Client update: Ivan
Ivan Benjamin is a trapeze artist and was referred by another client. His original goal was to get stronger to help him improve at his craft and become more resilient. After several months of training, he approached me about entering a bodybuilding show. I gave him the pros and cons, and let him decide.
He said yes, and the game was on.
For months, we focused on gaining muscle, and he did his job well. Ivan was a vegan for a long time, and he’s also naturally wiry and lean; therefore, gaining muscle would not come as easily as someone with a frame built for it. He’s also 100% natural.
When it came time for prep, he did start to eat more animal products out of necessity to keep his fiber intake down to a manageable and sensible level.
The weeks wore on. The fat was peeling off.
He worked with a local posing coach, Suzanne Shaw, who has been nothing short of superb. He practiced and perfected his routine under her watch, and she provided me with feedback along the way.
Today was show day, and I spent the morning texting him, telling him what to eat, what to drink, and texting Suzanne asking for her opinion as she drove to the show to watch and help him as his gameday coach.
I didn’t know what to expect for placings because there are a lot of variables that go into play on show day.
We chose classic physique, which has weight classes, because we felt that would be the smartest move for him.
Peak week came, and we did the water loading and cut. We manipulated carbs and sodium. And today was the payoff.
For his first show ever….
1st in Novice A
1st in Master’s
1st in Open
2nd in overall.
I sat in the coffee shop down the street from me in tears because I could not be prouder of him.
I didn’t care if he won or lost, but goddamn, getting 1st feels amazing, and I know he is proud of himself.
I am so damn proud of Ivan. I am so thankful for Suzanne’s work.
Soak it up, my man, you earned it.
I am accepting clients for nutrition and training services. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, I can help you achieve your goals.
Studying for my Master’s in Psychology from APUS
BAS in Applied Nutrition and Health from ASU
AAAI/ISMA - ISSA Strength and Conditioning - Pn1 Certified - ISSA Sports Nutrition - Master’s Level PPSC coach
Former Superleague Rugby player
Competitive Strongman from 1999 - 2010
Former NPC Masters Physique Competitor
Former assistant rugby coach for Mentor HS (OH) and former Assistant Rugby Coach at Liberty HS (MO)
2011 Speaker at Denison University’s Strength and Conditioning conference
Three self-published training books
Multiple magazine articles for Muscle and Performance, Muscle & Fitness, and Ironman
Published on PPSC, Elite FTS, and top articles of the week from Ben Bruno and PTDC
