Fitness Expert, Carl: Creative, Brand Manager, & PT

Carl is a home gym expert with Level 2 and Level 3 Fitness Instructor & PT qualifications. His fitness journey began nearly 20 years ago from training in his bedroom, back yard, and parents’ garage.

“I was teased in school by a girl who humiliated me in front of everyone about my appearance. That same day I went home and vowed that it would never ever happen to me again, so I built my own dumbbells in my bedroom from wood and some old concrete weights, and bought a pull up bar, and didn't sleep until I had done 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups every night... I fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since!”

Now, Carl trains in his impressive, self-built home gym. He prides himself on having trained at home all of his life, which has pushed him to think creatively in utilising various free weight movements and getting the most out of even the simplest of exercises. He is a specialist in building and toning muscle, but is also at home with powerlifting, strength, and circuit-based exercises.

What is your favourite lift?

Yeah, this one’s a tough one for me because I love so many, but if I had to choose it would be between bicep curls and incline dumbbell chest press. But hey, let’s say bicep curls because they’re one of the first exercises I started out with!

Who is your fitness idol?

I’d probably say my biggest fitness inspiration is Simeon Panda. We both have a similar training style and ethos. He trains hard, and his workouts are very intense. You can see the passion he has for fitness showing every time he speaks, and through his brand.

If you could only use one piece of gym equipment for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Yeah, this one is easy for me… a dumbbell. You can do so much with even just a single heavy dumbbell. I started my fitness journey with one dumbbell, so it forced me to think outside the box, plus I love training my muscles unilaterally. So long as I have a dumbbell, I’m good!

Consult Carl on Instagram: @cjsessionz