Pumped to get to the top
These bodybuilders will get a chance to show off their hard work in the Arnold Africa Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness Champs in May.
SIX Queensburgh athletes have qualified to compete in the Arnold Africa Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness Champs. Alexander Naidoo (24), Msizi Majola (30), Mvelo Khumalo (27), Elizea van Rensburg (55), Mphilo Nombika (28) and Torq Beukes (17) will strut their stuff at Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, from May 19 to 21.
“We had seven athletes taking part, but one decided to pull out,” said Wayne Rust (52), who has trained Elizea for the last two years and now also assists Torq, Alexander and Msizi when needed. He is pumped with confidence that all his athletes stand a good chance to place in the top six at the Arnold Africa. “They all placed top three at the Arnold qualifier, so we are holding thumbs.” He reckons Elizea, who has never competed before, has transformed the most, and she placed second at her qualifier.
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“Alexander has always wanted to compete but wasn’t sure if he would do well or not. He ended up first at his qualifier, which has boosted his confidence.”
Wayne, unfortunately, didn’t have the opportunity to compete in the classic but did enter the 1994 South African Natural Bodybuilding Champs, where he placed second, and the 2010 KZN Body Building Champs where he just missed making the top six out of 17 athletes in his line-up.
Wayne started bodybuilding in 1991 under the guidance of Nick Rust. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed the muscular look. Throughout my high school years, I was the chubby, quiet boy who lacked confidence and the ability to do well in sports which I enjoyed participating in. That is when I decided to make a change and get into the gym.”
He worked as a trainer for about six years for a national gym. “That is where my passion for training and assisting others with their fitness journeys began. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client reach their goals – their lives are changed forever.”
In 2016, he bought his own gym in Escombe which was a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted my own [gym] where I can make a difference in my community.”
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When it comes to receiving recognition for all your hours pushing weights, there is no bigger stage than the Arnold Africa. There are several compulsory poses each athlete has to perform alongside others in their line-up. They are judged on their tan, hair, shoes, bikinis, male posing trunks, muscle proportions, symmetry, muscle tone and lean body mass. An added bonus for the local athletes is that Wayne has been appointed as one of the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB) KZN bodybuilding judges.
“This enables me to assist our athletes and others with what the judges are looking for in each division. This will definitely help our athletes with their posing and other requirements.”
To prepare them mentally and physically for such a huge competition, the six have group training sessions as well as one-on-one with a personal trainer. They follow strict eating and training programmes plus regular monthly assessments to keep them motivated and accountable. Athletes who compete train more intensely than your average gym member. The combination of intense weight training, combined with up to two hours of cardio a day, and following a strict eating plan, is what sets them above average.
Wayne is fundraising to help lighten the athletes’ load. Each athlete has to squeeze out R7 000 to get to the classic and compete, which includes registration and accommodation.
He also wants to provide them with tracksuits and tog bags for them to look as professional as possible. Any business that is keen to sponsor can take the marketing opportunity to have its name on them.
“We will also advertise for them on our social media pages. I have a few events planned to raise funds, such as a bench press competition. Fortunately, one of our generous members has offered a vehicle with diesel to assist with transport. I hope more members of the community come forward to help our athletes.”
To help, call Wayne on 082 773 6529 or email bodyphysiquegym2@gmail.com.
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