Everyone has to start at the bottom and work their way up. Even champs.

When people look at bodybuilders they tend to simply see the end result of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. No one should blame you after all. For everyone the motivation they have to get into the gym is always going to be different. Some people go into the gym looking to become professional bodybuilders and athletes while others simply want to improve upon their physiques for their own confidence and self satisfaction. Whatever your reasoning is, you must always keep in mind that sacrifices will need to be made.

When you consider a professional like five time Olympia winner Phil Heath, more than likely the image you’ve built up in your mind is that of a confident champion who believes in his abilities and has, seemingly, always been a dominant figure within the bodybuilding scene. The reality however is that Heath, despite his great current success, wasn’t always the man he was today.

Just like anyone else entering into a new endeavor, Heath had to work his way up the totem pole to be able to become the winner of the Mr. Olympia competition. Nothing was handed to him on a silver platter. Just like anyone else who is invited to compete at the highest levels of the sport, Heath had to train hard, dedicate himself to his craft, and have the confidence to build himself up into a contender.

But before Phil Heath was the five time Olympia winner, before his great success and supplement company began to flourish, “The Gift” was just a young bodybuilder looking to make his name in the sport. This is evidenced in the video below of Heath’s first ever pro victory that has since propelled him forward to becoming number one bodybuilder in the world. Check out Phil Heath’s first pro victory.

How long do you think Phil Heath will reign supreme? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

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