In today’s section of Competitors Profiles, we’d like to introduce you to Rese. He competed in our second bodybuilding competition in 2015.

 

IATB: Tell us a little about yourself:

Rese: My name is rese weaver, I’m 23 years of age. I love cooking and lifting heavy weights.  I’m an activist not only in the LGBT community but also for the Black Lives Matter movement. I’m currently studying to get my certification to be a personal trainer.

 

IATB: How did you get into bodybuilding?

Rese: When i started my hormone replacement therapy, I wanted to look like the guys on the cover of the magazines, so since my friend had been begging to take me to the gym, I took him up on his offer and I became hooked.

 

IATB: What’s your diet plan and workout routine?

Rese: Lots of protein and not to many carbs. And I just do deadlifts, squats, bench press and cardio twice a week.

 

IATB: How did you hear about the FitCon competitions and why did you decide to compete?

Rese: I heard about it through the first year’s competitors.  I competed to motivate people who don’t have top surgery and have sort of a female shape because I think that it’s okay to be different. To be proud work with what you have, embrace being different.

 

IATB: How do/did you prepare for the competition emotionally and mentally?

Rese: I had to tell myself that I am perfect and worth all the sweat hard work I am putting in.

 

IATB: What do you think about the creation of IATB – The International Association of Bodybuilders?

Rese: It’s amazing and it gives us an outlet to compete against others who are like us.

 

IATB: What are your expectations for IATB? What would you like to see happening?

Rese: I’d like to see it get bigger and better.

 

IATB: How do you relate bodybuilding to your identity?

Rese: I don’t relate it to my identity. I lift weights for the challenge and the rush. It helps me stay sane.

 

IATB:. How far do you think we’ve come and how far do you think we have to go in the fitness industry for people of Trans experience?

Rese: We have come far just a couple a years ago there was no where you can go and compete with transgender individuals and for how far we have to go, the sky’s the limit.

 

IATB: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Rese: I see myself breaking strongman records and opening up an LGBT-friendly gym.

 

IATB: What are some tips you’d give to someone who wants to compete in IATB competition?

Rese: Work hard and be yourself.

 

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