Athlete Profile - Basil Brown

Genetics, discipline and hard work - no one can dispute that these are the core principles of bodybuilding success. It is a rare find when a bodybuilder possesses all these attributes. Basil Brown is that rare find. In the 90s the Ontario bodybuilding scene saw the emergence and dominance of Brown. Competitors knew and feared the name "Baz". Baz's Coleman-thick physique and Wheeler-round muscle bellies commanded the attention of both competitors and judges alike. Just as quickly as Baz appeared on the Ontario bodybuilding scene he also disappeared. For those that have been hiding under a 45 lb plate, you may recognize him from NxLabs' ads and from their product labels. Where is he now? Elite Physique tracked Baz down and this is what he had to say.

EP: Baz, we are pleased to have this sit-down. Hopefully, we can find out what makes you tick. Let's start! What got you into bodybuilding?

BB: Well I'm not really sure. I was always athletic so bodybuilding seemed like a natural progression. I walked into the gym at the Military base when I was 16 and fell in love.

EP: What sports were you involved in when you were younger?

BB: In high school I participated in wrestling, rugby and football. I also played a lot of softball. I was pretty much well rounded when it came to playing sports.

EP: Yeah, I always shook my head at the softball thing. You wouldn't lift weights all summer. All you would do is play softball but in the Fall you would hit the gym bigger and better! That's pretty crazy!

BB: I guess my body just needed a break. I always responded well to weights.

EP: What were your goals when you first got into bodybuilding?

BB: I wanted to win the Provincials, win the Nationals and get my Pro card. I pretty much just took it one step at a time.

EP: What was your first show and how did you do?

BB: My first show was in Ottawa back in 1992 and I won the Middleweight class.

EP: How many shows have you done?

BB: Around 12-15 shows. I don't really know how many. You know after awhile it all becomes a blur. (Laughs) I'll have to count my trophies to give you an exact number but that estimate should be fairly close.

EP: What was your most memorable show?

BB: When I won the Provincials in 1992. That one really stands out. Everything just fell into place - you know when everything just lines up. I also liked it when I competed at the North Americans in 2001. That was a great show. Also, the last Choice of Champions. I won that one and received free tickets to all future Jamor shows.

EP: We haven't seen you on stage since 2005 in Montreal at the Nationals. Any chance of getting up there again?

BB: No, I don't think so. I still work out hard but I really don't have any desire to compete again. My life has changed and I have different priorities now. I'm happy just lifting at the "Y". You know I still turn some heads with my heavy lifts.

EP: Oh yeah? What are your lifts like now?

BB: Well I can bench 445 lbs for 3-4, row 405 for 3-4 and squat 540 for 8.

EP: What??? That's crazy! I guess the joints are still holding up.

BB: I just work around the injuries. If I need time off I take it. I'm not killing myself in the gym but I'm certainly not taking it easy. Use it or lose it...plain and simple. I'm focused on a strength program right now - the reps are around 6-8 and go as low as 3. I like lifting heavy and keeping everything basic. Let's face it, bodybuilding isn't rocket science.

EP: What are you weighing in at today and how tall are you?

BB: I stepped on the scale this morning and I weighed 245 lbs. I'm 5'9".

EP: What did you compete at?

BB: I like to hit the stage at the upper end of the light heavies. I'm always easily the biggest guy in the class.

EP: You certainly have some freaky body parts. What do you do for your legs?

BB: I really just keep things simple. Squat, leg press, leg extensions, leg curls and sometimes I'll throw in lunges. That's pretty much it. Heavy, heavy, heavy!

EP: Any tips for arms? You have an incredible bicep peak.

BB: I always use a full range of motion. All the way up and all the way down. Also, I like to do a lot of preachers. I find they really hit my bis hard!

EP: What about your current diet? It must take a lot to maintain your physique?

BB: I eat a "seefood" diet. Whatever I see I eat. (Laughs) Basically, it's whatever my wife puts in front of me that's the diet for the day.

EP: So you are married. Any children?

BB: Yes, I've been married to my wife, Dana, for 11 years and our daughter, Ashley, is 16.

EP: What do you like about bodybuilding? What do you dislike?

BB: I really like the transformation. Watching my body change day to day over a course of 16 weeks really drives me. It's really incredible what you can do when you commit to a goal. I like the new look, Dana likes it and I get lots of compliments in the gym. Very motivational! What I don't like? That's simple. The politics. Let's just leave it at that.

EP: Ok. Let us hit you with a couple of quick fire questions before we end the interview. Who is your favourite bodybuilder?

BB: That's easy. Ronnie Coleman. No one can compare.

EP: Do you take any supplements?

BB: No, not at the moment.

EP: Really? You told me that you used a jug of CellTech Hardcore and had some crazy results.

BB: Yeah, I put on something like 30 lbs. I don't really remember now. My strength really went through the roof.

EP: That's just insane! Some guys really respond well to creatine. How about favourite off-season food?

BB: Lasagna. Anything pasta! Oh yeah, and of course cheesecake.

EP: Favourite diet food?

BB: I don't really have any. I just eat what I'm supposed to. I don't cheat. I'm like a machine. Once I flick the switch and I'm in contest-mode that's it - lights out baby. (Laughs)

EP: Any foods you don't like?

BB: Mushrooms, beets and, believe it or not, chocolate.

EP: Wow! I've never heard that one before. What makes you happy?

BB: Family and friends.

EP: Well that just about wraps the interview up. Thanks for your time. Is there anything you'd like to add?

BB: I just wanted to thank Elite Physique for this interview and for all their help! Elite Physique is definitely a winning team!