Exclusive Interview with Arthur Baron!!!

WHO WAS ARTHUR BARON BEFORE BODYBUILDING ?

I was a shapeless, unhealthy, unfit beach ball that went for occasional jogs and enjoyed spinning, windsurfing; hardly new about pumping iron. Smoked and drank quite a lot.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE UP BODYBUILDING SERIOUSLY AND BEGIN COMPETING ?

I started late 2000 after getting very sick from bad nutrition and not enough exercise and got more serious in 200 I followed the Body for Life training & diet initially. I decided to take the plunge.

DID YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO START YOU OFF / AND WHO WAS YOUR INSPIRATION ?

My personal trainer, Deon Gouws, gave the guidance, inspiration and showed me the ropes. (He had competed himself so he had extensive experience). The Bill Phillips Body for Life was the program I started with.

WHEN DID YOU ENTER YOUR FIRST SHOW / AND WHERE DID YOU PLACE ?

June 2002 – Novice Dev champs – Edenvale – Gauteng. 1St place.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW ?

I would say 5 years, because last year I took first place at the SA Champs.

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL BELIEFS IN THE POSITIVES OF BODYBUILDING ?

One has to differentiate between just bodybuilding and competitive bodybuilding. The latter separates the men from the boys in that competing combines the training with proper nutrition and mental commitment – not a lot of people can do that. I have huge respect for the sport and I am learning more and more as I progress. Firstly you look good, feel good, and are good. Secondly you get to know your body and how it responds to certain foods and different training techniques.
Thirdly you inspire others in and out of the gym to change their body.
Fourthly – the mere fact that you have to stand on stage in say; 3 months time, forces you to train hard and eat properly and skip any cheat meals
Fifthly – it is an amazing, fulfilling sport.

TELL US HOW YOU FELT WHEN YOU WON OVERALL TITLE OF IFBB SA CHAMPS 2007 ?

Well, it only sunk in about 2-3 days later. Unbelievable, amazing, indescribable – I am still floating on air – especially when people remind me. However, you are still the same person before and after; just more motivated.

YOU REPRESENTED IFBB SA AT THE WORLDS IN 2006 – WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE ?

An awesome experience, daunting at first and quite intimidating. It seemed like everyone was much bigger than me despite all being a similar weight. I found it quite comforting to know most body builders are alike in terms of cravings, nerves & dehydration. The most amazing thing was that the food was exactly what we eat here, chicken breasts, egg whites, broccoli, fish, etc.

HOW HAVE YOU PREPARED YOURSELF FOR THIS YEARS IFBB WORLD CHAMPS ?

Kept it clean after SA’s – only 2 cheat days – thus avoiding huge water retention from the carbs. I am aiming for top 5 and have kept my condition – I am having pre- and post workout shakes from Optimum Nutrition, which I never had in my preparation for SA’s. I have changed my training with more emphasis on triceps. I am also increasing the cardio. Other than that everything else is much the same.

GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOU WOULD EAT FOR DINNER WHILST PREPARING FOR A COMPETITION ?

Chicken / fish and green veggies at ± 18h00 and 10 egg whites before bed with Optimum Nutrition Whey shake. DO YOU HAVE ANY CRAVINGS WHILST ON DIET ? This year has not been as bad as last - I normally crave savoury things more than sweet. If I do crave sweet things I would have coffee with sweetener or low cal squash with gelatine to make a jelly. I often take a swig of my little son’s energy tonic. (Ha! ha!)

WHAT IS YOUR ONE FAVOURITE THING TO EAT WHILST ON DIET ?

Sushi – on my carb-up day I normally give it horns at the local sushi shop, to my trainer’s horror – 15 – 18 plates at a time and strangely enough, oats with flax, whey protein and All Bran Flakes. (I sometimes eat this at 04h00 in the morning).

HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK SUPPLEMENTATION IS ?

Up until this year I never really believed in it, but I started using Optimum Nutrition Whey in January / February this year and really have felt and seen a huge difference in solid muscle gains and recovery. I am not a supplement junkie, I prefer real food but, I must say, this product is quality. I also take a multi-vitamin from Optimum and joint support.

DO YOU HAVE A MAIN SPONSOR THAT SUPPORTS YOU IN YOUR BODYBUILDING ?

Optimum Nutrition

WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT TERM GOALS ?

I want to obtain top 5 at worlds. I would like to put on ± 15 – 20 Kg of solid lean muscle that is: my weight at 120 Kg at 12 – 13% body fat. I would like to win my category at worlds. I would like to compete overseas providing my business and family support it. I would like to help hundreds of people with training and nutrition – and really like to be ambassador for the sport in SA.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION ?

I have a Real Estate Agency in Weltevreden Park in Roodepoort, Gauteng

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES ?

Windsurfing, music, body building and my family.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY ?

I have been married to Sue for 17 years – and I have 4 children from 16 years down to 2 years old – 3 boys and 1 girl.

WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK OF THE SPORT AND YOU COMPETING ?

They are very supportive – my family are the best judges of my condition. They understand and have come to realise what it is all about. My wife especially has incredible patience because every day revolves around body building. I do however think my family would like to go on more holidays.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO PREPARE FOR A SHOW LIKE THE SA CHAMPS ?

This year I prepared for Muscle Evolution Grand Prix so my base was solid – I would say ± 3 months.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND TRAINING IN THE GYM PRE CONTEST – SAY SIX WEEKS OUT ?

Monday to Friday: 2 Hours/day: 7 - 8 in the morning 2 - 3 in the afternoon Saturday: 8 – 9 in the morning Sunday: rest

WHEN DO YOU STOP TRAINING PRE CONTEST ?

3 Days before, however, for worlds we will have to stop earlier.

WHAT BODY PART DO YOU LEAST LIKE TRAINING IN THE GYM ?

I don’t really have one, but if I have to choose it would be abdominals