When he walks down the corridors at Primrose High School, the name Mr Muscle follows him.
And it suits the technical and Grade Nine maths teacher and Symhurst resident Werner Neveling, who recently showed how strong he is by winning the over 90kg section of the Wieleskou Strongman competition held in Secunda.
Werner was thrilled with his win as it was the first strongman competition he has won.
He did his first strongman competition in 2011 and loves doing them.
“I divide my year into four sections,” Werner said.
“I do Warrior Races, marathons (5km to 10km) in aid of charities, mountain biking, strongman competitions (one or two) and now I am back into bodybuilding again.”
In fact, Werner is currently preparing for an IBFF (International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation) bodybuilding competition which takes place in Welkom on July 29.
Werner told the GCN that at each strongman competition you have to do different events and at the Secunda competition he had to compete in the Farmer’s Walk, which entails carrying 240kg a specific distance in the quickest time; the Tyre Flip which saw him flipping a tyre weighing between 280 and 300kgs; the Dead Lift where you need to lift a 210kg weight as many times as possible and then finally the main event – the Truck Pull, which sees competitors pulling a truck.
“I was extremely happy with my win,” he said.
Now he has set his sights on doing his best at the upcoming bodybuilding competition in Welkom.
“I was inspired by professional bodybuilder Kobus van der Merwe, who asked me why I was not standing on a stage,” Werner said.
“So even though the last bodybuilding competition I did was five years ago as a junior, I decided to make a comeback.
“I am trained by Danie Dippenaar who owns a supplement shop in Welkom and I am doing the show to support him.”
Werner added that many people have told him that he should choose between strongman and bodybuilding but he does not want to.
“They are my hobbies and I enjoy doing them.
“The mountain biking and running help me keep fit as I need to do cardio training. I also enjoy the Warrior Races – but normally only do ones closer to home,” he said.
Another event Werner has taken part in is Muddy Puppy.
“My Weimaraner Lucy and I loved it, it involves various obstacles,” said Werner.
Werner has a strict routine he must stick to in order to be in top shape for all his different sports.
“I do cardio in the mornings before school, then its teaching, preparation and extra murals during the day, then home to prepare my meals and to go to gym.
“I eat seven times a day and follow a specific diet. I need to make sure I get in all my meals and training.
“I believe if you are going to do something you need to give 100 per cent,” Werner said.
Werner said that he picked up the nickname Mr Muscle from his learners and has received a number of letters saying they look up to him for his discipline.
“If the road takes me there and I do well in competitions, who knows whether my sports will just continue to be hobbies,” he said.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Arnold Classic Africa triumph for locals
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (journalist) leighh@caxton.co.za or Puleng Sekabate pulengs@caxton.co.za.
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
