‘Weight’ for it!

The condition and definition presented by others at the Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association competition over a week ago were no match for Shaun Smith’s cutting-edge performance. Ripped to bodybuilding perfection on the main stage, his physique and exhibition tell the story of a dream realised through hard work, sheer will, and determination. This goal motivated him to not only lose over 100 pounds, but also to win first place in the novice bodybuilding category and collect the silver in novice classic bodybuilding.

The showstopper wowed the crowd with his solo performance. And, when it came to flexing those muscles in the parade with others, Smith was a definite standout as a cut above the rest within his amazing display.

“It felt so good to place first and second as a first-timer. The crowd loved the performance and I enjoyed just being out there and putting on a show,” Smith told Lifestyle.

Beginning his transformation 18 months ago was no easy feat. In fact, it seemed almost impossible to sculpt his current stature from a bigger physique. But it had been tried and proven by others in the past, and Smith knew that if he was persistent enough, he could reach his goal.

“Doing it this year was a decision that was made down to the wire, because I knew I had the idea in mind. But I really had to tell myself I was ready and that I had what it takes to win,” he explained

The training period was rigorous, to say the least. The aim was to try and maintain as much muscle as he could while shedding fat. The strategy was easier said than done, mostly due to the fact that, when you burn, you tend to burn both fat and muscle.

“Putting yourself in that deficit means your body will burn everything it can and keep what it needs. I had to figure out a way to find a perfect balance between losing the fat and keeping the muscle,” he shared.

An effective way of doing this was by making adjustments to his diet. Realising that he and carbohydrates were sworn enemies, Smith cut his diet down to greens, “I had lettuce every single day with whatever protein I liked, such as chicken breast, and that would be it. The portions were quite big, so I never felt hungry. And I hydrated quite a bit, so that kept the hunger at bay. Once I started doing that, I realised the pounds were going.”

What he learned was that the lack of carbs affected him mentally, “I was very moody and anxious, living in my head. Things that usually give me that dopamine rush didn’t anymore. Those 18 months taught me just how much food gives people dopamine rush.”

At the start of the 18 months, he was 330 pounds. By stage time, he was weighing in at 210 pounds, losing a total of 120 pounds. His relationship with health and fitness began when he was 17 years old. The former model, who was signed to Pulse at the time, explained that he initiated a workout regime to complement his career.

Over time, he traded in the runway for the gym. And that’s when he was able to tap into his true love. “Whenever I got to the gym, I felt amazing. The gym claimed me. Modelling got put aside and I fell in love with working out. I started getting bigger and stronger.”

By the time he left high school, he maintained his gym routine into adulthood. So passionate was he that he left his nine-to-five to pursue sport fitness and sports massage diploma full-time at G.C. Foster College.

Working in the industry didn’t prove to be as rewarding as he hoped, so he switched gears to hospitality and tourism while again maintaining a steady gym regimen.

In 2016, he grew fascinated with bodybuilding and decided that it was something that he wanted to do in his lifetime. Naturally, life got in the way, and the plan became a dream deferred. “I believe it was post COVID that I decided to get back on track,” he added.

With plans to use his muscles in a more constructive manner, he started engaging in power lifting activities over two years ago. This pivot from bodybuilding presented a few injuries here and there. And Smith decided that it wasn’t worth it. His return to bodybuilding in this refreshing way only fuelled his love even further.

“When I decided to go back, I gave it my all. I had to ask myself if I saw something exceptional to put on the stage. And I did. This commitment cemented the journey which led to the victory,” he revealed.

He is grateful for the support from his friends Debbie Hall, Marlon Birbridge, and CC, for their words of affirmation and encouragement during this journey. He is also thankful for the ladies in his office for their patience and understanding. “They had to endure 365 days of lettuce and chicken,” he said, laughing.

He already has his sights set on another title, only this time in the heavyweight category.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com