Brad Borland

Male

35

United States

University Administrator, Member Louisiana Air National Guard, Contributing Bodybuilding Writer (Bodybuilding.com, Physique Magazine, MuscleandStrength.com), Husband

Jan, 1989

I got started in weight training actually indirectly through my brother. When I was 15 years old my parents gave my brother a weight set to improve on his martial arts. He didn't take to it all that much and I picked it up (literally) and the rest was history. I always wanted to be involved in something that was all mine. I wanted to be the athlete, coach, motivator, everything. I didn't decide to compete until my early twenties. It's not that I was nervous about being on stage or anything; I just wanted to do it naturally and found it difficult to find natural shows locally. I finally found one about 100 miles away, so a friend of mine and I packed a truck and headed to Mobile, Alabama and I won my first novice show! Since then I have been hooked. I went on to earn my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Kinesiology. I have trained and coached many from all aspects of life from the competitive bodybuilder and athletes to the elderly and rehabilitated. I have trained in wellness clinics, hospitals, health clubs, student recreation facilities, and have helped many with diets and eating habits. I am also a member of the Air National Guard and proudly served in Afghanistan in 2003. However, upon coming home from Afghanistan I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, an immune system cancer. My brother and father had the same type of cancer before, but I thought it would somehow skip me. I went through 8 1/2 months of chemotherapy. I lost over 30 pounds, a little hair, and a lot of energy. I would not have done as well as I have if it was not for all of my family and friends checking up on me from time to time and keeping good company. A special thank you to my parents for all of their love and support. And also thank you to all that wrote to me or called, it was much appreciated and worth it. I am now happily married to my beautiful wife Courtney who gives me even more motivation and inspiration for my life every day.

I love bodybuilding because of the challenge you put on yourself. You are the product, creator, and everything in between. It is unlike any other sport. It embodies so many principles such as discipline, dedication, hard work, mental focus, sacrifice, triumph, and the list goes on. Presently this has evolved into something more because now I compete for myself and for the pure joy of competition. More triumphs and challenges are yet to come, but as long as God is on our side anything is possible! Education: Masters Degree in Kinesiology: Health Studies NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Member of the Louisiana Air National Guard

The pure love of it.

Competitions and contributing writing.

Brad Borland, M.A., CSCS Drug-Free For Life www.onlinemuscle.blogspot.com www.bodybuilding.com/fun/borland.htm Contributing writer for: Bodybuilding.com Physique Magazine MuscleandStrength.com