Gary Strydom, a name that resonates deeply within the bodybuilding community, is a South African IFBB Pro bodybuilder whose career spanned over three decades.
Known for his impressive physique and unwavering dedication, Gary Strydom competed in prestigious contests such as Mr. Olympia, and clinched titles like the Night of Champions and USA Championships.
His journey from humble beginnings in South Africa to becoming a celebrated figure in bodybuilding is a story of sacrifice, determination, and triumph.
Early Life and Journey to America
Gary Strydom was born in 1960 in South Africa. At the age of 20, he made a life-changing decision to leave his home and family behind.
With nothing but a one-way ticket to America, $1000, and a dream of becoming a great bodybuilder, Gary Strydom embarked on a journey that would eventually see him rise to the pinnacle of the sport.
Bodybuilding Statistics
| Gary Strydom Weight | 295 – 310LBS (133.8KG – 140.6KG |
| Gary Strydom Height | 6’2″ (188CM) |
| Gary Strydom Arms | 22In/56CM |
| Gary Strydom Chest | 61In/150CM |
| Gary Strydom Waist | 32In/82CM |
| Gary Strydom Thighs | 29In/74CM |
| Gary Strydom Calves | 19In/48CM |
| Gary Strydom Year of Birth | 1960 |
| Gary Strydom Nationality | South African |
| Gary Strydom Profession | Professional Bodybuilder |
Early Career and First Bodybuilding Show
Upon arriving in America, Gary Strydom secured a stable job and a membership at a local gym. He began to settle into his new life, laying the foundations for his competitive bodybuilding journey.
In 1983, Gary Strydom participated in his first show, the Junior Florida Bodybuilding Championships.
Despite being his debut, Gary Strydom’s impressive form quickly established him as a rising star in the bodybuilding scene.
Challenges with U.S. Citizenship
In 1984, Gary Strydom made headlines again by winning the USA Championships.
However, his ascent was temporarily halted when he discovered he couldn’t compete at the American Nationals due to his lack of U.S. citizenship.
This setback was particularly confusing since he had already competed in the USA Championships without any issues.
Determined not to let this obstacle derail his ambitions, Gary Strydom applied for American citizenship and continued to train rigorously.
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Achieving U.S. Citizenship and Winning the Nationals
In 1986, just one week before the U.S. Nationals, Gary Strydom received his American citizenship. Seizing the opportunity, he completed his final preparations and competed in the Nationals, winning the show and earning his IFBB Pro card.
This victory marked the beginning of a significant phase in Gary Strydom’s career, propelling him into the professional bodybuilding arena.
Career Explosion and Professional Success
With his Pro card in hand, Gary Strydom’s career took off. He began appearing in renowned bodybuilding magazines, making guest appearances worldwide, and participating in photo shoots with legends like Lee Haney.
His victory at the 1987 Night of Champions was a precursor to his future successes as a professional bodybuilder.
Mr. Olympia’s Debut and Continued Success
In 1988, Gary Strydom made his debut at Mr. Olympia, securing an impressive 5th place.
Determined to improve, he revamped his training routine and diet, achieving better results at subsequent competitions.
At the 1989 Arnold Classic, he claimed the bronze medal, followed by a victory at the 1989 Grand Prix France and three additional IFBB Pro wins in Europe.
Joining the World Bodybuilding Federation
Gary Strydom’s meteoric rise caught the attention of a famous wrestling tycoon who invited him to join the World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF). Influenced by one of his bodybuilding idols, Tom Platz, who was a director at the WBF, Gary accepted the offer.
Reflecting on his decision, Gary Strydom said, “I have no regrets, it was a business move. What would you do if a work opportunity was proposed that would pay you 12 times as much money with one-tenth the workload? It was a three-year deal with guarantees!”
Time in the WBF and Early Retirement
Gary Strydom’s time in the WBF was marked by success, as he became the only person to win a title in that format.
