Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week: Build Mass And Stay At 10 Percent Body Fat!

How did your bodybuilding journey begin?

I had always been a lean kid and played soccer since age 4. I excelled at sports but was small and fast. I had no confidence in my abilities and it affected other parts of my life. One night, I was lying in bed, saw a Bowflex commercial, and was intrigued. I wanted to be like the guys I saw using the machine.

The next day, I spoke with my father and told him I wanted to make a lifestyle change and start working out. I didn't have the confidence to go to the gym, so the machine taught me to weight train. I followed the guidelines in the instruction manual and gradually learned basic movements.

Four weeks later in class, my friend looked at my forearm and saw striations in my muscles. That was the turning point. I started to work out at my school gym and researched online to learn proper technique and new exercises. It quickly became a passion. Now I have a bachelor's degree in exercise science with a special interest in nutrition and am going places I never imagined were possible.

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

My passion for bodybuilding emerged when I realized that I could use working out as an added challenge. I get bored of monotony and want to strive for new heights every day. Bodybuilding is perfect for that. It allows me to create goals, shatter them, and then add more goals. It forces my body and mind to the limit and gives a sense of accomplishment that nothing else comes close to.

What or who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

My passion to be great is the major factor. Every day is a new day to improve an aspect of my fitness or physique. It's a constant inner struggle to become a better person than I was yesterday. I don't do it for the female attention, fame, or glory. It's a platform to become sponsored and push others to a level they never thought possible.

Where did you go for inspiration?

When I feel unmotivated to hit the gym, I tell myself that the competition isn't taking a day off. To be the best, you have to put in the most work and effort. I tell my friends and clients that there is no roadblock that can't be broken down. In the end, the only person that is stopping you is you. YouTube bodybuilding videos with music always motivate me to go to the gym.

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

I competed for the first time without a coach and wanted to take the knowledge and hard work that I put in during the last 10 years and apply it to my full potential. That made the challenge more fulfilling. I have another show in April in the Quad Cities. I will take everything I learned from the first show and apply it to win and work toward my pro card. I'd like to pursue my ultimate dream and open a health and fitness facility so I can impact lives beyond the scope of what I do now.

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

It's a lifestyle, not a hobby. You have to wake up every day with the desire to be your best and stay consistent. Being diligent and consistent in your workouts, diet, and sleeping habits will drive you toward your ultimate goal. It requires sacrifices to get to the top. In this industry, you don't get what you wish for. You get what you work for.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

My favorite bodybuilder is Kai Greene because of his mentality. Mental toughness overcomes many obstacles. Without it, you cannot succeed. Kai's philosophies and training style are unique from other bodybuilders, as is his posing style. It's more of an art form.

How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I made a BodySpace profile in 2006 and got serious about lifting. There's an unlimited amount of information to help with training, dieting, and supplementation on Bodybuilding.com. I love the community feeling. Everyone is dedicated to motivate each other. BodySpace allowed me to track my goals, build new ones, and see into the future.

Brian's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"Breaking Through" by The Wreckage
"Forget You" by Digital Summer
"Red Warrior" by Hans Zimmer
"Heart Of Courage" by Two Steps From Hell
"Take One Last Breath" by Abandon All Ships

Contest History

NPC Northstar 2013 - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Thanks

To my amazing parents. I wouldn't be the man I am today without them.
To my brother who dieted with me during my first show prep.
To my friends who traveled to watch my show and to the ones who supported my journey.
To my coworkers and people around me who put up with my short temper during contest prep.