A man has shared how and why he ditched his boring 9-5 job to become a bodybuilding champion – practically living in the gym for four years to achieve the career change.
Working as a sales manager but bored every time he stepped into the office, Kaique Santos decided it was time for a change.
Visiting his local gym, he instantly took to lifting weights and other hardcore exercises.
Kaique soon decided to hand in his notice at his dull job and jump into his new lifestyle with both feet.
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Discovering the world of bodybuilding, he then spent four years training to be the best and now hopes to become a champion in the sport.
“I knew that to achieve my dreams, I had to do something different,” the 26-year-old, from Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil, told What’sTheJam.com.
“I had to think differently from how I was raised and how my parents viewed things.
“And I decided to dive headfirst into this new challenge.
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“Bodybuilding became a way to express my determination and overcome my limitations.”
Kaique created a detailed workout plan and diet to transform his body.
He said: “My workouts are intense and focus on different muscle groups.
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“I usually divide my training by body region and work with a combination of high-intensity and volume exercises.
“For example, on a chest-focused day, I might include bench press, incline bench press, flies, and push-ups, with multiple sets and repetitions for each exercise.”
He also sticks to a strict diet, which is crucial to keeping his physique in tip-top shape year-round.
He said: “It is based on foods rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
“I consume balanced meals throughout the day, including chicken, fish, brown rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and fat sources like avocado and nuts.”
“The pre-competition phase requires adjustments to my nutrition and training routine to achieve maximum muscle definition and vascularity.
“Additionally, I focus on my mindset and emotional readiness to step on stage with confidence.”
So far, he has taken part in various local and international competitions, including the Mr Olympia Amateur in Argentina, where he earned his professional card.
He said: “I love competing and view each challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
“Of course, I always feel a mix of nervousness and excitement before stepping on stage but that’s part of the adrenaline that drives my performance.”
Kaique is now preparing to compete in the Chicago Pro and the Mr Olympia in Las Vegas later this year.
He said: “These are incredible opportunities to represent Brazil with all my effort and dedication.
“For those who wish to enter bodybuilding, my advice is simple: believe in your potential, maintain discipline, and never give up.
“The journey may be challenging but with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals.
“Be grateful for each step of the process and remember that consistency is the key to success on this journey.”
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