Flex F_UK_2018 | Page 105

STRONGER IN EVERYWAY Having been into training and bodybuilding from such a young age, I believe that it has massively influenced my life (For the better I hope!) it has taught me how to be physically strong but equally mentally strong. What I find most interesting is how it has mentally got me pumped... I mean who in their right mind would squat or dead lift silly numbers without being a little bit wacky in the head? The body can sustain so much and take so much... it's the mind that usually gives up first well before the body. Resisting the mind and going ahead to lift that pb or push past the pain of a 100 rep sets or even starting a set knowing it's going to take you to hell and back.... that's being mentally strong! and I guess a little mental too. However, now I find myself constantly pushing and striving for more! Be that in my career, gym, training and generally me as a person. That is not necessarily a bad thing, just sometimes it's nice to sit back and appreciate how far you may have come or what you have achieved, rather than constantly analysing everything and almost telling yourself that it's not good enough and you must push and strive for more (Or is that just me?) I sometimes get asked how does it feel being an inspiration? To be totally honest, I never really have ever seen myself as an inspirational figure. I just do what I love, which is training hard and pushing myself to limits. If I have inspired a few on the way that's a bonus, but what will never get old is when a complete stranger says hi and tells me they recognise me or follow me on social media. Its great and very touching to know that I can inspire and help others, whether that’s in the gym, or giving them generally motivation. It’s great to see my followers just go for their goals because let's be honest (and to say this is somewhat a little bit of a cliché) but if you put your mind to it, work damn hard at it, there is absolutely nothing in this world you cannot have or achieve! WHAT’S NEXT? So, what's next in the pipe line? I am currently enjoying a bit of an off season, training hard and making improvements where required. I will start my prep around May/June 2018 to be stage ready around Septem- ber/October time. There are plenty of PCA pro shows on around then all over the world (China, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, USA...the list goes on!) So, to say PCA are giving their athletes some amazing life changing opportunities to not only compete, but to also see some amazing parts of the world is an understatement. I am really looking forward to stepping on that pro stage! I will certainly give it my all and will ensure I make an impres- sion... an impression to last, it's funny, rewind to the start of 2017, never did I think I would be writing a column for Flex magazine talking about my debut pro shows... but here we are! I think that's enough from me for now, feel free to give me a follow and watch my progress on Instagram (@randeep911) and look forward to catching up with you all during the very many shows I will attend throughout the year... Stay blessed! as it was. That said, my family members still try today try to get me to have a little something here and there, and if it's off season and I fancy it, why not! if I'm dieting and prepping for a show, big no no.... simple really hey?! FEBRUARY 2018 | FLEX 103