He thought his competition days were over: Instead, Adrian Pietrariu willed his way to Athlete of the Year
How did he do it?
Up close and personal interview with Adrian Pietrariu
Do you think some people are just born with the right genetics for bodybuilding?
AP: Well, we all have the raw material; it’s what your choices are and what you dedicate yourself to, but I come from pretty raw-raw materials. If you could’ve seen me as a kid back in Romania in the 80s, you would not have put good odds on me living this kind of life. We were refugees in the Communist time, and my Mom and Dad moved us to Michigan in 1990; and at that point, my passion in life was McDonalds every Saturday night. That was like heaven to me back then, God Bless America! Then in high school and after that, I got into kickboxing, and taekwondo, and that was when I first got my body into shape.
How do you get from there to Athlete-of-the-Year?
AP: Well, I’m not what you’d call an overnight success, unless you count about 26 years of overnights. I never planned to become a competitive bodybuilder; I became a trainer to help people. I did a lot of personal training, a lot of 5:30am boot camps, and classes, all while training myself. I decided to start competing in bodybuilding competitions as a way to inspire my clients. It sounds corny, but my purpose as a trainer was about helping my clients live a healthy lifestyle, but most importantly instilling the belief within themselves that they too could get into great shape. I started competing in small competitions about fifteen years ago, and it was great because I had some success, so every two years I’d plan to compete in my next natural bodybuilding competition. Each time I competed I got better and better. Making hard choices everyday and seeing gradual improvements every year is a philosophy everyone should follow.
But you don’t just compete and train, you also judge and promote now?
AP: Yes, I’ve been with the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) since 2009, and this is the organization I really love. What’s great about having that consistency over time is; that when I compete with this organization, it feels more like family than with other organizations I have competed in. We’re building a family with natural athletes from all over, 60 countries around the world. The INBA PNBA tests with WADA Labs and to the WADA Code, just like the Olympics, and it’s the largest natural bodybuilding organization out there.
You rose to the level of Mr. Natural California, then stopped. Why?
AP: When I won the Mr. Natural California in 2009, it was mind-blowing to me, and then I capped it off in 2013 and I went to the INBA World Championships in Greece and came home with a few medals, and I pretty much thought that was the top of it for me.
Did you decide to quit competing?
AP: No, I didn’t decide to quit, I just stopped competing to focus more so on business. I became more involved with the INBA. I started judging, and later promoted the 2017 World Cup in L.A. to try and grow the sport; which was a first for me, and a great experience. Competing demanded so much focus from me and at the time something I’d left in the past, which I was okay with. However, I began to lose focus of myself, and started getting sick more often, not paying attention to my health. Then to top it off, my 40th birthday was coming up and that kind of thing makes you look at yourself in the mirror. I realized I wasn’t who I wanted to be, who I started to be from the beginning. My goal was to help everybody obtain optimal health, but I forgot about myself. So in 2018, I decided to come back out of retirement with a new focus: never giving up and push myself to the next level.
How does someone like you take it to “the next level?”
I couldn’t train the same as I’d always done, and how everyone else was, so I committed to training seven days a week, for two hours, no days off. Before I’d maybe do three days on, three off, or five on two off, and always include rest days, but this time, I said I’m just going to do it until I get to my goal and beyond. That was the new mindset I set up in my mind. I’m going to get in the best shape of my life– that’s what I’m going to do. It wasn’t easy, in fact, it was hell the first two weeks, I wanted to give up, but I pushed myself for a month, which was horrible, but I made it through the month! So I was like, what the heck, I’ll keep it going!
Training seven days a week really took a toll on my body, and a friend recommended I try taking CBD “Cannabidiol” stemming from marijuana for muscle recovery. I was concerned at first, wondering if I was going to have the effects of inhaling or ingesting marijuana products, and was it WADA compliant, but CBD has a completely different effect on the body and for me it assisted with muscle soreness and fatigue. I started with 25 mgs, then 50 day now 100 a day. I can honestly say, I would not be able to train 7 days a week and as hard as I was without CBD and my daily vitamins.
