Bryant Ferguson
WPM's Motivation of the Month - June 2011
Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Photos by: BBPics.com
As an infant, Bryant Ferguson was diagnosed with a muscular disorder, which affects muscle tone and the ability to build strength in the muscle. Doctors diagnosed it as benign muscle hypertonia. “They told my parents not to expect me to ever become an athlete, because I wouldn’t be able to effectively develop muscle like the rest of kids my age”, say Bryant.
He didn’t learn that he had disorder until he was a junior in high school, and at that point, he had already been weight training for a few years. Once football was over, he needed something to occupy his time and keep him disciplined, so bodybuilding became something he picked up on just as a hobby. It began as a hobby simply because he didn’t think he could compete in organizations like the NPC. When he was approached by his friend, Jude, he made Bryant aware that there were natural organizations out there and he made it known that Bryant had potential to do well in one of those organizations. “I guess all those things really came together to make me want to get on stage. Maybe it’s still the youth in me to wanting to defy the odds and what everybody was telling me was impossible, or maybe I’m doing this strictly for myself and the enjoyment I receive in seeing my physique change before my very eyes”, states Bryant.
Being 23 years old, Bryant is making his mark in the bodybuilding world. Read on and be motivated by this great athlete as we unraveled some of his life’s challenges.
".... First we lost our family pet of thirteen years. We, then, had a house fire the day before Thanksgiving, which displaced us for well over a year, while insurance agencies went back and forth. Finally, towards the end of the year, I lost my grandfather. Even more recently I lost my uncle to cancer. I believe these events made me stronger."
WP: Let’s begin with you telling us a little about yourself.
I am a 23 year old bodybuilder/aspiring fitness model born and raised in Wallingford, CT, a small suburban town about fifteen minutes outside of New Haven. I came from a family of four children, with myself falling in the middle. I have two older brothers and a younger sister, which often left me as the little brother that would get picked on. I work full-time at Precision Sensors, calibrating semi-conductor switches.
WP: What competitions have you appeared in and what place did you win?
I have competed in several, mostly INBF shows. I was the runner-up the past two years in the Connecticut Championships for the Natural Mr. Connecticut. Being only twenty three, I’m optimistic I can earn a pro card. It’s just a waiting game and someone once told me,” Bodybuilding is the only sport where you get better with age”. In the three years of competitive experience, I see that couldn’t be truer.
WP: Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and/or more cut?
My advice is to be patient. Everybody is in a rush to see the gains immediately. Our bodies can’t work like that. No matter what the goal is, it’s going to take some time to see the results.
WP: What is the low-down on you nutrition and diet?
My diet can vary from day-to-day, simply because we are presented with different stressors each day. I just try to make smart decisions on what I use for fuel for my body.
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day? If so, what is it that you usually eat when you do?
I do allow myself a cheat day. I’ll have a couple slices of pizza, just enough to shock the body.
WP: What supplements do you take?
I take the essential things. I’ll do Whey protein around the workouts. I’ll use branch chain amino acids, Glutamine, and Creatine. I’ll use a pre-workout if I feel my energy is a little low on a certain day. I try not to become too dependent on them, though.
WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
They say bodybuilding is such a selfish sport. But, I can’t say enough about the people around me. I am surrounded by some of the most loving, caring and supportive people which allows me to be a part of the sport. My parents show up to every show, only to endure countless other activities until their son is on stage. Same goes for my siblings.
Everybody, that is some way shape or form connected to me, has been so supportive and accommodating during the contest season.
I also believe events of our past shape the person we are today. In 2003-2004 had to be some of the most difficult times for my family and me. I think the only thing that got us through it was that we knew we had each other. First we lost our family pet of thirteen years. We, then, had a house fire the day before Thanksgiving, which displaced us for well over a year, while insurance agencies went back and forth. Finally, towards the end of the year, I lost my grandfather. Even more recently I lost my uncle to cancer. I believe these events made me stronger, mentally, because I’ve had to deal with the losses. Although these things are negatives in my life, I found a way to create a positive energy through working out; the type of energy that makes you want to fight back and succeed.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
There are so many people I can thank. I’d like to thank my parents, first and foremost. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. But, also, for how supportive they have been over the past three years. I still remember my first show; they were having trouble finding me on stage! They couldn’t believe that it was their son that everybody was talking about in the crowd.
I’d thank my siblings, Jay, Brett, Bre and my sister-in-law Jamie, for putting up with my high maintenance during the contest season. Recently we went on a weekend trip, and I had packed more than anybody else. I showed up with three bags. I had broken up each bag into my food, my supplements and my clothes. We all got a good laugh out of it, but they’ve been really accommodating, supportive and proud of me. I’d like to thank them. Love you all.
Then, there’s the man who started it all for me, my best friend and WNBF Pro, Jude Achu. Ironically, I met Jude while I was in school. We had a snow day that closed the campus down, forced a friend and I to trek to a local gym. There were, maybe, eight people in there at the time. That was when Jude approached me. He started as my trainer, and now, he’s like my older brother. Just being that person that believed in me when I couldn’t find the strength to believe in myself. He’s just had so much faith in me from day one.
To the rest of my friends that come out to my shows to support me, thank you. Last but not least, to all the people who approach me in the gym with compliments or questions. You guys keep me going and striving to be the best!
WP: Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
I have two more shoots lined up with John this summer. Then, I don’t know. I would really like to eventually try doing some acting and maybe try getting some more shoots scheduled but we’ll see. Right now, I’m just taking things day by day and see what life has in store for me.
WP: I understand you worked with our photographer, John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?
John was a true professional in every sense of the word. The shoot from start to finish was around 4 hours with over 350 shots. He would often do retakes when he felt the lighting wasn’t the best. He’d allow me to take breaks to eat and drink when I needed to. It was just a great experience working with John and I can’t wait for the future projects we have lined up.
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
John was open to listening to my ideas and pictures I wanted to try and capture. He also changed the locations to add a little bit of variety for my own portfolio. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and the quality of the pictures that John took.
WP: Are you married, dating, or do you have kids?
I am single. When you’ve dedicated yourself to the sport like I have, there tends to be a drop-off elsewhere, and this is where I’d have to say it gets tough. For now, I’m enjoying myself and waiting for the right girl to come along.
WP: What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
Some of my interests outside weight lifting and bodybuilding are playing sports, listening to music, camping, riding my bike, or for the harsh New England winters my snowboard. I also enjoy travelling and would love to do more. I’d love to see all the great things this beautiful country of ours has to offer.
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
Again, I’d just like to thank all the people that have gotten me to this point. For all of the people that believe who have shown faith in me and has taken a chance on me. I truly feel blessed to even have the opportunity to do this interview with World Physique Magazine as well.
WP: You’ve come a long way! Keep up the great work! You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!
Thank you!
