A Quick transformation into a bodybuilding champion
Date: 28-03-2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States |
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There's probably no such thing as a "typical" 47-year-old competitive bodybuilder.
Still, Bill Quick's story is unique.
The Mokena resident went from being one of the smallest, shyest kids in his class at Crete-Monee High School to a sculpted bodybuilder who won the Illinois Masters Bodybuilding championship in 2005 and was fourth in the Masters level at nationals in 2006.
His transformation started with the help of homemade equipment. He never stepped onto a competitive bodybuilding stage until he was 41.
According to Quick, the reason he does what he does goes beyond reaching a medals platform.
"My main goal is to be an inspiration and a leader for people out there who think their age is something that can hold them back," said Quick, who works as a personal trainer at Body Tech Total Fitness in Mokena.
"Just because you are 40, 45, 50 years old, that doesn't mean you can't try and accomplish great things with your life. I'm in the best shape of my life right now and I still make personal bests on several exercises."
Quick grew up at a time when personal trainers were available only to the rich and famous, so his journey to the champion's platform had its share of trials and errors.
"Honestly, I wasted about 15 years doing things the wrong way," Quick said. "I mean, I used to make up exercises all the time when I was first starting out at 14, 15 years old. I wish I knew what I know now, but I guess a lot of people can say that about a lot of things."
Quick also never stepped into a gym for a weight session until he was 38.
"I used to be a metal fabricator, so I made all my own equipment," said Quick, who also holds down a day job as a maintenance supervisor at Applied Systems in University Park. "I used the homemade stuff for most of my career, and it worked well."
As for his foray into the competitive arena, Quick admits that even though becoming a champion bodybuilder was always a dream, taking the initial step toward making that aspiration a reality took some prodding from his friends.
"I had a couple of friends when I used to work at Lifetime Fitness in Orland Park who suggested it should be something I should try, and since it always was a dream, I gave it a shot," he said. "And once I made the commitment to do it, it motivated me to get bigger and stronger."
Quick's first competition was the 2001 Illinois state championships. While he didn't win the title, he knew he'd made the right choice.
"They had three divisions, and I entered all three," said Quick, who in July will compete in the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh. "I placed second in one division and third in the other two.
"The funny thing is, I was never nervous," he said. "I was hopeful I'd do well and I figured I'd done my best to prepare, and that was all I could ask for."
Quick, who stands just a hair under 5-foot-9 and weighs 190 pounds during his contest season, can bench press 350 pounds five times, squat 450 pounds 10 reps and perform biceps curls with 180 pounds five times.
Not bad for a guy approaching the half-century mark.
Quick also knows he couldn't have gotten to where he is today without the help he's received. He credits Steve Tomczak and the late Ron Tomczak (owners of Body Tech) with helping him realize that his dream could be turned into much more.
"Steve and Ron have really been a tremendous help, as well as Chuck Sanow (owner of USA Gym in Bridgeview), and my good friend Bobby D'Andrea, who gave me pointers from the crowd during my first competition," Quick said. "I've really been very lucky to have the people around me that I've got."
And what does the future hold?
"I'd love to win the Masters Nationals and earn a pro card," Quick said. "If I could do that, it would make my entire career complete.
"I'm running out of time, though, so I'd better get on it if I'm going to do it."
