “I’m better than you.” I was always like, “I don’t want to be like that, that’s not the kind lifestyle I wanna live.”

A friend dragged me there last summer and he showed me maybe three or four exercises, and then we left, less than 20 minutes. I went home and I loved it, I couldn’t find anything to complain about. All I did were the four exercises he showed me and then it just exploded from there.

How often do you go to the gym?

Right now, my program is four days a week. Monday, Tuesday, break on Wednesday; Thursday, Friday, break on Saturday, Sunday then repeat.

What does this “program” consist of?

There are two different things. There are people who want to focus on increasing their power and there are people who want to focus on muscle growth and muscle size. The program that I’m on is a hybrid of that. When you lift heavier weights for lower repetitions you tend to increase the overall workload your body can handle.

When you lift lighter weights at higher repetitions you’re focused on increasing your muscle growth because your muscles are spending more time under stress. Monday and Tuesday I focus on power, Thursday and Friday I focus on growth. I’m not in any rush to be the largest person in the gym, so I wanted to do both at the same time.

Udensi is almost always seen walking around campus with his trusty Adidas gym bag

Are there times when you’re at the gym that you pay attention to other people’s workouts?

For the most part I think a lot of people will worry about other people looking at them, but everybody is doing something different. Sometimes you will notice somebody lifting with very poor form.

For me, I ask myself, “ Do I go up and tell him?” I don’t want to make him feel embarrassed and I don’t want it to seem like I think I know more than he does, but I don’t want him to get injured. What I like to do is write in a notebook in my gym bag some tips and I’ll pass it to him so it’s not a verbal confrontation that will make him feel bad.

What are some common misconceptions or stereotypes about the gym?

Steroid use. It’s downplaying the amount of effort that the individual put in. You don’t know what they did you’re just jumping to conclusions to make yourself feel adequate. There’s also the “bro” aspect that once you go to the gym it’s all you care about. It’s just an addition to your lifestyle.

What’s your pre-workout routine?

Before I work out I usually try to make sure I’ve eaten something. On Mondays and Tuesdays I like to go to the gym around 6.30am. You can lift on an empty stomach, your body will adjust to it, but I personally don’t like that. I usually have a banana, a clementine, a granola bar; something small.

You never want to be lifting on a full stomach because there is a high chance you will be throwing up. A lot of people like pre-workout. It’s great if you like it but some people might become reliant on it.

Udensi eats a full lunch from Panda Express since he has already gone to the gym that day

What tips would you give to someone who has just started to work out?

Don’t think that everyone is judging you. Ultimately everybody is there to do their own thing. Also, form is the most important. I cannot stress it enough. Watch videos and get advice from those who are seasoned. You don’t want to set yourself back with an injury. Also, warming up and cooling down is important. You do need to put in time to stretch and prepare your body.

What’s on your workout playlist?

I like metal. It’s my go-to for the times when I need to zone everything out, especially when I’m going for a new personal record. I listen to all kinds of music otherwise, though. I like rock, I listen to country—I’m from Texas. I like electronic music, too. I even like Celtic music, like Enya. It’s hard to pump out reps to music like that, though, so I’d say my favorite song is “Final Episode” by Asking Alexandria.

Nike, Adidas, or Under Armor?

Adidas.

Udensi poses with a friend, Aubrey Tang, who also goes to the gym

So, do you even lift, bro?

I am in a committed relationship with the gym. We are going very strong right now and I think we might get married.