One-on-One With Jerome Bravo IFBB Pro

1-on-1 With Jerome Bravo

By: Vince “Fitness Financier” Pe

One of the heavy favorites for his IFBB pro card at this year’s CBBF Nationals is my good friend Jerome Bravo. After narrowly missing his pro card last year, Jerome is on a mission to come in with an even better conditioned package on his already-enormous physique!

Jerome was kind enough to spend some time with us at MUSCLE INSIDER to give us the exclusive, inside scoop on what he’s been up to and what Edmonton is about to see on August 18th.

Q. Jerome, with the Canadian Nationals fast approaching, you’re considered one of the favorites to win your IFBB pro card, and you narrowly missed it last year. I know everyone who saw the show couldn’t believe how big you were. What did you weigh at last year’s show?

A. When I competed last year, I weighed in at 278 pounds in the morning and 274 pounds at night. It was actually way too heavy for me and not the way I typically look. Needless to say, I wasn’t happy and understood why I didn’t win. Coming in at 265 pounds would have been perfect last year.

Q. If you could go back in time, what would you have done differently last year?

A. I would say all I needed to win last year was insane conditioning. I’m not saying I didn’t need to improve, but if I’d been shredded last year, I think everyone knows I would have won. I’m coming in with some experience this time around.

Q. The late Darren Oliver was your coach, mentor, and friend. Many of us still miss him today. His passing affected so many of us in the industry, and I know it must have affected you more than most. I still remember when I heard the shocking news. How did you hear about it, and what will you be doing to prepare this year without him?

A. That was a very hard time for me. I first heard about Darren when my cousin barged into my bedroom and woke me up, saying, “Darren is dead!” I was in disbelief. I felt like quitting bodybuilding. I felt lost. He was my friend and my mentor. I loved Darren, and he loved me. We had a special relationship. Aside from training, we also hung out together outside of the gym. I still get very emotional when I see his picture or think about him. I’m not totally over it. I thought there would be no way for me to do it without him. Darren was the best! Who was going to show me anything after Darren?

I started my prep with the help of Samer Zebib, who does my supplements and dials me in with the training. As for training, I was still lost and was going through one training partner after another. I needed to find someone that was hardcore and consistent, and that isn’t easy. In the off-season, I actually started partying, trying to escape reality. Around the time of just dealing with Darren’s loss, I also found out my mom got cancer again, and that really messed me up and I was diving deeper into the party scene. IFBB pro Mike Van Wyck saw me one day and told me not to waste my talent. We would talk on the phone sometimes, and he would cheer me up, and then he kindly said he would show me everything he knows. At about nine weeks out I said, “Mike, help me please! I need someone to push me and keep me on track!” That’s when Mike started to pick up the pieces and rebuild me—bigger, stronger, faster. I am very grateful for Mike and Samer’s help! Thanks, guys!

Q. I couldn’t think of a better training partner for you than Mike Van Wyck. Your paths are very similar, both working with Darren. I’ve also been hearing about your insane training together. What’s in store for your competition this year?

A. What you can expect this year from me is no stone unturned. On August 18, I will fulfill the dream Darren and I had and take home the overall title. No doubt about it. It is my time!

Q. We’re looking forward to it! You already have one of the most balanced physiques out there, one that sits atop an enormous frame. You were so close to winning last year with an amazing physique! Did you bring up any particular body parts this year, and did your contest prep change?

A. The only difference in this year’s contest prep is more rest. Sometimes less is more! I have also brought up my hamstrings, quads, back, and chest, as well as bringing down my waist. I think I sport the best X-frame and the smallest looking waist of any super-heavyweight! Watch out!

Q. Today you are one of the OPA’s most predominant stars and can obviously dominate anywhere you decide to compete. With so many other organizations out there, why do you choose the OPA?

A. Anyone who is serious about competing with the best in bodybuilding goes with the OPA and the IFBB. That is the bottom line. All the other “pro cards” are bogus! If you want to truly test yourself, you go the OPA/IFBB road. We have history! All other pro cards are a joke. How can you compete once and get a pro card? In what sport do you become pro after one game or one fight?

Q. There’s a rumor out there that your mother is also an IFBB pro. Can you shed any light on that?

A. I don’t know where you heard that my mom is an IFBB pro, but you just made me laugh. I will actually take that as a compliment. No my mother is not an IFBB pro, but I do have a second cousin who is a pro in the US, but he doesn’t compete anymore.

Q. Jerome, many of our readers are just amazed with your size and conditioning. Can you give us an example of your pre-contest diet?

Meal 1 (upon rising)

2 scoops whey with water and then cardio

Meal 2

1.5 cups oats
1 cup blueberries
500 mL egg whites

Meal 3
10–12 oz. beef tenderloin
1 cup broccoli

Meal 4
10 oz. sole
1 cup broccoli
50 g almonds

Meal 5 (post workout)
10–12 oz. chicken breast
1 cup rice
1 cup kidney beans
2 scoops Vitargo

Meal 6

10 oz. sole
1 cup rice

Meal 7
10–12 oz. chicken breast
1 cup of broccoli

Meal 8
500 mL egg whites
2 scoops whey protein with water

Q. When people find out I’m going to interview particular athletes, their fans often ask me who inspires them, and you are certainly no different. Who inspires Jerome Bravo?

A. That’s a great question! It’s also easy for me to answer. I aspire to be like Mike Van Wyck, Kevin Levrone, and Roelly Winklaar.

Q. Jerome, I’ve seen you in the off-season, and that is a sight to behold! Can you tell us some of your measurements when you’re at your biggest in the off-season?

A. I honestly have no idea what my measurements are. I don’t check. Last year’s arms were 21.5". I get up to 300 pounds in the off-season, although this year I started prep at 290.

Q. We get constant questions about “How strong is Jerome Bravo?” I know you must have some impressive lifts! Can you tell us the weights you lift in all of your power movements?

A. Sure! I squat six plates for 12 reps. For shoulders, my behind-the-neck press is three and a half plates for 6 reps. For overall back, I deadlift seven plates for 2 reps. As for chest, I bench five plates for 5 reps.

Q. Last question, Jerome. Many bodybuilding fans want to take exactly what their idols take. What are the supplements you use?

A. Right now, I am taking a carbo supplement, glutamine, creatine, l-arginine, monostearate powder, amino acids, and whey protein.

Thanks, Jerome! We’re looking forward to seeing you in Edmonton!

PHOTO: GARRY BARTLETT