However, the WBF fell apart just two years after its inception, prompting Gary Strydom to retire from bodybuilding.
He shifted his focus to his new clothing business, much to the disappointment of his fans who believed his best years were still ahead of him.
Surprise Comeback
In 2006, 12 years after his retirement, Gary Strydom made a surprise comeback at the Colorado Pro.
At 46 years old, he was in arguably the best shape of his life, competing against athletes two decades younger and securing a high 7th-place finish.
This comeback generated significant attention and rekindled his popularity within the bodybuilding community.
Later Years and Legacy
Gary Strydom’s comeback garnered enormous publicity, leading him to forgo further competition in favor of organizing events and fan meet-ups worldwide.
His influence and legacy in the bodybuilding world continue to grow, inspiring countless aspiring bodybuilders.
Reflecting on his career, Gary Strydom said, “I am a bodybuilder, it’s my passion and it’s my life. In the years since I retired, I’ve never stopped living that lifestyle or training. The comeback was more like the beginning of a new competitive career for me.”
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Gary Strydom Training Philosophy and Workout Routine
Gary Strydom’s training philosophy was built on basic lifts and heavy weights.
He believed in using trial and error to discover what worked best for his body, eventually finding that basic movements targeting big muscle groups yielded the best results.
During his prime, Gary Strydom trained six times per week with two workouts per day—one in the morning and one in the evening.
Gary Strydom Training Methodology
Gary Strydom’s workouts began with lightweight warm-ups, followed by working sets with fewer reps and heavier weights.
He performed up to 30 sets for large muscle groups and 15-20 sets for smaller ones. His training routines varied but were always intense and focused on maximizing muscle growth and definition.
Gary Strydom Workout Routine #1
| Day 1 | Quads (a.m.), Hamstrings (p.m.) |
| Day 2 | Biceps, Triceps (a.m.), Calves, Stationary Cycling (p.m.) |
| Day 3 | Deadlifts (a.m.), Upper Back (p.m.) |
| Day 4 | Chest (a.m.), Shoulders, Abdominals, Cardio (p.m.) |
Gary Strydom Workout Routine #2
| Monday | Legs |
| Tuesday | Chest |
| Wednesday | Back |
| Thursday | Back and Legs |
| Friday | Shoulders |
| Saturday | Arms |
| Sunday | Rest |
Supersets and Overtraining
Gary Strydom was not a fan of supersets, believing that doing more than one exercise at a time diluted concentration. Instead, he preferred 25-rep sets on lighter days to achieve intensity without losing focus.
Despite criticism for overtraining, Gary Strydom firmly believed that overtraining was a myth, stating, “There is no such thing as over-training, only under-eating, under-sleeping, or under-juicing.”
Gary Strydom Nutrition and Diet Plan
Gary Strydom’s diet was simple and consistent year-round. He did not follow the typical off-season or cutting protocols, instead maintaining a steady diet that helped him stay in peak condition.
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Gary Strydom’s Diet Philosophy
Gary Strydom emphasized the importance of dieting over an extended period, usually 6 to 8 months, to eliminate all subcutaneous and intramuscular fat, leaving no place for water retention.
He maintained a consistent diet, even eating the same foods the day before a show.
His approach to water manipulation involved a complex and technical protocol that proved effective for him.
Conclusion
Gary Strydom’s journey from South Africa to the heights of professional bodybuilding is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport.
His career, marked by significant achievements and a surprise comeback, has left an indelible mark on the bodybuilding community.
Gary Strydom’s training philosophies, workout routines, and diet plans continue to inspire bodybuilders worldwide.
Even in retirement, his influence and legacy endure, making him a revered figure in the world of bodybuilding.
Gary Strydom’s story is not just about muscle and strength but about the relentless pursuit of dreams and the will to overcome any obstacle in the quest for greatness.
Source:
- Gary Strydom’s Official Instagram Account
- Gary Strydom Official Facebook Page
- YouTube Channel
- Personal interviews featured in various magazines