This week, I begin a series of interviews with known faces in the local fitness fraternity. Though it can be considered a break from the regular health and fitness column, there will still be advice and tips in the athletes’ interviews that may be helpful.
In this first interview, four-time Mr Guyana Bodybuilding Champion and 2016 CAC gold medalist, 28-year-old Kerwin Clarke gives some insight on how he maintains a balance between fitness, working, and a social life, how his fitness journey started and what keeps him motivated.
Share your story with us, how did you get started?
It all started for me in 2011. My training partner at that time was Marvin Abrams. One evening I took a good look at myself in the mirror during my workout at Zahif Gym and I said, “Looking like this at 150 lbs, I would love to put my physique to the test… Bruce Whatley overheard and said, ‘Young man, are you serious? Novices is three weeks away. Let’s get started!’ On March 27, 2011, I was crowned Novices Champion!”
What has kept you motivated?
I am self-motivated, hence, I focus on past performance and that fuels me. I always aspire to do better and be better than my previous show.
What are your plans for the future?
My future aspiration is to conquer my journey in the sport of bodybuilding. Doing such involves going as far as I can, doing my best and at the same time selling my country on the international stage.
What does your training split look like?
First day I target chest and triceps; day two I target back and abs. On the third day I do shoulders and triceps and day four is leg day.
Day 1 – Chest: Incline, decline and flat bench; cable cross overs (incline and decline) and flyes (free weight and machines)
Triceps: Skull crushers, close grip bench, tricep extensions
Day 2 – Back: Pull ups, pull downs, a number of rowing variations and deadlift
Biceps: A variety of curls with free weights and machines (preacher, concentration and alternate dumbbell curls)
Day 3 – Shoulders: Seated dumbbell press, barbell or dumbbell front raise, dumbbell lateral raise, lateral raise machine
Day 4 – Legs: Squats, leg presses, lunges, seated leg curls, standing leg extensions and calf raises
On Day 5, the full-time employee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does some form of cardio.
What is your diet like?
Breakfast
Coffee with a six-egg omelet and about two to three slices of whole wheat bread.
Lunch
Veggies, rice and some lean protein in the form of chicken or fish
Mid Afternoon Snack
Fruits like apples and bananas
Dinner
Grilled chicken and a veggie salad
What supplements do you take?
In terms of supplementation, I prefer to go with the lean whey protein isolates. Other than that I use multi-vitamins.
How do you maintain a balance between fitness, working, and a social life?
Well for me fitness is part of my lifestyle. It’s not my entire life so I make the time for various aspects of my life. Time is never enough but it’s all about proper time management and prioritizing. It’s really not that hard for me. I have a fairly equitable base in which I share myself in each aspect, so there is a fair balance.
Favourite Quote/s?
I don’t really use quotes as a guideline but I always strive to do better and improve in every area of my life. My philosophy is to always try to be a better version of yourself every day.
What advice do you have for young aspiring bodybuilders?
My advice is to never let ego get the best of you. Be focused and give it your all despite whatever challenges you encounter along the journey. Always try to target the top and let consistency, hard work and dedication be the key to unlocking the goals you want to achieve.
Clarke can be found on Facebook and on Instagram (@meetdechamp2015). He took the opportunity to convey gratitude to his family, fiancée and his gym Fitness Express for their unending support.
