Reiss: Rising Through the Ranks in Bodybuilding

Congratulations to our Champion who took 1st place in the GPO Battle Of The Midlands bodybuilding competition in Light Heavyweight Class! 

What was the body building competition and what prize did you win?

20th August 2023 - no accolades as such, but I did get a nice trophy.

Why did you decide to compete?

I like to challenge myself, bodybuilding for me is the embodiment of the ultimate test both mentally and physically, there are zero minutes off, every meal, every step, every workout has purpose and is one step closer towards the goal.

How did it feel being on stage and taking the trophy?

It felt great to be up there again with the fellow athletes and be able to put my best foot forward. It has definitely spurred the motivation to get up there again soon and chase the IFBB pro card for 2024.

How long would you say was the training towards the competition?

This was a 16 weeks prep.

What did you training routine look like?

Training routine was as it was during the ‘off-season’ or push up phase, hard, heavy and intense. What built the muscle, will keep the muscle! (Let me know if you want more detail about the specific routine).

What did your nutrition plan look like?

I ended my push up phase at around 5500-6000kcals, by the end of the diet, I was operating on around 1600kcals at the lowest which was incredibly challenging. The hunger was constant and food focus was extremely high. But this is where the magic happens.

Did you face any challenges in the lead up to the competition and how did you overcome them?

We all face our own personal challenge behind closed doors, this prep wasn’t short of them, but having a solid goal kept me focused, committed and able to perform at my best.

What advice would you give anyone who is looking to compete in bodybuilding?

The most important aspect of bodybuilding is consistency - are you able to stick to a diet 100% of the time, without the need to cheat or miss meals? If you truly want to achieve your best, physically and mentally, bodybuilding might be the sport for you!

Are you thinking of competing again?

I will 100% be competing again. I love it. Always striving to be the best version of myself. The next time we step on stage will be in the aim of taking home the IFBB pro card.