Trimming down helped shape life
By Seabrook Mow
Special to The Advertiser
When his weight reached 250 pounds and his waistline 43 inches, Mililani's Alex Wilks, 24, decided he was "tired of being fat."
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser
Wilks had heard of the Subway sandwich-eating diet, but decided to do it the hard way.
Alex Wilks goes through a set with dumbbells at a recent workout at Pearl Kai 24-Hour Fitness, where he also is a personal instructor.
• He started workouts at a gym, and went on a diet.
• In a year he dropped to 230 pounds on his 5-foot-9 frame and took aim at entering a bodybuilding contest.
A little more than three months ago, Wilks' training and diet became serious.
His weight plunged to 185 and his waist shrank 13 inches.
As the ultimate testament to his accomplishment, Wilks is entered in the Hawaiian Classic & Fitness Championship tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.
The event is a bodybuilding contest for novices.
"You could lose all the weight, but your abs will still not be shown, so why not enter something that has to show your abs," Wilks said. "I was tired of being discouraged on how you got to be born with great genetics to get up on stage. I said screw genetics, I can define it (through hardwork)."
Wilks plans to enter the contest in the heavyweight division at about 170-175 pounds, according to contest promoter Dean Tamayoshi.
"For the first time I'll be the same weight I was my freshman year (of high school ), but I was a foot shorter back then," Wilks said.
Said Tamayoshi: "I think it's great guys (like Wilks) can make that transformation. Most guys talk, but talk is cheap."
Tamayoshi said a lot of men can gain weight by lifting weights, but to lose weight and attain body definition is a testament to the competitors.
"Dieting is what separates the men from the boys," Tamayoshi said.
Wilks said dieting is the toughest part of bodybuilding.
When: Tomorrow. Where: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Cost: $30, $35, all reserved Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; contest begins at 7 p.m. Information: Contact Dean Tamayoshi at 576-7740.
"You feel grumpy, edgy and weak most of the time," Wilks said. When his friends are eating tasty, fatty foods, he said, "It's just plain mean to watch."
•
Hawaiian Classic & Fitness Championship
But Wilks admitted to cheating, eating a couple of fries or chips. "You just want to get that taste of it," he said.
Not that he has a lot of time to snack. Wilks is a full-time student at the University of Hawai'i, majoring in political science. After classes, he coaches the judo team at Mililani High School.
He also works as a personal trainer at the Pearl Kai 24-Hour Fitness.
In whatever free time he has, Wilks devotes himself to lifting weights and doing cardio exercises.
"That's my life; it has to be; it just depends on how determined you are," Wilks said. "Besides, I just have a hard time accepting failure, especially with myself."
Wilks said he has already accomplished one of his goals by entering the contest.
"You don't expect to win, but getting a placing would sure be nice," he said.
• Guest posers: The guest posers at the Classic will be headed by Chris Comier, who recently won the 2001 Iron Man, 2001 San Francisco Grand Prix and placed second in the Arnold Classic. ... Joining him will be Tom Prince, a 1997 national overall winner; Troy Alves, the 2000 USA Nationals runner-up, and Iris Kyle, who placed second in the women's division of the Arnold Classic with her 17-inch arms.
