Over 40 Amateur Of The Week: Augustine Unleashed A Fitness Fury!

Former IFBB pro Jeff Box Long introduced Augustine to bodybuilding years ago. See how basic bodybuilding fundamentals propelled him into competition shape at age 43!

Q

How did your fitness journey begin?

Sports played a huge role in my introduction to fitness. At a young age, I learned you can push your body to amazing lengths to meet a challenge. I was born with asthma, so there was always caution when it came to organized sports. During the extra time I sat out, I worked to get stronger and better. After high school and a brief college stint, I joined the military.

I was introduced to bodybuilding by former IFBB pro Jeff "Box" Long in Germany. What stayed with me was the knowledge that he possessed, so I began reading books on bodybuilding and continued to read when I quit working out.

Years later, I was approached by Christopher Paul about training specifically for a show. Chris took me as far as he could in three months then introduced me to my coach, Pat Grieco. Pat worked out a nutrition plan and coached me on posing and other aspects of show prep. We passed our initial goals, but one thing is certain, I will always be natural and look to improve.

"I was introduced to bodybuilding by former IFBB pro Jeff 'Box' Long in Germany."

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

I've always been competitive, but injuries took away my ability to perform at a high level while playing recreational sports. In rehabilitation stints, I noticed my body responded well to the workouts. Seeing improvements in my physique kept me in the gym.

What or Who motivated you?

Initially, the scale motivated me. I wanted to maintain a certain weight. When I competed last year, the fear of leaving a show with no hardware motivated me along with the desire to look better each time I took the stage. Those fears forced me into the lifestyle of a bodybuilder/fitness athlete. I have to maximize each workout, especially in-season to excel. In bodybuilding, you truly are your main competition. There are athletes bigger or more genetically gifted, but only your actions can stop you from looking your best.

"There are athletes bigger or more genetically gifted, but only your actions can stop you from looking your best."

Where did you go for inspiration?

Everything inspires me. In the military, you see younger soldiers come through the ranks and in the back of my mind I know these guys want my spot (rank); they are competition. I can't outrun them, but there's no way I can allow them to see me as an out-of-shape old man.

When I have a bad training run, I go to YouTube and watch inspirational videos. I like old bodybuilders like Arnold, Sergio Oliva, Franco Columbu, and Robby Robinson. Their videos are all about moving steel without loud music drowning out the sound of the workout.

What are your future fitness plans?

I've only competed in "natural" shows, but am curious to see how I stack up in untested shows. I would love to earn sponsors. I can add this (Over 40 Amateur of the Week) to my slowly growing portfolio. The sky is the limit.

I just enrolled in a certified personal trainer program with a few Army friends. Long-term, we want to open and operate a training facility after retirement from the military.

What is the most important fitness tip?

Believe in the process. Change won't happen overnight. When you reach a goal, keep going. The human body is amazing. The way the body reacts after breaking down, fed, and rested will continuously shock you. Give your all in each area and the possibilities are endless.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder/fitness athlete?

Anyone who takes the stage gets a thumb up from me. They all went through the rigors of a contest diet, training, and dedicated everything to one day. If I had to choose a favorite competitor, it would be Shawn Ray. He isn't a mass monster and is about my height. His poster was the one I had on the wall when I started messing with weights back in Germany.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

Bodybuilding.com's workout articles kept me informed about different ways to train. I can't know everything, so having articles consolidated in one place makes it much easier. I used the Exercise Database to build my workouts. The videos explained proper form on exercises that were foreign to me and provided options to create workouts.

Augustine's Top 5 Gym Tracks

  1. "Ante Up" by M.O.P.
  2. "The Work" by De La Soul
  3. "Love Stoned" by Justin Timberlake
  4. "Backpackers" by Childish Gambino
  5. "All Your Goodies Are Gone" by Parliament Funkadelic
Competition History
  • 2013 NPC Tri State - 5th Place Masters, 1st Place Novice Light Heavyweight
  • 2013 Mid Atlantic Natural Classic - 2nd Place Masters, 2nd Place Open Light Heavyweight
  • 2012 Mid Atlantic Natural Classic - 5th Place Masters, 3rd Place Open Light Heavyweight, 1st Place Novice Light Heavyweight
Thanks
  • To my wife, Teshana, and daughters, Sharnaye and Jaelyn, who fully support my efforts.
  • To Chris at Retro Fitness for approaching me and putting the idea in my head that I can do this. - To everyone at Retro that wished me well and noticed the changes in my physique.
  • To everyone at the Apollon Gym. There's no better atmosphere to bang steel.
  • To my training partners, James and James, for wearing me out and helping me improve.
  • To Pat Grieco at Exile Training for unleashing my stored potential with a pinpoint dieting plan. - To the OGs at Exile Training (Anthony, Jose, and Jill). I train and think of you guys always.
  • To my crew at Exile, Anthony, Dee, and Steve, our time is coming.
  • To my friends at work for dealing with me on airheaded days.