New Mexico’s Bernie Hernandez has never competed in a bodybuilding contest before, but, like other beginners in the novice division, Bernie will be making his debut at the INBF Southern California Classic on July 10 in La Jolla.
It’s not easy to stand on stage practically naked in front of hundreds of strangers, but everyone has to start somewhere, and Bernie understands that it’s just part of the sport. Most people with any notion of competing in bodybuilding typically procrastinate until they are “perfect” (in their own minds) before daring to set foot on stage. They can be compared to people who insist they have to get in shape before joining a gym. In either case they are more concerned about what other people are going to think rather than about how they are going to benefit from the experience. In most cases, these folks will never compete in bodybuilding and never join a gym. They just talk about doing it - someday.
Well, that “someday” is now for Bernie Hernandez and dozens of other beginners. They realize that the first step is always the most difficult, but their presence on stage will be an incredible learning experience too. They will be nervous and excited at the same time. They will feel the anxiety of posing in those tiny posing briefs or skimpy two-piece suits (for women), sweating profusely under the hot stage lights, feeling their artificial tan dripping down their legs, trying to remember their posing routine without looking foolish, and sensing hundreds of eyes looking at them from the audience silently criticizing every aspect of their bodies and watching to see if they make a mistake.
On the other hand, they will be thrilled by the applause from the audience. A bodybuilding audience – especially a natural bodybuilding audience - genuinely appreciates the efforts of novice bodybuilders because these are the champions of the future. The audience also appreciates that novice bodybuilders have made a deliberate choice not to use drugs to enhance their physiques artificially, have not succumbed to peer pressure, and have accomplished their physical development on their own - that they have not cheated just to win or place.
Bernie and his fellow “newbies” will also relish the camaraderie with fellow athletes and the friendships that often last a lifetime. They will learn from – and be inspired by – the veteran bodybuilders in the show. They will savor the friendly and constructive criticism from the judges to help them in their next contest. And Bernie and the others will bask in the accolades from family and friends for their efforts. It will be a real rush.
Bernie, 32, works in law enforcement and trains at EP Fitness . He hadn’t really considered bodybuilding competition until about a year ago when a friend convinced him to try it. Now he is on the brink of his first show. He admits it’s a little scary the first time, but his advice to other beginners is pretty straightforward: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” says Bernie.
He grew up in Anthony, New Mexico, a small town (pop. 7904) just south of Las Cruces on the New Mexico-Texas border along Interstate 10 and without much exposure to bodybuilding. He graduated from Gladsden High School (formerly Valley High School) and went on to graduate from Dona Ana Community College as a Computer Technology Associate.
Bernie is a single father with three young sons – Angel (12), Bernardo (10), and Alex (7) – and a houseful of pets to keep the boys busy including four dogs – Lucius, Isis, Evee, and Oso – and a badly outnumbered cat, Achilles. You can bet he will have lots of moral support from the home front when he appears on stage next month.
When asked about why he has chosen to compete only in natural competition, Bernie’s answer is simple: “pride.” Somehow that says it all.
(NOTE: Click here for information about tickets for the upcoming 2010 INBF Southern California Classic.)
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