I AM ALFA because I defeat myself everyday while staying real and giving 100%. I slipped into a dark depression after rupturing my bicep.I went from 180 to 250 lbs.
Photography by: ALI SOHRAB
I was born into an athletic, cricket loving family in Cape town, South Africa. I played semi-professionally and made the Canadian junior team. Through a number of injuries and personal affairs I made the decision to stop playing cricket professionally.
I slipped into a dark depression after rupturing my bicep (it had completely detached from my shoulder and required surgery to repair). I went from 180 to 250lbs during this time and I knew that I could either accept this terrible fate or do something about it.
The long journey to rehabilitation started and I was slowly gaining my strength back.
Fast forward to the past year, I set a goal to enter the NPAA men's physique show. I had no idea what I was really getting myself into but the competitive spirit in me gave it all I had. Not only did I achieve my goal of competing but I surpassed it when I placed first in the Men’s Physique, earning my NPAA elite pro card. Earning this title and being an NPAA member has welcomed me to an extremely supportive and encouraging community of individuals who inspire me to be better than I was yesterday. I discovered that by sharing my journey and showing the struggle, hard work, and dedication that it takes to see your dreams be reality, it can serve as an inspiration to others. This year I have my eyes set on gracing the stage in Calgary for the NPAA Canada Classic. I’ve learned a lot from the first show I entered and am hoping to apply some of the lessons and insights taken from that experience to lead me to a new level of personal success come show time in May.
I AM ALFA because I defeat myself everyday while staying real and giving 100%. I hope my journey can inspire and empower others to find their Alfa.
What are the most rewarding things that Fitness has brought you?
Fitness has brought me a sense of accomplishment -- knowing that the time and effort I dedicate to the gym and nutrition is revealing itself through my body. The energy and vitality I feel from being dedicated to fitness is something that no supplement or money can give -and that, to me, is quite rewarding!
When was the most alfa moment in your life, and why?
The moment I heard my name announced that I had won the Men’s physique pro card. It had validated all my hard work and made all the sacrifices worth it.
What’s next for you?
I am currently training for my first Pro show at the NPAA Canada classic in May.
Please share up to 5 things people don’t know about you.
I am a sneakerhead, and have a bit of a shoe obsession.
I am a father to 3 amazing boys
I'm a bit of a foodie and I love to eat (this makes training extra challenging)
I am a Big Brother super fan (I may have tried out before)
Can you name few 5 Alfa people you know?
Yes, My wife Anita,
My brother Bradley,
My coaches at Ripped Geek Fitness, Mark Crawford and Lou Noel.
What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about life and health?
Health is a lifestyle if you want to make a change in your health making small lifestyle adjustments can make large gains in your long-term fitness goals. I found mine to be mainly about portion control.
What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about Health?
to keep going when the going gets tough. Remember WHY you started. You will have hard days where you will struggle and remembering your WHY will help you move forward.
Don’t beat yourself up. If you fall off your diet or miss a gym session, don’t get too hung up over it. You are human, life happens, just don’t let it spoil all the work you have put in.
Try to avoid “cheat meals.” First of all, I don’t like that term. If you want to eat something that badly, you can find a way to make it fit into your diet. Remember moderation!
Take photos of yourself on a regular basis. Seeing yourself every day you will not notice the results. Having photos to look back at and compare can help you truly see and compare your progress.
Set realistic and attainable goals. Be mindful of the goals you set -- if you’ve never been to the gym before, going to the gym seven days a week is not realistic or attainable and you’re just setting yourself up for failure. Really ask yourself if the goals you’ve set are realistic and attainable, and then conquer said goals.
Your favourite quote:
There is a saying in cricket that I’ve always abided by: “Form is temporary class is permanent”
Where people can find you?
Instagram: @justggb
Facebook: garreth.benjamin