So what happens after a couple months of 7 days a week without a break?
AP: Well, a funny thing happens when you put in the effort: you get results. When you put in the work, other opportunities will come to you. I had a friend who asked me why don’t I compete again? I was skeptical, but then I won the Southern California Natural, and then the Muscle Beach and the US San Diego Warriors, Team USA and three Gold Medals at the Natural Olympia in both Masters & Open Bodybuilding and lastly, to top it all off Denny Kakos, World President and Founder of the INBA PNBA awarded me ATHLETE OF THE YEAR!
Sounds more like the Athlete of the Last 20 Years Award.
AP: The goal that drove all this came from what was in my mind at the beginning—to be in the best shape possible, without apologies or excuses. If someone would have told me that in December of 2017 I would get into the best physical shape of my life, best health of my life and also compete in five shows, and win all five, compete at the Pinnacle of Natural Sports, The Natural Olympia and end up winning three GOLD medals? I would tell them they were crazy!
Or maybe you’re crazy?
AP: Yeah, that’s probably more like it! In all seriousness, there is no magic pill. If you follow the plan, put in some serious hard work, focus, dedication, lots of hunger and you don’t quit, amazing things can happen.
Natural Olympia PNBA Pro Figure Champion Sherrie Bingham:
Wins the Gold at the 2017 Natural Olympia
Interview by Eric Lipton
Sherrie Bingham won the incredibly competitive PNAB Professional Figure title at the 2017 INBA PNBA Natural Olympia. The 51-year-old only started competing relatively recently, but has been incredibly successful in her career. Sherrie brings an unbelievable combination of muscle, shape, and conditioning to the stage. Continue reading more about this incredible champion.
Sherrie, was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in a single parent home with sister and mother. Sherrie graduated from Oakland High School in 1984, and then received a four year scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University. She lives in La Vergne, Tennessee and is a mother to a daughter and two sons, and a grandmother of two boys and a girl. For the past seven Sherrie has worked for Nissan Manufacturer in Smyrna, Tennessee as a line tech.
Tell us about your competition history, when and how did you start competing, and what are some of the highlights of your career?
In 2010, I was lifting without a purpose and then I met James Johnson. It wasn’t until James took me to the Flex Lewis Classic in June 2013 in Murfreesboro that I wanted to start competing. In July 2013, James introduced me to Tony Haines of Team Haines Training in Hermitage, Tennessee. From there, Tony got me started with my prep for my first show in October, 2013, where I placed first in the figure 45-plus class. Nine months later, I earned my SNBF pro card at the George Southern Open, followed by winning my WNBF pro card in 2015, IFPA pro card in 2015, PNBA pro card in 2016, OWU pro card in 2017, and IFBB pro card in 2017. In November 2017, I became the PNBA Natural Olympia Figure Champion.
Congratulations on your great victory at the 2017 Natural Olympia! That was an incredibly difficult class. Can you describe what this accomplishment means to you?
Winning the 2017 Natural Olympia and taking $3,000 home was my biggest accomplishment. When I started competing, I set small goals for myself. Once I earned my PNBA pro card, just to be able to go to the Natural Olympia in 2016 was one of those goals. I reached that goal and placed second, so I then set my goal to try and come back to win. After hearing the judges’ feedback after the show, I knew that I was on the right track. I just had to focus a little harder and bring a much better package than before. Being the PNBA Natural Olympia champion means a lot, as I know that I’ve competed with so many ladies from different countries on the same playing field of being drug-free and being different ages. It feels good, but it just pushes and motivates me more because I know that next year, someone is going to come in to try and take that spot. I’ve got to work even harder now.
What are your competition plans with INBA/PNBA for 2018?
Defending my Natural Olympia PNBA Figure Title.
You have an incredible combination of muscle, shape, and conditioning! I am sure everyone wants to know how you achieved such an incredible physique. Can you tell us about the style of training you use and your diet?
