Today we’d like to introduce you to John Thomas.
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I definitely did not start out as a 250-pound competitive vegan bodybuilder. I chose to become vegan at 13 years old. Growing up I played a lot of different sports. In high school, I wrested at 130 pounds and was then introduced to lifting weights. I was hooked immediately.
That first summer I would ride my bike to the gym, twice a day, six days a week. I had NO CLUE what I was doing, but I loved it. I had been bullied a lot as a child and the gym became a safe place for me.
I could be myself and work on myself and was largely met with support. The only times I was met with odd looks is when I would mention I was plant-based. Everyone knows you “have to eat meat” to grow right? Well, I wanted to find out if that was really true.
I first competed in Men’s Bodybuilding in 2014. I most recently returned to the stage in November of 2021. I am now taking 2022 as a growth year and plan to become the first Plant Based IFBB Pro in Men’s Open Bodybuilding in late 2023. I love the confidence this sport has given me. I also love that I am able to spread my passion for fitness with so many others.
For me, being a bodybuilder and being vegan are the two biggest influences in the course of my life. I now use the knowledge I have gained from 15 years of lifting and 17 years as a vegan to help over 100-lifetime clients reach their exercise and nutrition goals.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was practically no information available at the time for plant-based lifters. I started working out in 2008, and the resources were just not the same back then! Sifting through tons of misinformation online as well as “experimenting” on myself got me to where I am today. It is my goal to use all the struggles I went through as lessons for my clients. I often say, “let me save you 15 years of figuring this out and give you what you need to know now!”
I had been told I couldn’t grow muscle as a plant-based lifter and I found that to simply not be true. I also found it worked for others as well. Being vegan might take a little more work on the planning side, but once you do it for a while it becomes second nature.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an online coach for clients of all levels, from soccer moms to bodybuilders. It is truly an honor to get to work with some great men and women on their fitness journeys. I try to be the person I wish I had been available when I first started and didn’t know what I was doing.
I co-own two apparel companies: Athlicity and W8TRAIN
Athlicity is centered around premium sportswear and has grown phenomenally in its first year. You can find more at athlicity.com
W8TRAIN is all about the products and gear needed for a good workout. Think of things like lever belts (vegan), knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and things like that. We have created the W8TRAIN Family and are inclusive of all people of all backgrounds, fitness levels, genders, races, and lifestyles. Find all our products at w8train.com
I am a sponsored athlete for TrueNutrition (the best vegan pea protein powder on the market!) and No Cow (the best vegan protein bars). To save and also support me you can use my code: BodybuildingVegan
I am a brand ambassador for the charitable organization onetosavemany.com. All proceeds are donated to animals in need and this has been an extremely fulfilling role for me. Admittedly I used to not make any charitable donations. Now I make sure to make at least one purchase a month to show my support to this organization and the animals that can use our help.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I used to work as a corrections officer!
Pricing:
- 1 month of one-on-one online coaching for $250
- Custom meal plans and training plans are also available – visit my website for a quote.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebodybuildingvegan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingvegan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.thomas.5473894
Image Credits
@cesar_the_hobbyist
