The whispers and questions first started circulating at the Expo of one of bodybuilding’s biggest events about a year and a half ago. Something very significant had just taken place between the IFBB and their then United States affiliate. The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, the long-time most well established organization in physique display sports had just suspended its powerful and popular US affiliate. What would that mean for the sport going forward and for the athletes in the United States? For some it would be business as usual. For others, everything was about to change in a new and exciting direction.
The IFBB, founded in 1946 by Ben and Joe Weider is a household name in the bodybuilding and fitness industry. With 196 member nations worldwide, it seemed unreal that now, technically, the US was not represented as one of them. This was the organization that had crowned many World Champions, promoted the most prestigious bodybuilding shows and events in the world, and had helped make legends out of names like Schwarzenegger, Zane, Ferrigno, Haney, and Yates. This separation, while immediate in many ways, would still involve a degree of transition and a certain amount of time to fully manifest itself.
In 2018, the IFBB Physique America stated doing amateur shows in the United States as the direct affiliate to the IFBB, again giving US based athletes a true connection to the founding organization and its rules and bylaws. Now, in 2019, IFBB Physique America is coming to the golden state of California via the promotion of highly experienced IFBB international athlete, judge, and high level trainer Alex Jamal. Alex has a refreshing viewpoint on the state of physique sports. He is well versed in the history and excited for what the sport could become with the right approach. He is all about creating the best possible experience for the athletes and their friends, family and fans, feeling that this will be a key factor in both the extent and speed of the sport’s growth. IFBB Physique America plans to put the physique sport’s best foot forward and incentivize the athletes in exciting new ways. They are providing show winners with fully compensated trips to major IFBB international events (such as the World Championships, Pan Am Games, Arnold Europe, etc.) as a member of Team USA, and creating photo shoot opportunities, media exposure, and offering an ongoing level of positive support that can reflect to the fitness community a new example of what physique competitions sports can and should be. IFBB Physique America competitions also incorporate random drug testing for its athletes which is overseen by WADA, (the World Anti-Doping Association) the most reputable performance enhancing drug testing agency in the world! There is now a brand new opportunity to present the physique display sports that many of us love and have dedicated a great portion of our lives to, in the best possible light to an ever expanding audience. IFBB Physique America and people like Alex Jamal plan to do things in a way that will make the most of this opportunity.
(click on images to enlarge)
Alex Jamal – Promoter of the IFBB Physique America LA Classic!
Bodysport: Where are you from, where do you live?
Alex: I’m originally from Lebanon. I live in Southern California, Los Angeles, in Venice.
Alex: I’m originally from Lebanon. I live in Southern California, Los Angeles, Venice.I`m originally from Lebanon. I live in southern California, Los Angeles, Venice.I`m originally from Lebanon. I live in southern California, Los Angeles, Venice.
Bodysport: How did you first get started in fitness and competing?
Alex: I have always been an athlete in different sports. I started my career in the fitness and nutrition industry working as a part time trainer and studying at the university, then I got an offer to work for Optimum Nutrition in the Middle East. I loved training and the science behind it. I also had a lot of passion for nutrition. At the age of 27, I had a drastic turn in my life, I decided to compete as a lightweight bodybuilder. So I did and won both my class and the country title to be Mr. Lebanon. That qualified me to compete internationally.
Bodysport: What are some of the competitions you have done?
Alex: Ironman Naturally, IFBB World Fitness Championships, IFBB Arnold Classic and IFBB Amateur Olympia (before the split)
Bodysport: Please tell everyone about IFBB Physique America, what attracted you to them, what is it that makes IFBB Physique America unique?
Alex: IFBB Physique America is the new era for fitness and bodybuilding in the USA and it is the only IFBB for amateurs. IFBB Physique America is sanctioned from IFBB international. I was attracted to this federation honestly because it is giving back to the athletes by offering the winners paid international trips to represent Team USA overseas. The federation takes care of the athletes expenses when they fly overseas to compete and represent the USA, no other federation ever did that. I believe this is a great chance for every amateur athlete.
Bodysport: You are promoting the very first IFBB Physique America Show in California. When and where is the show taking place?
Alex: The LA Classic will be held on July 6 at the Colony Theater in Burbank California. 2 overall athletes will win a paid trip to represent Team USA.
Bodysport: What divisions will be available to competitors at this show?
Alex: We have more variety of divisions than any other show. Divisions are open to all ages; men’s bodybuilding, classic physique, men’s fitness modeling, women’s physique, wellness, bikini, figure, and fit modeling
Bodysport: What are your goals for this show both now and in the future?
Alex: My goal is to let people know more about health and fitness the right way. Our shows are under WADA (World Anti Doping Association) and four athletes are randomly tested. Athletes should get what they deserve and what they’ve been training for. I simply want everyone to happy.
Bodysport: What would you say to athletes, coaches, and fans who are interested in checking out or learning more about IFBB Physique America?
Alex: This is the federation that will be built by you and for you. Please be patient, we are just starting in our journey to bring back fitness and bodybuilding to the right track. We are working hard to bring great shows to California. Feel free to send any questions or suggestions.
Bodysport: There has been noticeable growth in the US over the past year of IFBB Physique America, as California Chairman what are some of your visions for the future?
Alex: Yes, the growth came from two reasons: first it is because we are giving back to the athletes as I mentioned, second, it is because competitors are tired of being treated bad. The future is for IFBB LA Classic and other shows to be promoted by us in California. This year we will be the first in all California to have a wellness division. We will also have fit modeling which is for any person who works out and likes to show that on stage and get rewarded.
Thank you Alex. You can follow Alex at the following:
Facebook Pages: LA Classic Championship and Fitness Results Coach
Instagram: La.Classic
On Sale Now – The Contest Prep Coaches Course!
On Sale Now – Making Money With Fitness – How To Be A Fitness Entrepreneur!
Can ifbb International Personal Trainer Certificate be a coach in the United States?
Yes, if you’re referring to a personal fitness coach or a contest prep coach. There’s really no standardized criteria governing that. If you mean a coach at say a high school or university, there are other academic and credential requirements not related to the fitness industry that will need to be met. But for working in the gyms as a trainer, or coach, or for working as an online coach, you’d be good to go.