International body transformation/physique coach and WBFF Muscle Model Jamie Alderton visited “Jake’s Take” in this edition of “A Conversation.” (Photo courtesy of Jamie Alderton)
The WBFF (World Beauty Fashion and Fitness Federation) is an organization that attracts elite athletes worldwide.
Muscle Model Jamie Alderton is one of the many athletes that is part of the WBFF’s ever-growing ranks!
Since winning his Pro Card in 2012, supplement company Grenade sponsored his endeavors, which helped him grow as a fitness entrepreneur.
As a premier Body Transformation and Physique Coach, Jamie’s clients have flourished in many fitness competitions around the world. He has over 102,000 likes on Facebook and thousands of followers on both Instagram and Twitter.
In this edition of A Conversation, Jamie talked about the challenges he overcame on his fitness journey and his work as a Body Transformation and Physique Coach.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in fitness?
Jamie Alderton: I have been interested in fitness since I was 13-years-old. I started lifting weights when I was in school and, at every lunch hour, you would have found me lifting weights at the school gym. I was a disruptive child with too much energy, and I had no outlet until I discovered the gym. Fitness has always been with me through school, college and in the British Army.
JE: How did that passion for fitness evolve into bodybuilding?
JA: Throughout my seven years in the British Army, I was used to doing a structured routine. Once, I left the army I did not have a person over my shoulder telling me what to do day-to-day. It felt natural to move into bodybuilding! I had an imaginary person over my shoulder telling me that “I must train” and “Follow the diet.” The routine carried over to civilian life.
JE: What were some of the challenges that you faced in your fitness journey so far? How have you overcome them?
JA: I am a very busy person with a demanding job! I also have a young daughter, so my primary challenge has been time management. Having a young family, being a fitness model, competing and getting clients ready for fitness shows are some of the top items on my agenda. Being able to fit all of those things in the space of a 24-hour-day is a challenge, but I do it quite well because I get anywhere between four-to-five hours of sleep each night. (Laughs) While I admit to the fact that I need to get more sleep, I am very passionate about what I do for a living.
Jamie Alderton commanded the WBFF stage and earned his pro card in 2012. (Photo property of Gunnar Orn Photography & courtesy of Jamie Alderton)
JE: You are a part of the international bodybuilding league known as the WBFF. What attracted you to become part of that organization and attain your Pro Card?
JA: While there are a lot of different fitness leagues out there, what sets the WBFF apart is that they look after their athletes. The WBFF makes sure that they have the best venues and lighting for their competitions. If you have never been to a WBFF show, every single venue and experience are out of this world! I know that in a lot of different bodybuilding federations, the athletes do not speak to each other! They tend just to jump off the stage, compete and leave the stage. The WBFF is sort of like a family. I hang out with the other WBFF Pros in the UK. We all go out for dinner and drinks, and I am very happy to be a part of this friendly community of athletes.
JE: Grenade is responsible for a bulk of your brand! Could you please tell my readers about this company and how you got your nickname: “Grenade Jay”?
JA: I acquired the name, Grenade Jay, a few years ago. I was known as Jay, then it was Jay from Grenade, and then, it suddenly turned into Grenade Jay! I took the nickname because people would know that I am a part of the Grenade brand and know my name as well. The company has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. A lot of people do not know that Grenade is five-years-old and that their first product was Grenade Fat Burner. It was not only an effective product, but it is also one of their most recognizable products because it is shaped like a grenade.
They also have test boosters, multivitamins, antioxidants and a cool protein powder to use for your pre-workout needs. The company also has some excellent protein bars, and I am glad that I have been there since the beginning.
JE: How would you describe yourself as a Body Transformation and Physique Coach?
JA: In addition to being a Body Transformation Coach, I am also a competitor as well. What I think do differently than other transformation coaches is that I like to practice what I preach. It has not only helped me get into shape, but it has also helped my clients prepare for their competitions. I also tell my clients and social media followers that even though you have both excellent training and a diet plan, it is all about the mind! If your mind is not focused, then you are destined to fail. Your mind needs to be strong, focused and dedicated. Competitors also have to be mindful about their nutrition as well as their training.
GrenadeJay is one of the world’s most recognizable bodybuilding and fitness brands in the world. (Logo courtesy of Jamie Alderton)
JE: The international fitness industry has grown leaps and bounds since the early 2000s. How do you standout as both a fitness model and transformation coach in this industry?
JA: Many trainers and fitness models have abs, but what else can they bring to the table? Over the years, physiques have been getting better and better…which has to lead to the fitness industry to become a oversaturated market. There are a lot of great trainers out there, but what makes me stand out is that I like to keep it real. I do not want to lie to my clients or have gimmicks, I present the person that I am to my clients, and thankfully, I got a lot of positive feedback for just being me. The fitness industry could be very much smoke and mirrors. Clients see a lot of false promises and advertisements, and I have never been a fan of being something that I am not. I want to show people that you can have a young family and still achieve your goals, but you have to work hard for it, and that is what I hope inspires people around the world.
JE: How has social media helped your brand grow?
JA: Social media is a huge component, and it has blown up in a way that you can simultaneously post on multiple platforms. It has helped me get my name out on the Internet more and helped showed my personality, which you cannot always get with statuses. Also, all of the social media platforms give their users an audience that is interested in what you are and want to be a part of your journey. I am from a business perspective, so if they are interested in what I have to say…. then more than likely they are interested in what I sell as well.
JE: If you had the chance to meet with someone who is either stuck on or has not started their fitness journey, what advice would you share with them?
JA: My first piece of advice would be: “Work your ass off” & “Work hard!” Some people are blinded by the phrase: “Work hard.” I share with people—-my typical day. It starts at 5:00 AM with a power walk and I would come back to the house, write a plan and feed my daughter. Then, I would go to work—-train clients and answer more e-mails. I am working until 11:00 PM, and it is the same routine…SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. If you want something bad enough, you will need work hard sufficiently to attain it. Secondly, BE PASSIONATE about it. It does not have to be fitness-related if you find your passion in life…GO FOR IT! If you are going to enter the fitness industry, make sure it is something that you LIVE AND BREATHE. If it is not, then it is not the industry for you. Also, BE NICE…no one likes to work with nasty people.
To learn more about Jamie’s work with Grenade, visit his website: http://www.grenadejay.com/
You can also connect with Jamie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube!
