Senior Eathan Bizzell is a bodybuilder who participates in a competition called the National Physique Committee (NPS).

The National Physique Committee is the largest amateur bodybuilding organization in the United States. Amateur bodybuilders compete in competitions from local to national competitions sanctioned by the NPC.

One amateur organization per country is recognized by the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB), which claims to be bodybuilding’s international professional organization. The IFBB recognizes the NPC as its amateur extension for the United States.

“I did my first competition last summer,” Bizzell said. “I started to participate in the competition because I wanted to change myself and had always had aspirations to be on stage.”

Bizzell said much preparation is required for a competition.

“I have to do high volume lifting and cardio on a stair stepper or elliptical for 15 minutes, all while keeping my heart rate at 145 beats per minute (bpm),” Bizzell said. “I also have to follow a strict diet for the course of four months.”

According to bodybuilding.com, a bodybuilding diet and good nutrition are key components to being successful in bodybuilding.

Bizzell said he is currently on a bodybuilding diet.

“My diet includes any lean meat,” Bizzell said. “Chicken, turkey burger, eggs, tilapia, salmon or any lean steak with low fat content.”

Bizzell said the carbs he can consume consist of rice, steel cut oats, whole wheat egg white noodles and broccoli.

“I stay dedicated by watching what I eat, training every day and thinking about where I’ll be in the future if I keep this up,” Bizzell said. “I plan on bodybuilding competitively throughout my lifetime.”

Bizzell said his family members are his biggest supporters.

“They are with me every step of the way and always will be,” Bizzell said. “They are the ones that made me stepping on stage for the first time possible. They are all I need to keep going the way I am.”

The next competition Bizzell will participate in will be during the spring or midsummer.

“My trainer hasn’t picked out the competition yet, but I’m preparing for it as we speak,” Bizzell said. “It will be out of state and if I win I can qualify for nationals. Then, I can try to shoot for my pro card.”

Bizzell said bodybuilding makes him incredibly happy.

“I would never quit doing what I do,” Bizzell said. “I will continue after high school and even when I am 60 years old.”

17aweber@usd489.com