Harold Kelley shares advice for those interested in bodybuilding but unsure if they should become a bodybuilder.
Being a bodybuilder is more than a hobby or activity, it’s a lifestyle. So it makes sense that those interested in bodybuilding casually might be hesitant to dive in and become a bodybuilder. As with any intensive activities there are certain risks and the endeavor will take a big chunk of your energy and time. That’s why we turned to 3x Pro Wheelchair Olympia champion Harold Kelley. In our GI Exclusive interview, Harold Kelley shares his advice for those who are unsure about becoming bodybuilders.
Harold Kelley is an extremely accomplished human being. After a tragic accident rendered him unable to move his legs – he dedicated his life towards Pro Wheelchair Bodybuilding. Fast forward to today and Harold Kelley is a three time Olympia champion and the absolute winningest Pro Wheelchair bodybuilder of all time.
With that power comes responsibility. As an icon of Pro Wheelchair bodybuilding, we asked him what sort of advice he would give to aspiring bodybuilders. Or more specifically, what advice he would give to someone who is on the fence about bodybuilding. How does an individual know if the decision to try and compete is the right one?
Of course there is no objectively right answer. But since Harold Kelley had overcome so many obstacles in his life, his view on this question is certainly a valuable one. Harold Kelley’s main initial advice is to make sure that you remain yourself.
By that he means this: don’t let the achievements of other bodybuilders or lifters determine what kind of bodybuilder you should be. There are tactics to learn certainly – but comparing yourself to someone else at the gym will only discourage you. The most important thing is to find joy and pride in being a bodybuilder.
In our interview we also turn to Harold Kelley for his personal advice about avoiding injury. Especially as you start to age past what many would consider “prime youthful years” – what can a lifter do who wants to push limits but not get irreversibly hurt.
Harold Kelley, speaking for himself, focuses on listening to his body. If something feels wrong he’ll pull back for the day. As an experienced pro bodybuilder, he has become more in tune with his body and where he can push limits – and more importantly – where he can’t. Kelley had suffered a broken wrist in his earlier football years. So he is already familiar with being cautious.
You can watch Harold Kelley share his advice in detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
