‘Mr Bridgetown Physique’ Andre Clarke shares his story

The Mr Bridgetown Physique champion Andre Clarke blew his rivals away in his very first competition.

However, the 36 year-old land surveyor who also has a martial arts background went into the show with a unique mindset as he believes winning begins off the stage.

“I did not expect to win but neither did I go to lose. Lots of people criticized me for that mentality but what I was trying to make them understand is that to me winning begins off stage and any results on stage whether a win or loss should never derail you from constantly improving. Life is about challenges and constant review and improvement... I was focused on doing my best and not necessarily winning.”

With the process and constantly improving more important to Clarke than what results happened on stage, his major goals were focused off the stage and with his strong mindset he was also tough to discourage.

“To be consistent and to attain particular body goals regardless of whether people thought I looked good or bad, I have my own personal goals which are pretty unwavering.”

But when he first started training in the gym (First Fitness in Oistins) four years ago it was to encourage his brother Shannon Clarke who wanted a workout partner in 2013.

“I initially started because my brother wanted someone to work out with and he knew I used to train before so my initial thing was to train till my daughter was born and quit but I am still at it four years on.”

Though competing was still the furthest thing from his mind.

“I was against competing for a long time but ultimately decided to compete because I like to set goals and I wanted to carry my training to another level. I also wanted to serve as an example to my training partners who I am trying to encourage to do likewise (compete). I figured it was not fair to encourage someone to do something I was unwilling to do myself. All these factors combined as my motivation for competing.”

Knowing the road would be hard Clarke stated, “... I sought the support of my wife because one of my reasons for not competing was that I didn’t want to if she was not supportive of it and she has been immensely supportive.”

His road has been about two years in the making as he finally made up his mind in 2015 after taking his initial two years to find his footing and build a workout regime.

“I saw changes I liked and as I decided to push harder and as such set goals to keep me focused. So in July 2016 I began my prep which consisted of my first real bulk and cut.”

This called for a reorganisation of his training time which moved form immediately after work to night, which also included “lots of times being run out of the gym as it closed”.

He also increased his training days from five to six “and really made every workout count.”

“My workouts originally were two plus hours but I have been able to refine them and get in an hour to one and a half hours. I try to minimize rest and be very focused.”

However Clarke had challenges not just inside the gym; as now he had to juggle family, work, school and gym.

“I live for a challenge and live by the motto: ‘If it was easy everyone would do it’. So I took pride in knowing I was pushing my limits even if no one knew or cared. It was a personal gauntlet.”

Though he trains himself he got valuable input from Anthony Hunte (training) and Everton Branch (posing).

“The biggest challenge was handling gym closures due to holidays. I love to work out and always find time to even if I have to sacrifice my own comfort. My other challenge was filtering out the ‘advice’ which got louder as I got closer to the show and I guess people started to see my potential. I learned quickly how to filter and stick to a small circle of advisors.”

Clarke has set his sights on competing at Nationals where he is sure to come up against some seasoned winners but though he already has a victory under his belt he still remains grounded.

“My plans are to continue to train. Constant work and improvement as I am only looking forward”.

In terms of limits, Clarke said that he will go as far as his body will allow. “If that is only one show so be it but I feel I have only begun to scratch the surface of my potential. I see so many areas to improve on.”

His regime is now his lifestyle which he has been living for the last four years with no breaks “and I don’t plan to break anytime soon. I love doing fitness and I enjoy the challenge. Nothing is given freely and shortcuts only lead to short term gains. I am in this, God willing, for the long run.”