Bodybuilding is not a hobby for Garrett Bohn, it is a lifestyle.
At the age of 29, he has 11 years of training behind him and a strict routine to help him get pumped up to compete at the Ontario Physique Association (OPA) Provincial Championship this June.
“If I do take top five in Ontario provincials, I’ll go to the nationals,” said Bohn.
The OPA event, held at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre, is a qualifier for the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation (CBBF) National Championships, which will be held in British Columbia.
“This year the competition will be even larger,” said Bohn.
He noted the top five of every competition will compete to move on. Earning his place to get to this spot was a big moment.
“I competed in my first competition on April 14, 2012 at the OPA championships, placing second,” Bohn said, adding he placed fifth out of nine competitors to earn a spot at provincials.
Achieving that goal requires Bohn to hit the Snap Fitness gym in Fergus, where he completes one and a half hours a day of extensive training, six days a week.
Bohn says the 16 weeks prior to the competition requires a strict diet and discipline. Supplements for his diet alone cost him $400 a month.
“Being mentally strong for this commitment is only your own determination,” he said, adding, you have to ask yourself, “Can you train when you are hungry? Can you handle the hardships when preparing for competition?”
Bohn believes he can. He started training at age 17 with his father, who was a competitive body builder. The two worked together and his father inspired his commitment to the sport.
“The judges are looking for dexterity, definition, fat percentage, balance in your muscles (all over),” said Bohn, who is proudest of his muscle structure in his back and hamstrings.
The cost of training and competing is high so Bohn, who says he is the only competitive body builder in the Wellington County area, is hoping local businesses will consider sponsoring him.
“It’s already started with recognition from body builder product suppliers,” said Bohn, who works with Blue Star products.
“My lifelong goal is to turn pro and continue with body building as a lifestyle,” Bohn said.
On June 1 and 2, at the OPA Provincial Championship, Bohn will be one step closer to making that dream a reality.
For more information on Bohn, contact 519-362-2358, or email boxerboygarrett@hotmail.com or via Facebook.