As far as my physique, I guess I can say that I’m genetically blessed, but I train six days a week, focusing mostly on what I feel are my weak points at the time. Off-season always focuses on my conditioning. My diet doesn’t change too much during the season or in the off-season. I try to stay within 10 to 15 pounds of stage weight. Following coach’s orders takes me close to 3000 calories in the off-season and close to 1700 during the season, depending on which shows I will be competing in. As far as me as a competitor, I am very serious when I’m in the gym. I stay focused on my workout and don’t get wrapped up in talking. I’m a loner most the time in the gym, but I seem to workout better and get more out of it than I do when I have a workout partner.
What are you goals?
My goals for competing and in life are to compete as long as my health allows me to, because I enjoy it and it’s a healthy lifestyle.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have a testimony that many don’t know about. In 2006, I was shot twice by my ex-husband a week after my divorce. I was on a life flight, not knowing if I was going to make it or not. I spent 7 days in the hospital and 19 days out of work. I’m a fighter and once I’m determined to do something, I don’t stop until it’s done. I guess you can say that I’m always determined because I have a reason to never give up on anything.
Wow, you are an incredibly strong woman and it is truly amazing that you came back from that to achieve what you have in life.
I thank God that I was able to fight my way back without having to do any rehabilitation and return back to my regular daily activities with only bad memories and a scar. I once was ashamed of stepping on stage because of it. But there again, James made me realize that my scar was only a reminder of what a hard fighter I was to survive such a tragic accident. So now, I look at it as part of my motivation to try as hard as I can to succeed. I keep a post up around my house that says “If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will succeed.” I’m not sure whose quote that is, but it keeps me going.
You are inspirational Sherrie! Is there anyone you want to add?
I would like to thank my kids for standing behind me and putting up with me during my prep season. I also want to thank all my supporters that are always cheering me on, but most of all, James Johnson and my coach Tony Haynes of Team Haines Training for believing in me more than I believe in myself.
Thank you for the interview Sherrie. You have achieved a spectacular physique and overcome a significant personal tragedy to do so. I am sure your story will inspire people to go forward with their goals in life!
Photo Credit: Ban Studios
Interview by Eric Lipton
William Long, a fantastic PNBA Elite Natural Athlete who for the second time made history by reclaiming the title of Natural Olympia PNBA Men’s Physique Champion at the 2017 INBA PNBA Natural Olympia. Taking home a never done before Whopping $10,000 Cash Prize for his victory!
First PNBA Men’s Physique Natural Olympia Champion at the 2012 Natural Olympia, hence his nickname “The OG” sitting out the next two Natural Olympia competitions (due in part to deployment with the U.S. Air Force), followed by two very close second place finishes in 2015 and 2016, the 30-year-old was determined to came into the 2018 competition at his all-time best, combining excellent aesthetics, size, and outstanding posing to take the Natural Olympia Gold Medal in the incredibly competitive men’s physique division.
Will, a proud active member of the United States Air Force attended West Virginia University as an animal nutrition science major, and is also an ACE certified personal trainer. He describes himself as an “army brat” as a child, having lived in several locations. Will is half-Korean descent and aside from bodybuilding, Will enjoys cinema, exploring new food experiences, and napping.
Up close and personal with the PNBA Men’s Physique Natural Olympia Champion William Long-
Will congratulations on your win in an incredibly competitive professional physique division at the 2017 Natural Olympia! Please tell us what it means to you.
Thank you, Eric! It was an incredible experience and means so very much to me. I worked harder than I ever had to be at my absolute best at the Natural Olympia XX. Winning it reassured me that I am no one hit wonder and that I am worthy of being recognized as one of the best to contend with. All the suffering I go through is worth it!
You took the first at the 2012 Natural Olympia in the PNBA Men’s Physique category, and have found a way to keep improving every year. How do you do it and what drives you?
