The national bodybuilding and fitness team is leaving no stone unturned in its preparation for next month’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships slated for Guyana from October 17-20.
One of the coaches of the team, Shakira Doughlin, told Weekend Sport the squad is on course in its preparation.
“We are currently five weeks out from the championships and the athletes have already attended three training sessions. They are in good form and have time to make improvements before this year’s event.
“Compared to last year where we had less time to prepare, we are in a stronger position this time around. However, it is still early in the process and the athletes are focused on refining their performance and reaching their peak closer to the competition,” Doughlin said.
Mr Barbados champions – Sanaj Lewis (bodybuilding) and Bukkiah Providence (men’s physique) are intensifying their build-up.
“As the reigning bodybuilding champion for the past two years, my focus for the CAC is both intense and strategic.
“My mindset is centred on maintaining a strong mental edge. I am visualising my performance and setting clear, achievable goals for the competition. I believe that mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training.
“I am practising techniques to stay calm and composed, ensuring that I can perform at my best under pressure,’’ said Lewis, a police officer.
Providence, the men’s physique king for the last two years, said he was keen to conquer the regional field.
“My mindset is to what is necessary with the best routine of training to fit the men’s physique category, bringing my best package to achieve my pro status,’’ said Providence, adding that the mental aspect of his preparation was very critical.
The resilient Roger Streeks, who will flex muscle in the division for competitors up to and including 70 kilogrammes in height, is keen to win his weight class.
“I am doing everything I’m supposed to, leaving no stone unturned. My training sessions have been amazing, given that I am on a lower calorie intake.
“My passion is to bring the best package possible. Representing Barbados has me fired up and ready to go each time in the gym,” he said.
Streeks also revealed that he has had help from veteran bodybuilder Joe Bourne.
“With the help of my mentor Joe Bourne and national coach Ramon Broomes, I have been paying a lot more attention to detail, diet, posing and abdominal work,” he added.
Streeks said he was honoured to have been selected to the national team and vowed he would be ready to do battle with the best from the Central American and Caribbean region.
Men’s physique competitor Julian Belgrave made it clear that having a plan in place was crucial.
“Managing the mental, physical and dietary aspect will be key for these last few weeks but I have been here before and having a solid plan in place goes a long way. I am just looking forward to dialling it in and heading over to Guyana to give it my best,” he said.
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