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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWWhat inspired you to create Team Elite Physique in 2000?Originally, I never planned to create a competition team. My journey began purely out of a love for bodybuilding, starting when I worked in nutrition stores at 16 and helped friends with their training. To make some extra money, I started hand-printing shirts labeled %u201cElite Physique.%u201d During one particular competition, all the athletes I prepped showed up wearing these blue shirts. Noticing our unified look, the event promoter announced, %u201cThe blue crew is here, Team Elite Physique!%u201d That spontaneous moment marked our official emergence as Team Elite Physique, and we%u2019ve been known by that name in blue ever since. What started as a personal passion unexpectedly evolved into a recognized team, showing how great things often begin from simple, unintended actions.How has your vision for Team Elite Physique evolved over the last two decades?The most transformative shift in my career came in 2012 when we transitioned to online coaching. Before then, my work was primarily in-person, having been a personal trainer since 2000. However, embracing the internet revolutionized everything for me. Previously, I could manage a maximum of 8-10 training sessions per day. Moving online allowed me to handle up to 20 check-ins daily, effectively doubling my reach. Once I invested in a robust system to streamline this process, our scope expanded globally%u2014an outcome I had never envisioned when I first started. This shift not only changed my business model but also broadened my impact in ways I could hardly have imagined.What makes Team Elite Physique stand out from other coaching teams in the industry?Our proven track record speaks for itself, especially in a field with thousands of coaches. Nowadays, it seems like anyone who competes in a single show can call themselves a coach, but there%u2019s a world of difference between dabbling in the sport and truly mastering it. Our history stretches back over 20 years, and that level of experience is something you simply can%u2019t replicate overnight. There%u2019s an inherent value in experience that nothing else can provide.When you%u2019ve been doing this day in and day out for more than half your life, you develop a deep understanding of the sport%u2014how to approach each unique prep, what works, and crucially, what the judges are looking for. This kind of insight doesn%u2019t just happen; it%u2019s earned through years of dedication, trial and error, and relentless pursuit of excellence.At this point, it%u2019s become second nature for me to see things others might miss. I can identify nuances in physique, posing, and presentation that can make all the difference on stage. In a sport where details matter, this level of experience and expertise is invaluable.How do you tailor your approach when training athletes for world-level competitions versus clients focused on weight loss?The differences between preparing for world-level competitions and general weight loss are significant. When you%u2019re gearing up for a world-class event, it%u2019s an %u201call or nothing%u201d mindset%u2014there%u2019s no room for half-measures. Some preps might be more manageable, but others require relentless effort and grit to meet the deadline. In these situations, it%u2019s not just about discipline; it%u2019s about doing whatever it takes to reach peak condition.On the other hand, with weight loss clients, the approach is fundamentally different. It%u2019s about finding a sustainable diet and routine that works best for the individual. The key to success here is adherence%u2014the best plan is one a person can stick to consistently. Flexibility and personalization are crucial because the ultimate goal is long-term success and lifestyle change.However, for a world-level athlete, there%u2019s no question of whether they can stick to the plan%u2014it%u2019s non-negotiable. Their commitment is absolute because any deviation will be evident on stage. The stakes are higher, and the margin for error is virtually nonexistent. The mindset and approach differ greatly between elite competitors and those pursuing general fitness goals.With Adam Bonilla44 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 51