I love the sport of bodybuilding. It’s a never ending battle with yourself to continue to be better. Even after winning, I will never be satisfied. I know that if I want to continue to win that I have to continue to push myself past my limits. The level of competition is getting fiercer each year. If I slow down, I’ll be left in the dust. It’s the other competitors that motivate and drive me to do my best.
What a great outlook to have, and I am sure you’ve inspired countless athletes and gym enthusiasts! Going back to the Natural Olympia XX, what was it like to win $10,000?
Not a bad pay day! I mean, what other organization gives away that kind of cash to its athletes? It shows value to the competitors, and the INBA PNBA has always done its best to give back to the athlete. In all honestly, I don’t compete for the money or awards, it’s not a huge motivator for me. I compete because I love the sport and the competition. I do it to continue to challenge myself. The money and awards are just something given to show recognition of the hard work put in. If it draws in greater competition then I’m all for it. The money was icing on the cake, and put to good use!
That is a fantastic attitude, competing for the love of the sport and for the challenge. How would you describe yourself as a competitor and what are your strenghts?
I’d like to think that I am a humble competitor. I do not think I am any better than anyone else. We all work hard to be on that stage. My wife plays a major role in keeping my ego in check. When I start to get a big head, she’s always there to present the harsh truth and bring me back down. There have been many times when I thought I was good enough to win a contest, but my wife would tell me different. It would put a damper on my mood, but it definitely got me to work harder and become better.
You definitely present as humble and approachable, and I agree, it is always great to get objective feedback about your physique. Can you tell us about the style of training you perform?
I perform a typical bodybuilding split of focusing on one muscle group for that day, once per week. I train five days a week, normally running a three on one off, two on one off split. It may not be the most ideal or optimal way to train for hypertrophy, but it’s what I enjoy and have consistently been doing ever since I first got into weight training. I am always learning and incorporating different training techniques and exercises, but the split remains unchanged. Whatever one chooses to do, I believe consistency is key to growth.
How would you describe your diet?
Basic, as with my training, I like to keep things simple. There are so many diet protocols out there, it’s difficult to keep track. I don’t eliminate any of all of one particular food like a keto style or vegan diet does. Unless you have a food allergy or a strong belief like the ethical treatment of animals, I don’t believe an elimination diet is better than a well balanced one. That being said, the best diet is the one you can best adhere to so, to each their own.
That is great advice, the best diet is one you can adhere to. What are your future competition plans?
I will be taking a much needed break from competing this year. I want to make improvements to my physique so I can continue to be competitive, and that’s a difficult task to do if I continue to diet down for competition. I am satisfied with what I have been able to accomplish in the Men’s Physique division and feel it’s time for a new challenge. I want to get back to my bodybuilding roots and am making plans to cross over into the newly established Classic Physique division. I enjoy the art of posing and Classic Physique is largely judged on it. It would also take away any excuse to not have to train my legs as hard with no boardshorts to cover them.
I’m sure you will do outstanding in Classic Physique. What are your goals in the sport? How do you want to contribute and what do you want your legacy to be?
I want the sport of natural bodybuilding to grow and become as popular, if not more so, than non-drug tested organizations. I am playing a more active role within the INBA PNBA, promoting seminars, hosting posing clinics, and now head judging competitions. I just want to be a positive role model and ambassador for the sport.
What are your goals in life?
To be a good husband, father, and son.
Who or what inspires you?
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Son Goku (main character in the Japanese anime Dragon Ball series). In all seriousness, my parents have always been my inspiration to be the best person I can be.
It is fantastic that your parents are inspirational. Is there anything else you want to add?
I have also begun to coach athletes for competition and established a team, Team Fortitude. I am offering my expertise and guidance to those passionate about the sport and ready to dedicate the time and effort needed to become their absolute best self. Also, I want to thank you, Eric, for giving us natural athletes a platform to promote ourselves and the sport.
In Closing:Thank you for the interview and kind words. You are one of the greatest champions in INBA PNBA history, and it is fantastic you are contributing so much beyond the stage. I know you will continue to make a huge impact on the INBA PNBA and Natural Bodybuilding!
