Interview with Hung Nguyen: Dutch Champion Men’s Physique

Geschatte leestijd: 4 minuten Hung Nguyen became the Dutch Champion in the Men’s Physique Class last month. A great opportunity for a photoshoot and chat with the new champion.

Hung Nguyen

What is your athletic background prior to fitness/bodybuilding? I started sports at a young age. At the age of 6, I started playing soccer and at eight, I also took up kung fu (wu shu). I did kung fu for a total of 4 years and then I played indoor soccer. I played field and indoor soccer until I was 23. When did you start weight training and where? I was introduced to weight training at the age of 19. Two friends of mine were already members of a gym. ‘Powergym’ was the name of the gym and it was located in Hoorn. Unfortunately, it no longer exists. It was a small hardcore gym where there was always serious training. I remember the first time I went with those two friends of mine for a trial lesson and since then I have never stopped weight training. During the shoot, you mentioned that you once went to a competition and didn’t exactly think: “I want to do that!”. What eventually made you decide to get on stage? It’s because of social media and the rise of the men’s physique class. I started to see it more often and the guys participating have a physique that appeals to me. It also fits well with my lifestyle and I find it to look nicer and more athletic. Last week you became the Dutch Champion in the men’s physique class. The road to it began with that first competition. How was that experience? Yes, so far I enjoy every prep (competition preparation). The dieting where you see your body change weekly is really thrilling. During your bulk, you try to work on your weak points as much as possible or you want some more mass so your muscles look rounder. During such a competition preparation, you see what progress you have made and you really see if your body has changed compared to before. When did you think: “I could actually go far with this?” When I decided to do competitions already. I do have a winner’s mentality. I have respect for all other athletes, but I do want to win. And the shape I bring to each competition, in my eyes, should have the chance to win. Internationally it’s different, there I would participate just for the experience and hopefully, I will do well there too. You are coached by Jeffrey Suijkerbuijk. How important is it to have someone like that behind you? Yes, very important. Mentally it’s very good for you. Dieting for a competition is very different. You often feel unsure if you are on schedule. Are you dry enough, how should you do with ‘peak week’, etc. Also, having a coach whom you can always go to with questions is added value. I recommend everyone, whether or not you compete: if you have a goal, engage someone who has experience with this. This way, you reach your goal much sooner. I am certainly happy with Jeffrey. Now you are the Dutch Champion. How does that feel? It’s kind of strange to say that, but otherwise, it doesn’t feel different or anything. I mainly focus on the shape I want to achieve and the title is a nice extra, otherwise, I don’t find it so exciting. The ‘Arnold Classic Asia’. You already mentioned that this is going to be your next competition. How hard is it to say that without a big grin on your face? The Arnold Classic is one of the biggest bodybuilding events in the world that also has competitions for amateurs. The Asia edition is being held in Hong Kong for the first time this year. Since I’m of Asian descent, it would be extra fun for me to participate. I don’t know yet how I can register, but I’m going to find out and hopefully, I can do it. As a member of Road2Fit, you also train and guide people towards their goals. To what extent do your own results as an athlete work in your favor when it comes to guiding others? Do you, for example, get more clients because you are an example yourself? Yes and no.. 90% of my clients don’t have the same goal as me, but they are familiar with my way of living and that is what inspires them. The experience and the successful results of my clients have led us to success. Where do you most often see people failing to achieve their goals? Knowledge, effort, predisposition, wrong expectations? I think most expect too quick and too much result. I’ve noticed that most lack patience. They would prefer to have reached their goal in a few weeks. Many actually have no idea what normal progress is. “Too slow” is what I often hear. Being consistent is often what they lack. What do the coming months look like for you now. Still enjoying your last victory or already looking forward to the Arnold? Two days after my competition I picked up my normal lifestyle again. I don’t eat differently than what I eat during my diet. I do add some more variations so it stays fun with some cheat meals here and there, and often these are also healthy haha. Occasionally a cake (blondie) is nice