Hoe wordt ik een Men’s Physique Bodybuilder

Becoming a Men’s Physique Bodybuilder

with Darrel Rabess, IFBB Pro Men’s Physique, 36 y/old living in London, United Kingdom

How did you start competing?

After my injury from semiprofessional football my passion grew for the “pump” during the rehabilitation process. The gym where I worked out was “Muscle works”, a famous bodybuilding gym in London for professional bodybuilders such as Ronnie Coleman.  The gym owner said that I had a good structure for bodybuilding and should start competing. I like to challenge and set goals for myself and therefor decided to start competing. In 2013 I placed 1^st ,  doing my very first competition in Miami as a Pro Fitness Model.

That must have been a major confidence boost!

Yes it definitely helped me to become more confident in pursuing competitions. However if I had not won that first time I would have probably continued anyways. Loss is something to learn from. Not everybody is going to be as successful when starting with competitions.

Do you find it difficult to get in shape for a competition?

Bodybuilding is a humbling and hardworking balanced lifestyle all year long. As I do not do “off” and “on” seasons I try to stay in shape all year round. That way I only need a 12 week preparation for a competition. A nice and slow process, nothing drastic. It can be all about refining my physique. My diet will be more structured and I will weigh my food. Reducing fat and sugary foods and decrease my calorie intake with 25 to 30%. I do not have “cheat days or cheat meals” but if I feel “flat” or depleted to early before the competition I will sometimes have a chicken burger and chips or a pizza to give me more energy and stimulate my metabolism. This helps to trick your body and start losing fat again.

What are your tips/ criteria to start competing?

If you want to compete as a Men’s Physique Bodybuilder it is preferable if you have a small waist and broad shoulders and have an athletic build. I started competing as a fitness model and never wanted to be huge. Men’s Physique is the right ‘class’ for me.

Do you get nervous before a show?

As the show comes closer, about 4 weeks up front I can start to question myself. Doubts such as “Have I done enough?”. Comparing myself to others on social media. This can be confusing as pictures online show the best pumps, but it is not the same as in real life. It is all about presentation and maintaining your composure. Competing is a great experience and you need to manage and control your nerves.  After all the hard work you do not want to ruin it. It is important to know your own body to show the best of your physique. What works for others does not always work for you. When I am on stage it makes me feel alive, I like feeling my heart beat!