Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week: Anthony Empowered His Body

Anthony took a trip to the Body Power Expo and was introduced to bodybuilding culture. His life was never the same again.

Q

How did your bodybuilding journey begin?

I have been involved in sports from the age of eight. I played ice hockey at a good level for 16 years before I needed a new challenge. I joined a boxing club and fell in love with the sport. I started watching what I was eating, because I had to make weight on a regular basis. I used to box in the 75 kg weight class. I struggled to make weight, but with the right nutrition I managed to do it.

After making a lot of progress as a boxer, I started to get a little back pain here and there. After a few months the pain got worse and I had an MRI to determine the result of the injury. The scan revealed I had two slipped discs in my lower spine. This meant I couldn't box anytime soon.

I work as a personal trainer and I have to be in good shape year-round. The injury forced me to find a way to stay in shape without putting more strain on my lower back. I started weightlifting to help improve core strength to alleviate my back pain. After only a few months of weight training and eating well, I noticed my body changing and gradually getting leaner.

"My goal was to get in the best shape I could and learn from the experience. I achieved everything I wanted from my first competition. I cannot wait for the next one!"

I go to Body Power Expo in Birmingham every year, but because I started to weight train I was more interested than usual. Seeing some of the physiques the men and women had amazed and inspired me to improve my own physique. Talking to some of the fitness models inspired me to learn more about training and nutrition. I have educated myself about nutrition and love learning more about it every day. After seeing people post pictures on Instagram about competitions they had entered, I decided to look into different competitions myself.

My original plan was to compete in September 2014 but in January 2014 I saw a new organization post something on Twitter that made me ask, "What have I got to lose?" I entered and then competed in May 2014. My goal was to get in the best shape I could and learn from the experience. I achieved everything I wanted from my first competition. I cannot wait for the next one!

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

I have never felt so passionate about anything in my life. I constantly think about training and nutrition. My whole life revolves around it. Sometimes I think am I going over the top, but when I talk about it with someone else who shares the same passion it makes sense why I love it. I have just started but love it and I know it will be with me for the rest of my life.

What or who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

The first person to motivate me was Rob Riches. I remember going to Body Power in 2013. One of my friends—who also has a huge interest in fitness—showed me who Rob was and said he has an amazing physique. As soon as I got home from Body Power I typed in Rob Riches into the Internet and checked out his diet and training. Another person who motivates me is Joe Donnelley. He gives great tips on diet and training. He is controversial, but if you look at his physique there is no doubt he knows what he is talking about.

Where did you go for inspiration?

I get myself into a zone before getting to the gym. I have a plan of what I am doing on that day so I can mentally prepare myself for what lies ahead. When I feel a little unmotivated I always think of my mum. My mum has had a tough life and always comes out fighting. I just think about her when I am either unmotivated or tired. This always manages to push me through and even gets me past the point I thought my body could not handle. If something bad has happened to you or a person you love, rather than being negative about it, turn it into a positive, and use it in the gym. My training partner is a massive help when I am tired. He helps get me into the zone to train hard. If you haven't got a training partner, get one. They help a lot.

"Train as hard as you want, but if your diet isn't right you will never get the results you want."

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

I am going to compete in Pure Elite Comp again in November 2014 and then compete at Body Power Expo 2015. After that I will see what my body looks like before deciding whether to have some time out to build more muscle and size, or carry on competing.

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

Train as hard as you want, but if your diet isn't right you will never get the results you want. Diet is 70%, and training is the other 30%.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

Rob Riches. He isn't a bodybuilder, but his body is just amazing. He's a great inspiration. If he can do it then so can I. I also love Steve Cook. He has an amazing physique and is an inspiration for me. Both have the perfect body. They don't look stupidly big but are still shredded.

How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I recently started a BodySpace and it's great to chat to others who have the same passion I do. When you meet or speak to people who have the same passion as you do, you instantly click and get on. I love just relaxing and browsing on bodybuilding.com. There is so much to look for. I love looking at different workouts so my training doesn't become boring. The nutrition articles are always interesting to read. You can always learn something new and improve your knowledge.

Anthony's Top 5 Gym Tracks

  1. The Game - Dreams
  2. 50 Cent - When It Rains It Pours
  3. Mr Probs - Waves
  4. Nightcrawlers - Push The Feeling
  5. 50 Cent - Hustlers Ambition
Contest History
  • Pure Elite - Fitness Model - May 2014