A city bodybuilder has reached the pinnacle of his sport – and plans to keep going.
Robin Ruest has received his ‘pro’ designation after placing in the top three at Ultimate Fitness Events (UFE) Showdown at Centennial Hall in London, Ont.
It means he will now be competing against elite athletes from across North America.
It’s the latest step in a series the Cornwall Community Police Serviice special constable has been taking to turn a sport he loves into something more than just awards on the shelf.
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said in an interview. “I still can’t really come to grips with the fact that I’m a pro.
“It’s surreal.”
The competition will now be as stiff as one of Ruest’s biceps.
The 47-year-old father of four will be heading to the UFE North American Championships in Hamilton in November where he will be competing against other pros.
“It will be daunting, if you can put it that way,” Ruest said, adding his streak of solid showings has helped him create a new line of work.
He has become a sponsored athlete for NSP Supplements, which not only means some more recognition from his sport and peers, but also creates a home-based business.
Ruest said the days have been long since getting the supplement business off the ground, coupled with regular work schedules, but he’s pleased with the results of having put in long hours at the gym on a regular basis.
He notes changing bodybuilding federations recently, going with UFE which promotes greater showmanship, has helped him progress to the point of becoming a pro.
“I love being on stage and performing and being a ham and a screwball up there,” he said.
Ruest dressed as a Maori Warrior from New Zealand, complete with makeup, special-effects contact lenses and a sword, during part of his routine.
He has been a bodybuilder for 30 years, but only three years ago took to the stage and won both the novice (beginner) and masters sections at the International Drug-Free Athletics Eastern Canadian Classic.
Earlier this year Ruest captured the overall title, as well as the master’s division and light heavyweight crown at the UFE Montreal Chaos show at Concordia University.
