The mind of a champion bodybuilder

The spirit of bodybuilders, like many other athletes, never ceases to amaze me. Their passion, discipline and relentless determination truly inspire not only their private circles but the communities they belong to as well. What’s even more incredible than seeing someone compete in a bodybuilding show is witnessing a person persevere year after year to maintain a long bodybuilding career.

At the recently concluded Musclecontest Philippines, two men were recognized for their incredible bodies which were built through many years -- Alvin John Cajigan, Champion Novice Men’s Bodybuilding (Heavyweight), and Archie Brodeth, Champion Men’s xPhysique Masters 35+.

Philippine STAR: How long have you been part of competitive bodybuilding? 

Alvin John Cajigan: It’s been almost 10 years. My last competition was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Archie Brodeth: I’ve been working out since I was 17 years old and competing for two years. I have been a personal trainer for the past 10 years. One week after Musclecontest, I also competed in another bodybuilding competition called Swolzfest.

Why did you decide to compete?

CAJIGAN: I joined Musclecontest Philippines because of the IFBB Pro Card. It has always been my dream to become a pro on the bodybuilding stage. It’s actually every bodybuilder’s dream.

BRODETH: My dream is to be an IFBB Pro Card holder because my ultimate goal is to compete at the Olympia one day. I was stoked when I heard that Musclecontest was coming to the Philippines because it presented a direct gateway to the one and only Mr. Olympia!

What was the hardest part about preparing for the contest?

CAJIGAN: Ironically, the hardest part was rushing to reach the registration since I did not make it on the Sept. 7 check-ins! Fortunately, I made it.

BRODETH: The hardest part of my contest preparation was when I was walking around on zero carbohydrates for three weeks while working out 10 hours a day. All throughout, I had to sustain my cardio and keep the workouts intense. However, I focused on my goal and my dream. The main goal was to be in my best condition for the contest.

What was your diet like? 

CAJIGAN: I follow a diet that’s very low in carbohydrates and high in protein. My preferred source of protein is more of chicken and fish. When it comes to supplements, I take creatine, BCAAs, and whey protein.

BRODETH: I ate a lot of chicken breast fillets throughout my contest prep. In the morning, I ate oatmeal, eggs, and had just a cup of black coffee. Throughout the day, I would always have a serving of beef and fish. My supplements during the contest prep were fat burners, BCAAs and whey protein.

What was your training program like?

CAJIGAN: I focus on high repetitions while still emphasizing heavy weights. For cardio, I do 30 to 45 minutes every day. When preparing for a competition, nothing is more important.

BRODETH: My training program was intense. I incorporated various methods, such as supersets and dropsets. Of course, I had to do 30 minutes of fasted cardio at least four times a week.

How did it feel winning your division in Musclecontest Philippines?

CAJIGAN: Winning in Musclecontest Philippines and celebrating on that stage has to be one of the proudest moments of my life!

BRODETH: It was a big event filled with an amazing line-up of top athletes from all over the world. Winning made me proud.  It was one of my biggest achievements ever! The contest prep was definitely worth it!

What advice or message would you give those who would like to follow in your footsteps? 

CAJIGAN: Don’t get too boastful. Keep your head down in victory and your head up in defeat. Most of all, remember that we are all the same.

BRODETH: My first advice is that family and work should not be affected while on contest prep. Exert extra effort on every training session and stay consistent with your diet. Always practice your posing routine whenever you can. The real competition is not anyone else but yourself. You need to beat yourself to become a better you.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.