CHEF  NINOS 

One of the greatest quotes from Arnold Schwarzenegger is “Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet and mental approach.” I believe he was my motivation and this mindset helped guide me throughout this new journey in my life. I grew up in a family of five brothers, where being weak was not an option. We always played rough and participated in various types of sports from a young age. I idolized Arnold Schwarzenegger as I was growing up - watching his movie, reading and researching his lifestyle and training for many years.

     In early February 2011, I decided to get real serious about my future in bodybuilding. I did ample research on the internet and read books on bodybuilding and diet. I put a lot of attention into my eating habits and groceries, reading everything on product labels and trying to understand what every ingredient meant. I was determined and focused. I dedicated six days a week to physical training at the gym. Within the first five months, I had gained twenty-five pounds. It felt good to see the growth.

     I don’t believe in muscle confusion training. I stuck to the basics - working out four sets and twelve reps. I spent a minimum of an hour and a half at the gym each session and rewarded my body once in a while with a cheat meal. When people told me I wouldn’t make it or couldn’t keep up this life of sacrifice, that became a motivation for me to continue pursuing this passion. Their negativity made me want to prove myself even more, and worked to book my passion in this field, and pushed me to continue to work harder.

     I entered the 1st Annual Henderson Thorne Classic - my very first bodybuilding competition - in July 2011. I put in more than 20 hours, preparing every week with my routine. I was very proud of myself and of my body’s development throughout this procedure. I placed 2nd in my weight category, which I appreciated. It allowed me to set 1st place as my future goal, which I received in my fourth show at the Ontario Championship on May 3rd 2014. This was soon followed by being placed one of the top five at the Toronto Pro Show on May 30th 2014.

  I often look back at all the pictures taken  and it reminds me of where I have come from. Bodybuilding has taught me discipline, determination and to be mentally and physcially fit. I believe everyone has something they are great at, and this was one of my callings.