Woody Belfort and his Brazilian Adventure at the 2023 Arnold Sports Festival

The Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sports Festival competition is considered the second-most prestigious event in professional men’s bodybuilding, physique, figure, and bikini after Joe Weider’s Olympia. This huge event only for the best bodybuilders took place early this year in beautiful Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Woody Belfort returned to Canada with a 3rd place in the world in the Men’s Wheelchair category!  And now he is preparing for the Olympia competition that will take place later this year. We decided to meet with our favorite pro-bodybuilder to talk about this fantastic experience!

Interview:

Why did you decide to become a bodybuilder?

It’s funny, it actually happened by accident. It was never planned. I was at a fitness expo in Toronto (the Toronto Pro Show), and right next door, there was a bodybuilding competition. When I saw the people in wheelchairs, I thought, “Hey, I am in a wheelchair; they are in wheelchairs! That’s so cool!”   So, I started talking to some of them, and they encouraged me to try it. I tried a show, with zero knowledge prior and liked it, so I never stopped.  

You were accredited as a professional bodybuilder (IFBB Pro-card) last year. How did you feel when you accomplished this? How long have you tried to get it?

I got it last year in a show. It was my 3rd try. I felt amazing! It is an indescribable feeling when you work hard for something, you give it your all, and then you hear your name being called first is unbelievable!

The night before, I saw all the other guys that I was competing against. I was thinking, “Oh, these guys look bigger than me, stronger than me. I am so proud of them, but can I beat them?” I was unsure. The moment I won, I felt so accomplished! And right after I won, I went and hug those guys and I thanked them for pushing me this far! It was something else! I am so proud of this!

How was your journey to get to a show like this? How do you feel about getting 3rd place worldwide?

Uuuufff! First, you’re gassing me up way too much. I like it!! (Laughs.) Second, this is one of two invite-only shows, so going was already a privilege! They only invite around 50 athletes out of over 2000! I learned afterward they invited me because of the energy that I bring, regardless of my position on the podium overall. So, I may not be winning on the big stage, but I am winning in the sport! It’s been over a year since I became a Pro-Bodybuilder, and I have accomplished so much.

What is your routine to prepare for a show like this one? 

Typically, before the event, I try to pay attention to what I eat to keep my body full, and once I work out, I can push to expand my muscles.

I also practice a lot of posing. Many people don’t realize bodybuilding is about symmetry and making it look easy. Flexing your muscles for a long time can be exhausting, but people like to see and feel the confidence in the bodybuilder.

It takes a lot of mental strength; you constantly think about your body and the “imperfections” you see in it. I don’t like that many people in this sport starve themselves a week before the show, because it’s peak week. However, I believe that to look your best, you also need to feel your best, so I try to keep this in mind.

You have met Arnold Schwarzenegger. For a bodybuilder like you, how did you feel? What was your experience when talking to him?

I did not get the opportunity to talk to him a lot, but it was impressive to meet one of the greatest of the sport that I am practicing.

For me, I strive to be as influential and impactful as he is, to see how he does things, how a room lights up when he enters it, and how the energy of everyone changes as he walks by. It motivates me to continue doing what I am doing, and I hope that one day I will get the same level of gravitas that he has!

Do you feel that your APEX CARBON contributes to your preparations and participation in bodybuilding? Why?

Yes! Definitely! I am one of the only athletes that utilizes his wheelchair when he performs.

It inspires to try new things, and by it being so lightweight, it’s super easy to perform everything. It is compact, and it looks SO GOOD!

How did you feel using your new Caribbean Blue Apex C in the stage of the competition?

The moment I got into South America, I was on cloud nine! The confidence that it gave me was AMAZING! I even matched the stage colors. I felt terrific, and I think everyone could see how much I love my wheelchair! I love every part of it.

What are your plans for other shows like this? Where is Woody Belfort going next?

I am preparing for the Olympia show that will take place in November in Orlando, Florida. This is the biggest show of bodybuilding in the world. Last year I got 6th place worldwide, but this year I want to get at least in the top three worldwide.

What would you say to other wheelchair users who want to start the journey to become bodybuilders?

Just do it! Have fun with it, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Regardless of your disability, try to do what you want to do. And if you have trouble with your wheelchair, get a Motion Composites chair. (laughs and winks).

Any last comments?

I am a person who LOVES to move and try new things. There are many things that I want to try to do with my wheelchair this year. We can do so much being in a wheelchair. We are more capable than we think. We are the ones that set our own limits, so go on and try new things too!

We want to thank Woody for taking the time to meet with us. It is always a pleasure to talk to him and see what he’s planning next! If you, like us, want to stay updated on his newest adventures, we encourage you to check his Instagram account, where he constantly updates his bodybuilding journey and crazy stunts!