From flab to fab

During high school, Neil van Rooyen was the least sporty of his peers.

While his friends scrummed down on the rugby field, Neil watched from the stands, a picture of insecurity and low self-esteem.

“When I began studying at Potchefstroom, I fell into the habit of partying and eating poorly, and became the chubby kid.”

Today, Neil is a polar opposite to his former self.

Transforming himself through clean living and gymming, Neil sports a ripped physique, and is the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Iron Man Novice champion.

“It has been a long and fulfilling journey – now guys ask me for advice and say I motivate them. I’m truly honoured and it’s a great feeling.”

Neil admitted his victory at the Iron Man competition was a surprise; as a 32-year-old novice, he was pitted against athletes who were some years younger.

It was also his first time at such an event.

“The moment I left the stage, my coach, Nick Robert told me I was entering the King Shaka Classic in May,” Neil explained with a smile.

After a week off’, he was straight back into training and strict dieting.

Less than a month remains until the King Shaka, and Neil expressed his excitement at getting back on the stage and showing off his build.

However, he also talked frankly about the sacrifice athletes made for their chosen sports.

“Lots of people don’t realise the sacrifice, effort and work put in. It takes a lot of time to prepare, and I have to consider my wife, Natasha. The time I put in takes away from her time.”

Between his training, Neil is refining his food intake, and will move from clean carbohydrates to a stage of ‘carb depletion’ in the final week before the King Shaka Classic.

However, he is not a firm believer in diets per se.

“I believe in eating according to your goals. In general, when I’m not prepping for a show, I follow a balanced, healthy meal plan, and keep it clean by avoiding foods such as bread, sugar and any processed ingredients.”

Neil trains once a day, consisting of weight training focused on one muscle group a day, and 20 to 30 minutes of cardio three to four times a week.

A month before a show, he ups this to twice-a-day training.

“Lots of guys train with the heaviest weights, but you must realise weights and bodybuilding are about using correct technique, proper reps and good form, because that develop the muscle.”

Another architect of Neil’s impressive build is Durban-based Nick Robert.

Before meeting Nick, Neil had been gymming since 2008, and was seeking more motivation towards the beginning of this year.

“I joined East Coast Transformation, not thinking of competing, and about a month in, I saw a huge difference. Neil then called me and challenged me to enter the novice show.”

Neil described his relations with Nick as service above and beyond, and believes he has made a true friend in his impressive coach.

“He understands different body types and diet.”

Beyond bodybuilding, Neil is an avid amateur photographer.

Enjoying time among nature, he and Natasha are also foodies who love trying new recipes, watching cooking television and gardening.

Neil is one who truly appreciates the time he gets with his wife.

“She has been my rock and cheerleader, and she brings me through each time.”