At Rejuvenation, we’ve always believed that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Our employees certainly prove this adage—and not just when they’re at work. In the coming months, we’ll be featuring some of the surprising and inspiring projects that are their own labors of love. 

The following is from Wes Connor, one of our Engineering Project Leaders.

During my freshman year of high school, I was doing martial arts competitively. I decided I wanted to add some muscle and get a bit stronger, so I joined the local YMCA. Long story short, I ended up absolutely loving training. Working out grew from a fun hobby to a serious hobby to an interest in bodybuilding to a lifestyle that now I couldn’t imagine being without.

For me, bodybuilding is an outlet for my competitive and athletic energy. There’s the individual challenge of adding muscle and changing your physique, the discipline of dieting, and the constant pursuit of short- and long-term goals. Then there’s also the competitive side of getting in the zone to prepare for a show—even though you’re really just competing against yourself.

Wes doing a leg workout

Preparing for a show has both physical and mental components. Physically, my calories are restricted, I’m doing cardio, training faster, and paying very close attention to the mirror and the scale. Mentally, it’s a constant battle against cravings and low energy throughout the day. Imagine how you feel after a long workday: You’re exhausted. You’re hungry. You don’t want to do anything but lay on the couch and eat potato chips. Imagine that…but on top of it you’re doing cardio, working out as hard as possible, and eating bland food. And it lasts for 12 weeks! Welcome to competitive bodybuilding.  I love it.