In the world of fitness, few journeys are as inspiring and transformative as AJ Ellison’s.
From a champion middle-distance runner on the track to a professional fitness model, from overcoming devastating injuries and family tragedy to becoming a World Champion and personal trainer, AJ’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination.
He didn’t just build a physique.
He rebuilt his entire life—one rep, one race, one challenge at a time.
🧑🦱 AJ Ellison Quick Facts (2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | AJ Ellison |
| Date of Birth | 1976 (age 49) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Competition Weight | 185–195 lbs (84–88 kg) |
| Division | Men’s Physique, Classic Physique, Fitness Modeling |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Merced, California, USA |
| Pro Status | WBFF Pro (since 2011) |
| Social Media |
🏃♂️ Early Life & Track Career: The Making of a Champion
Born in 1976 in Merced, California, AJ Ellison discovered his passion for sports at a young age.
His childhood was marked by frequent moves—living in California, North Carolina, and even Japan for a period—due to family circumstances. But no matter where he was, AJ always found his way to the track.
By high school, he was a dominant middle-distance runner, specializing in the 800m and 1500m.
🔹 Key Track Achievements
- 1994:
- AAU National Champion (Boy’s 1500m)
- USATF National Champion (Boy’s 1500m)
- Kansas State Champion (Boy’s 800m)
AdvertisementContinue Reading Below - 1999:
- 4th Place – USA Indoor Championships (Men’s 800m)
- NCAA Championships Qualifier
- 2000:
- USA Olympic Trials Qualifier – A monumental achievement in his athletic career
Reaching the Olympic Trials was a dream come true—but it wasn’t the end of his journey.
It was just the beginning.
🥋 The Turn to Martial Arts: Passion, Pain, and Purpose
After his track career, AJ Ellison sought a new challenge.
He turned to martial arts, immersing himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.
For a time, he thrived—winning the 2008 Arnold’s Classic Welterweight No-Gi Championship with the North American Grappling Association.
But the sport took a heavy toll.
🔹 Devastating Injuries
- Broken ankle
- Torn tricep
These injuries forced him to step away from competition.
And just as he was healing physically, a deeper wound struck.
🔹 Family Tragedy
AJ’s father attempted suicide—a traumatic event that left AJ emotionally shattered.
“For some time, this proved to be a major personal obstacle in my life.”
But instead of breaking, AJ chose to rise.
“We all have our issues, obstacles, or demons. It’s how we choose to deal with them. I chose to learn from my experiences and move forward.”
He credits his small circle of family and friends for his recovery.
And from that darkness, a new dream was born.
💪 Fitness Modeling Career: A New Chapter Begins
With his athletic career on pause, AJ turned to the gym—not just for recovery, but for reinvention.
He began training with serious intent, sculpting his physique with the same discipline he once brought to the track.
In 2011, he entered his first major competition: the WBFF World Championships.
🔹 2011 WBFF World Championships
- 3rd Place – Muscle Model
- Earned his WBFF Pro Card
It was a breakthrough.
And he didn’t stop there.
🔹 WBFF Career Highlights
| Year | Contest | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | WBFF World Championships | 3rd – Muscle Model |
| 2012 | WBFF World Championships | 2nd – Muscle Model |
| 2013 | WBFF World Championships | 1st – World Champion Muscle Model✅ |
| 2014 | WBFF World Championships | 2nd – Muscle Model |
| 2015 | WBFF European Championships | 2nd – Muscle Model |
| 2015 | WBFF World Championships | 4th – Muscle Model |
| 2016 | WBFF World Championships | 1st – World Champion Muscle Model✅ |
AJ became a two-time WBFF World Champion, proving that his transformation was more than skin deep.
He wasn’t just a model.
He was a champion.
🏆 Transition to IFBB: Men’s Physique & Classic Physique
After years of dominance in the WBFF, AJ transitioned to the IFBB Pro League, competing in Men’s Physique and Classic Physique.
His first major IFBB appearance came in 2019, where he dominated the NPC circuit.
🔹 2019 NPC Nationals – A Dominant Sweep
- 1st – Men’s Physique
- 1st – Classic Physique
(Both at the NPC Teen Collegiate & Masters National Championships)
He followed it up with a win at the NPC Tim Gardner Chicago Extravaganza in the same year.
🔹 IFBB Pro Debut
- 2019 San Antonio Classic – 7th – Men’s Physique
- 2022 Vancouver Pro – 9th – Men’s Physique
While he hasn’t yet cracked the Olympia stage, his consistency and professionalism have earned him respect in the competitive bodybuilding world.
💼 Life Beyond the Stage: Personal Trainer & Inspirational Coach
AJ’s journey didn’t end with competition.
He became a certified personal trainer, using his experience to help others transform their lives.
“I’d like to inspire as many people as I can by living a healthy lifestyle… I’m using the medium of competition and personal training to reach as many people as possible.”
He focuses on:
- Sustainable fitness
- Mental resilience
- Nutrition education
- Holistic wellness
His coaching philosophy is rooted in real-life experience—not just aesthetics, but health, strength, and self-worth.
🧠 Training Philosophy: Discipline, Consistency, Mind-Muscle Connection
AJ trains 5–6 days per week, following a body-part split that emphasizes:
- Hypertrophy
- Symmetry
- Posing integration
🔹 Weekly Training Split (Sample)
| Monday | Chest & Triceps |
| Tuesday | Back & Biceps |
| Wednesday | Legs |
| Thursday | Shoulders & Abs |
| Friday | Arms & Core |
| Saturday | Posedown Practice & Cardio |
| Sunday | Rest |
He emphasizes mind-muscle connection, controlled reps, and posing between sets—a carryover from his fitness modeling days.
🥗 Diet & Nutrition: Clean, Balanced, Sustainable
AJ follows a high-protein, moderate-carb, low-fat diet during prep.
🔹 Daily Caloric Intake
- Off-Season: 3,000–3,500 kcal
- Pre-Contest: 2,600–2,800 kcal
🔹 Macronutrient Breakdown
- Protein: 200–220g
- Carbs: 250–300g
- Fats: 60–80g
🔹 Sample Daily Diet (Pre-Contest)
- Meal 1: 5 egg whites, ½ cup oats, 1 banana
- Meal 2: 150g grilled chicken, ½ cup rice, broccoli
- Meal 3 (Pre-Workout): 150g lean beef, ½ sweet potato
- Meal 4 (Post-Workout): 2 scoops whey, 1 cup white rice
- Meal 5: 150g fish, ½ cup quinoa, spinach
- Meal 6: Cottage cheese, almonds, berries
He avoids processed foods and focuses on whole, nutrient-dense options.
🔮 What’s Next for AJ Ellison?
At 49 years old, AJ continues to train, compete, and coach with unmatched passion.
While he may not be chasing an Olympia title, his mission is clear:
To inspire others to overcome their obstacles and live their best lives.
He’s living proof that:
- You can reinvent yourself at any age.
- You can turn pain into purpose.
- You can be more than one thing.
🔥 Final Thoughts: More Than a Physique
AJ Ellison’s story isn’t just about muscles, medals, or stage lights.
It’s about:
- Surviving trauma
- Overcoming injury
- Finding purpose in pain
- Helping others do the same
He wasn’t born a champion.
He became one—through every fall, every setback, every comeback.
And that’s what makes him a true role model.
Because AJ Ellison didn’t just win titles.
He won his life back.