George (27) wins international bodybuilding event

George Herwill (27), a passionate bodybuilder who has spent long hours in the gym for the past 10 years and has dedicated his life to the sport ever since, is living proof that hard work pays off.

This after the former Hoërskool Florida pupil from the class of 2007 grabbed a major international title, that of overall Extreme Body champion at the World Fitness Federation (WFF) World Championships held in Thessaloniki, Greece this past June. It was his first year competing on a serious level.

“It was more than just glory as it was a privilege to stand on stage with my sister, Monique Norval (24) – a passionate figure model herself – that made everything worth it,” an ecstatic George told the Record.

George explains he first took up the sport – or ‘lifestyle’ as he calls it – seriously at the age of 17 with his dad, who has won the South African Championships on two occasions in 1981 and 1985 and who also is his inspiration and mentor.

“Yes, bodybuilding runs in the family. It’s my passion and I love the feeling after a training session. There is simply no greater feeling.”

But, George admitted that it all come with many sacrifices.

“It’s not easy being a bodybuilder. It is a vow, big commitment and sacrifice but of course we could not not do it without my and Monique’s spouses who are very supportive.

“There is no hiding it, training is extremely intense throughout the year, but I believe the tougher the workout, the better.”

Asked what the biggest challenges are in bodybuilding he replied, “Having to eat six meals exactly every three hours apart each day; eating the right amount of food and sticking to the scheduled times to train is pretty tough but, you certainly get out what you put in”.

George says that when it comes to contests, “We follow a very strict preparation diet.

“The food we eat is specific and the quantities and times we have to eat are important. The diet consists of white fish, salmon, chicken, sweet potato, oats, broccoli and asparagus. No cheat meals the last eight weeks before the show. We then have to be mentally focused and strong. It’s also important to drink a lot of water to keep our bodies well hydrated.”

He added that come the off-season, there is no time for slacking.

“The diet is not much different. We just add more food and introduce different types of carbs such as basmati rice, potatoes, a variety of fruits and vegetables to the diet. To be honest, we reward ourselves with maybe one or two cheat meals per week.”

While the big man and personal trainer by profession didn’t mention competing anytime soon, he concluded by saying, “For me, it is just to help the sport grow bigger as it is difficult to get sponsors and compete at this level. I want to help and encourage others to succeed and achieve similar goals”.

George also announced that a new gym, Gym Beaulah and Crossfit Box, will open at the beginning January 2014 at Hoërskool Florida. For those serious about lifting weights can phone 071 164 4980 for more info.