Bodybuildin
g is a war. It’s a war against the competition. It’s a war against the weights. It’s a war against limitations, against sanity, and most importantly of all – it’s a war against self. Each and every day is a battle against the brutality that is complacency. War, like bodybuilding, isn’t for the weak or the faint of heart. It’s for those who have the strength to endure.
When Tank Moore stepped onstage at the NPC Nationals, he wasn’t there to do battle against the competition – he was there because he was entrenched in a torrid battle against self. His was a battle that had begun nearly a decade earlier. But when night fell and the smoke cleared, there he was still standing – victorious.
Recently, I had a chance to catch up with one of the IFBB’s newest pros, and you can catch all of the details right here, in this RxMuscle exclusive interview.
Q.) Before we jump into Nationals let's take a step back to life before the stage. Would you tell us a bit about how you first became interested in weight training?
A.) Well, growing up in Germany, I played sports, and my father also made me workout. I was a military and Air Force brat. Then once I got to high school in California I started playing football and began training to help me with my performance on the field.
In 1998, I decided to move to Texas and I became a personal trainer at Gold's Gym. In 2004, I got married, but things didn’t last long and we were divorced in 2006. But by the time all was said and done I had gained almost seventy pounds. Around that time I met my current girlfriend, Bonnie Bundy, who had already been competing at the time. I went to one of her shows and I was hooked. After that I hooked up with IFBB Pro Robert Washington who trained me in San Antonio at Joe's Gym.
Q.) Would you say that early on you made gains relatively easily? Or were you more of a hard gainer?
A.) Looking back, I’d have to say that it was relatively easy making gains. Once I made a commitment to training, my body really began to transform.
Q.) Prior to become involved in the spor
t how familiar were you with the entire bodybuilding lifestyle?
A.) I actually always followed bodybuilding. I remember that show was on ESPN in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. I also have to give some credit to my uncle, Arthur Reeves. He bought me my first subscription to Flex Magazine when I was thirteen.
Q.) What was it that sparked your interest and initially gave you the desire to begin competing?
A.) Because I was a trainer all those years and a gym rat, people always told me that I belonged on stage. Now that I’ve done it I wish I would have started early in my 20’s. I'm 38 now, but I don't feel 38! Also, being on stage gives me all the focus I need, and I just feed off of the response from the crowd.
Q.) Let's look back to March when you stepped on stage at the Phil Heath Classic. We saw you compete there as a light heavyweight where you ultimately ended up taking 3rd in the class. Now, if we jump ahead eight months to NPC Nationals where you earned your pro card, you took the stage as a middleweight. What was the reason for the decision to come down a class?
A.) I was told that competitors in that class were somewhat taller, so with my physique – given that I’m short and stocky – I thought I had a better chance in middleweight division, so I had to drop another eighteen pounds.
Q.) Can you give us some insight into what your strategy was to keep making improvements while also managing to come in lighter, tighter, and fuller as well?
A.) First and foremost is having a strong support system. As I mentioned before, my girlfriend Bonnie Bundy also competes. Secondly, I’d have to say my clients who look up to me. And third is that I eat clean all the time and don't buy junk food – except for when my kiddos come to visit. They live back home in San Antonio.
Q.) Follow the prejudging you had to have some idea that you were in the mix not only for the win, but also earning you pro card as well. What was your mindset like heading into the finals?
A.) Well, I knew something was up when they told us, both David and myself, to step off stage. But other than that, I was ready to perform and most certainly READY to EAT!
Q.) Although you did earn your pro card, you ended up taking second in a close call behind eventual winner David Paterik. Was earning your pro card bittersweet given the fact that y
ou were so close to taking the class?
A.) Not at all. My goal was to become an IFBB Pro, and that’s exactly what I did. I couldn’t be happier.
Q.) Now that you're officially an IFBB Pro, what's next for Tank Moore?
A.) I’ll be working with Josh Bryant, my strength coach, right up until I make my Pro debut at the 2016 Europa. We’re also focusing this year on working toward Bonnie getting her pro card as well.
Q.) If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring competitors that saw you onstage at Nationals and who now look to you as their source of inspiration, what would it be?
A.) Stay focused and stick to your plan. Always finish what you start. Like I said before, I'm a 38 years old and am just now becoming an IFBB Pro. It’s never too late to follow your dreams.
Q.) If someone would like to reach you for potential sponsorship or guest posing opportunities, what's the best way for them to reach you?
A.) I can be reached on my Facebook, IFBB Pro Tank Moore or by email at [email protected].
They say that only the strong survive, but in bodybuilding there have been plenty of the strong who’ve rushed in quickly, only to disappear faster than a summer tide. The truth is that in bodybuilding it’s only those who have the strength to endure that survive. Tank has already faced his fair share of battles on his road to the top, and if his past is any indication of what’s to come, then it’s a safe bet to say that he won’t be giving up the fight any time soon.
