Flex, win, repeat

In 2012, local bodybuilder Adam Bankston won first place in his class in the physique division at the national amateur bodybuilding competition, the USA Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., which earned him his professional status. He now has his eyes on the pro championship, the Olympia contest in Las Vegas, in September, and is currently training while also attending Chico State. Visit Bankstan’s fitness/diet website at www.procustomfitness.com.

How did you get interested in bodybuilding?

I broke my hand, and I had to have surgery. I was riding my bicycle to class on campus, and I got hit by an SUV. It was a high-impact collision. I was unable to work out after that, and I had worked out my whole life. After getting my cast off, I saw how small my arm was, and how much it had atrophied, and I thought, “I’ve got to get back [in the gym].”

What are the challenges of being a bodybuilder?

Doing it naturally. I’m competing against guys who are on steroids, and I’ve made a conscious decision that I’m just not going to do that, so I have to work that much harder. I eat every two hours. My nutrition regimen is very precise. My workout routine has to be on point every day. It’s a lifestyle that I’ve embraced.

Tell me about your personal-training work?

Recently I’ve started training at Angelo Poli’s Whole Body Fitness. I specialize in the elite group of competition preparation—personalized coaching for clients that Angelo has.

How has becoming a pro changed your life?

It was like a whirlwind. As soon as I won the competition, there were three magazine photo shoots the next day. I got offered sponsorships from different supplement companies, and I’ve really had to pick and choose what I wanted to make out of my professional status.

What are your goals now?

I’m developing some all-natural supplements. I’ve already ordered the raw ingredients and the formula’s all established. I just have to put it all together and get the labels printed out and everything. The supplement line is called HPTech [health-power technology]. I’ll be competing [at a pro competition] in September. I’m going to win that show, and I’m going to qualify for [Olympia], and then I’m going to win the [Olympia]! I’ll keep at it until I win.