Andrew
Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
FORGET about the workout mats, treadmills and weights. For one to become a top bodybuilder, the internet is the way to go.
That, at least, is the gospel according to Aaron Musarurwa, who is currently one of the country’s most promising bodybuilders.
Born and bred in the Mashonaland East farming community of Beatrice, Musarurwa has the distinction of being one of a handful of bodybuilders who compete in both the junior and senior men’s categories.
He is on the verge of graduating from one category to another, as he will be turning 23 on November 11.
He considers international stars such as Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler, Jay Cutler and Arnold Schwarzenegger as his major influences in the sport.
Most often, he logs onto the internet to either read about them or watch their videos.
“I started bodybuilding in 2017 and was very inspired by old-school bodybuilders like (Jay) Cutler, (Flex) Wheeler and (Arnold) Schwarzenegger,” he said.
“Those guys were hardcore trainers, and I learnt a lot about the sport and what I need to do to succeed from their teachings.
“I also learnt a lot in terms of discipline, control and the general work ethic.”
It has been more than four decades since Schwarzenegger won the last of his seven Mr Olympia titles in 1980, and yet the workouts that helped mould him into arguably the greatest bodybuilder ever are as valid today as they were then.
He would train twice a day at Gold’s Gym in Venice and his workouts lasted hours.
The same can be said of Cutler, Wheeler and Coleman.
“Without giving away too many of my secrets, my works can be basically divided into two parts, namely, off and peak season,” said the former Beatrice High School learner.
“During the off-season, I wake up early in the morning (around 6 am) and spend about two hours training in the gym.
“I usually target two muscles a day and train for five days a week.
“During my peak season, or when I am competing, I like to spend no more than four hours in the gym, which I divide evenly into morning and evening sessions.
“I also do a lot of cardio in the morning and work on my muscles in the evening.”
The influences from the old-school bodybuilders are not limited to the work ethic, but they extend to mental health as well.
Their teachings were considered especially helpful during the Covid-19 pandemic, when most athletes needed support.
“The pandemic was a disaster.
“Gyms were closed, movement was restricted and limited, but we didn’t give up.
“We had what most would call backyard gyms, where we made weights using concrete. Everybody had to improvise new ways to stay fit. Those were had and tough times,” Musarurwa said.
Luckily, it looks like the clouds have cleared.
Musarurwa has not only started competing again but also dipped his toes in the senior men’s category.
He already has the Ironman and Marume Classic crowns in the junior category this year.
He also has a bronze medal finish in the Marume Classic.
This adds up to five titles and a silver in the junior category, as well as a bronze in the senior category.
“It’s a little tough,” he said of competition in the senior men’s category.
“You are competing with the so-called big boys; guys who sometimes have twice the mass and body weight as you.
“However, it has been very rewarding as it motivates and pushes me to work harder, and it has given me more confidence for my own category,” he said.
The 22-year-old has set his sights on clinching the national championship and hopefully turning professional soon.
Online Reporter