My Account
A decade-long health and fitness journey culminated in DJ Barclay, of Omaha, walking away with the
Fit Dad title at last month’s NZ Health & Fitness Expo in Auckland.
The father of three is a personal trainer who currently runs a body composition analysis business.
“I’m always looking to further my understanding of training and nutrition, and I once read that you should test yourself by competing in something at least once – bodybuilding, power lifting, crossfit – it doesn’t matter,” he says. “The Fit Dad comp was me stepping outside my comfort zone.”
DJ says he used the competition to focus on reducing fat and building muscle mass by lifting weights and daily exercise. When he stepped on to the stage, he weighed 76kgs with only eight per cent body fat.
But although physique was important, it wasn’t the only factor that judges were looking at.
“We had to tell our health and fitness journey, and things like our involvement in our community, nutrition and how we motivate others was also taken into account.
“I was just blown away to win – it was totally amazing particularly since I was up against some competitors who had national body building titles.”
Ten years ago, it was a different story. DJ had just changed jobs from labouring to more sedentary work, and weighed 95kgs with 25 per cent body fat.
“When my wife Tasha and I started a family, I realised that I wanted to be around for my kids and to show them a healthy lifestyle. That’s what motivated me.”
DJ’s fitness journey started with an enrolment at the Warkworth Gym.
“It was a gradual process; a matter of taking small steps in the right direction.
“Fitness and health is a goal that you have to work towards, which involves finding a healthy food and fitness balance that fits with your lifestyle. I don’t believe in the on-again off-again diet mentality because it’s not sustainable.”
