One-on-one With Canadian IFBB Pro Rob Belisle

MUSCLE INSIDER magazine goes one-on-one with Canadian IFBB pro and Advanced Genetics sponsored athlete Rob Belisle. Known as one of the most shredded bodybuilders you’ll see onstage, Rob suffered a triceps injury from a freak fall over ice. But like a true champion, Rob has been making vast improvements to his physique throughout his recovery.

Rob and his wife Asha, also run Excel Fitness and Nutrition (www.excelfitnessandnutrition.ca), where they proudly mentor a number of competitive fitness and bodybuilding athletes as they prepare for their shows. With Rob’s competitive experience and Asha’s very prestigious accreditations in training, sports performance, and nutrition, this is one team that will certainly be coaching future champions.

Q. Rob, you have made significant gains in your physique over the last two years! Those kind of gains would make any bodybuilder very envious. How did you put on so much lean muscle in such a short period of time?

A. Hi, Vince! First of all, thank you for interviewing me  for MUSCLE INSIDER magazine. I love the fact that someone is supporting Canadian bodybuilding. Now with regards to my gains, before I turned pro, I only trained six months of the year, so I would attribute that to adequate rest from intense training. I was very lucky with that and how my body responded. When I turned pro, I changed all of that to training consistently all year long, and the gains haven’t stopped, so I’m very thankful for that!

Q. With the significant muscle gain, it’s amazing you are still considered one of the most shredded athletes out there. Can you share some of your conditioning secrets?

A. When I dieted for shows I always did keto diets. I know there are people who did it with carbs, but I found it easy with the keto diet. I never have cravings or feel hungry on it. During my training for the 2009 Nationals, I hired Dave Palumbo. Prior to him, I never worked with anyone, but I gave him a call nine weeks out from the show. He helped me perfect the keto all the way down to contest day. I always had problems with the last week, but Dave helped me with that. I find now that the lack of glycogen from not using carbohydrates is the reason for lack of fullness, but if you are ready three weeks before the show, you can add them back in to regain fullness.

Q. Rob, you have some of the best abs in the IFBB pro ranks. The funny thing is, I also know you don’t train abs too often. How do you keep your abs so shredded? You even have abs in the off-season!

A. I would say it’s mostly genetics, like Flex Lewis or Ben Pakulski with their calves. Plus, it does help that I did 14 years of martial arts and did my fair share of sit-ups and crunches.

Q. You suffered a little setback with an injury last year. What happened, and what did you do to keep up your training?

A. I was walking to my truck, and it was icy out, and I slipped and fell on my elbow. I broke some bone off the elbow where the triceps is connected. It never tore and had very little bruising. I had it reattached five days later. I immediately got my butt in the gym three days after and trained legs three times a week for six weeks. It was good because I needed some thickness in the legs, and, believe it or not, I put two inches on my legs!

Q. We got to watch you compete at the 2011 Toronto Pro SuperShow. You were up against some of the best 202-pound bodybuilders in the world. Tell us about your experience at the show, both the expo and onstage. It was a huge success!

A. It was a great show, and I’m so happy we have an event like that in Canada. If I weren’t injured, I would be doing it this year because I know it’s going to be even bigger! As for my placing, I was disappointed, but I didn’t put 100 percent into it and have only myself to blame. The next show I do will be with the same mindset I had when I turned pro.

Q. After the Toronto Pro SuperShow, you also took part in MUSCLE INSIDER’s training seminar with the great Dorian Yates. What was it like to learn things from one of the greatest Mr. Olympia champions of all time?

A. That was an amazing experience. I was always amazed at Dorian’s condition at his body weight. He was great and such a humble guy. I thought the seminar was awesome, and then I was asked by Scott Welch to do a photo shoot with them. It was such an honor! What bodybuilder wouldn’t be thrilled to shoot with a Mr. O like Dorian?

Q. There’s been some rule changes in the IFBB. What do you think about the 202-pound class being bumped up to 212? I think we’re going to see some very impressive physiques.

A. I think it is a great move, but I would have liked it at 220 pounds. I am now at 245 at 7.1 percent, so 212 will be some work to get down to, but I’m still going to look bigger. Last year, I was ready at 208, but when I squeezed down to 202, I lost fullness and came in flat. I’m going to be dialing it in right this year.

Q. I always ask the current pros this question: Who are some of your all-time favorite bodybuilders that inspire you?

A. Wow, there is a big list. Definitely Arnold, for the most obvious reasons. I would also have to say Lee Labrada because of his height and symmetry. Lee also proved you didn’t have to be the biggest. I also always look to former Mr. Olympias to inspire me; for example, Dorian’s size and conditioning always fascinated me. Ronnie Coleman for his freaky size. Of course, Phil Heath is also on that list because he truly is “The Gift” to bodybuilding.

Q. Rob, last question: What's your favorite body part to train and why?

A. Before, it was chest, like everyone. Ha! I always loved how I felt when my chest was pumped, but after the last few months, and seeing the response I’ve had from focusing on it, I would say my legs. Again, I can’t wait to get onstage and show everyone!

Thanks, Rob! I’m looking forward to seeing you get back onstage and do some damage in the 212 category!

For more information on Rob, please find him on Facebook and check out his business site: www.excelfitnessandnutrition.ca.