Cover Story – New IPL Pro Scott Serig Is Fifty Years Old & In His Best Shape Ever!
“It’s just amazing how natural bodybuilding has improved my mental, physical, and emotional health.”
In this exclusive interview with ATHLETIC Magazine, Scott opens up about his recent triumph at the April 2024 IPL Virginia Championship, shedding light on the motivations that fueled his entry into the competition and the dedication that sculpted his winning physique. At fifty years old, Scott defies the conventional wisdom of aging athletes, sharing his strategies for maintaining peak physical condition and balancing a rigorous training schedule with the demands of work and family.
From the pivotal role of nutrition to the mental fortitude required for success, Scott imparts invaluable insights drawn from his experience, offering encouragement to those embarking on their fitness journey. With two IPL Pro Cards under his belt, Scott reflects on the significance of this achievement and his aspirations for the future, affirming his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his potential. Scott’s journey transcends the confines of the stage, shaping not only his physique but also his confidence, mindset, and overall well-being.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF
"IF I DIDN’T LIFT, DO CARDIO, AND EAT RIGHT CONSISTENTLY, I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE OTHER COMPETITORS."
ATHLETIC MAGAZINE: Congratulations, Scott, on your incredible achievements at the IPL Virginia Championship! What motivated you to enter that competition and how are you feeling about the package that you brought?
SCOTT SERIG: Thank you! I had competed three times before in another organization. So, when I heard about the IPL Virginia Championship from Samantha England, I saw it as another opportunity to compete and hopefully improve. I’m happy that I came in the condition I did. But I still need to work on my posing.
ATHLETIC: Many athletes struggle with maintaining peak physical condition as they age. What strategies have you implemented to stay in your best shape ever at fifty years old?
SCOTT: Meal prep is key for me. I’m determined to stay strong and healthy. Staying on schedule helps immensely. If I didn’t lift, do cardio, and eat right consistently, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the other competitors. I don’t want to get into great shape and then throw it away.
"I DON’T DRINK SODAS. I RARELY DRINK ALCOHOL. MY BODY IS A MACHINE. I FIGURED OUT THE FUELS IT PERFORMS WELL ON SO THAT’S WHAT I EAT."
ATHLETIC: How do you balance your rigorous training schedule with other commitments in your life, such as work and family?
SCOTT: Keeping to a consistent schedule is important. During the week I get up, wake my kids to start their day, take them to the bus stop, then go to work. I go straight from work to the gym. Then home to help with homework and get dinner ready. After my kids go to bed, I put in my cardio workout, then shower and get some sleep.
ATHLETIC: Talk about the role nutrition plays in your fitness journey, especially as you age. Any dietary tips you swear by for staying in top form?
SCOTT: Nutrition is vital. I can’t out exercise a poor nutrition plan. I’m lucky to not have a sweet tooth as bad as others. I eat a lot of eggs, oatmeal, chicken, fish, rice, and vegetables. I don’t drink sodas. I rarely drink alcohol. My body is a machine. I figured out the fuels it performs well on so that’s what I eat. Every day starts with eight large chicken eggs, one pack of oatmeal, and 20 ounces of black coffee.
"I WAS BLOWN AWAY TO HAVE PULLED THAT OFF. NOW I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TO COMPETE WITH THE OTHER PROS TO PROVE TO MYSELF THAT IT WASN’T A FLUKE."
ATHLETIC: You now hold two IPL Pro Cards. What does this accomplishment mean to you, and how do you plan to leverage it in your career?
SCOTT: I was blown away to have pulled that off. My Pro Cards are motivational for me. They give me the opportunity to compete at a higher level. Now I feel like I have to compete with the other Pros to prove to myself that it wasn’t a fluke.
ATHLETIC: Mental strength is often as crucial as physical strength in competition. How do you maintain focus and motivation throughout your training and competition?
SCOTT: I think about my family. I don’t want to imagine not being able to do anything with my kids or fiancé. They are the most awesome and supportive people in my life. Prayer always helps me keep moving forward.
"WHEN YOU FOCUS ON IMPROVING YOURSELF AND COMMIT TO IT, YOU WILL LOSE A LOT OF 'HANG AROUND' TYPE PEOPLE BECAUSE YOUR JOURNEY DOESN’T INCLUDE THEM. BUT DON’T WORRY..."
ATHLETIC: What advice would you give to individuals who are considering starting their fitness journey later in life but feel discouraged by age-related challenges?
SCOTT: Find your reason why. If you know your why, you can find a way. Seek out a certified professional trainer. Include your doctor in your plans. Listen to the feedback you’ll get from your body. If possible, learn from someone who has done what you want to do. It won’t happen overnight. Stick with the plan. Do something every day. When you focus on improving yourself and commit to it, you will lose a lot of “hang around” type people because your journey doesn’t include them. But don’t worry. You’ll find positive and encouraging people along the way. Starting later in life just means that you’ll have to work smarter and not act like time doesn’t matter.
"IT’S JUST AMAZING HOW NATURAL BODYBUILDING HAS IMPROVED MY MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH."
ATHLETIC: How has this sport, success on the IPL stage, and landing the cover of ATHLETIC Magazine impacted other areas of your life, such as your confidence, mindset, or overall well-being?
SCOTT: I think my confidence in my training and personal life has improved. I’m not as shy and have a better grasp of my self-worth than before. It’s just amazing how natural bodybuilding has improved my mental, physical, and emotional health. There are so many positive and helpful people in the IPL.
ATHLETIC: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations within the sport? Any upcoming competition or projects you’re excited about?
SCOTT: The best way to prove that I belong is to compete and do well again. I’m going to compete this coming October in the IPL Destin, Florida show. I can’t wait! ATHLETIC
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