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Anjalo Garcia – 21 Year Old Natural Bodybuilder Welcomes New Daughter & Makes An Impression On The IPL Stage

In this exclusive interview, we dive into the inspiring journey of Anjalo Garcia, a 21-year-old bodybuilder who recently welcomed his first daughter and made waves on the IPL stage with an impressive 3rd place finish at the September 2024 Golden Heart Classic contest in Fairbanks, Alaska. Balancing fatherhood, a full-time career as a firefighter, and his passion for fitness, Anjalo reflects on how becoming a dad has reshaped his training regimen and mindset. And shares his insights on balancing responsibilities, redefining success, and inspiring others to thrive, no matter the circumstances.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

“THE REALITY IS THAT IDEAL CONDITIONS ARE RARE, AND SUCCESS OFTEN MEANS ADAPTING TO WHAT YOU HAVE AND MAKING IT WORK."

ATHLETIC MAGAZINE: Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! How has becoming a father influenced your training and competition mindset?
ANJALO GARCIA: Becoming a father has taught me to maximize my time and resources while adapting to new limitations. Before our daughter was born, my wife and I could spend 1-2 hours at the gym without any restrictions. I had access to a variety of machines and equipment without needing to think twice. Now, our flexibility is more limited. Gyms typically don’t allow parents to bring children onto the main floor for safety reasons. Fortunately, our gym has a family room specifically meant for parents, and it is equipped with basic equipment like dumbbells, a cable machine, and a squat rack.
     After being restricted, I’ve realized that specialized machines aren’t always necessary to achieve great results. For instance, I no longer have access to a hack squat machine for leg days unless my wife is willing to stay home with the baby. So I’ve started doing dumbbell split squats instead. I was surprised by the soreness I experienced with this change! Throughout my prior years of working out, I had convinced myself that I needed this one specific exercise or else my legs wouldn’t grow. The reality is that ideal conditions are rare, and success often means adapting to what you have and making it work. If you can thrive despite the challenges, you prove to yourself that a perfect environment isn’t essential for progress.

“I WANTED TO CHALLENGE THE MISCONCEPTION THAT HAVING A CHILD MEANS YOU CAN NO LONGER PURSUE YOUR PERSONAL GOALS.”

AM: You placed 3rd in Men’s Bodybuilding Open at the 2024 IPL Golden Heart Classic. What does this placement mean to you, and how do you feel about what you brought to the IPL stage in Fairbanks?
AG: While 3rd place isn’t the same as winning, this prep was more about personal growth than anything else. I chose to do this without a coach to prove to myself that my knowledge and experience were enough to get me stage-ready. I’ve been training since I was 14, earned a personal training certification, and nearly completed my bachelor’s in sports and health science. But having credentials on paper isn’t the same as delivering results. Coaches are invaluable in competitive bodybuilding, but I wanted to establish my credibility by achieving these results independently first. It was important for me to know that I could bring my knowledge into action before ever considering coaching others.
AM: What specific goals had you set for yourself coming into that show?
AG: I wanted to challenge the misconception that having a child means you can no longer pursue your personal goals. I firmly believe that we all have the same 24 hours in a day and achieving what matters most is all about prioritization. My goal was to demonstrate that being a parent may raise some new challenges, but by no means does it make staying in shape and achieving personal milestones impossible.

“ALONGSIDE FATHERHOOD, I’M A FULL-TIME STUDENT AND FIREFIGHTER WORKING ABOUT 96 HOURS A WEEK, YET I STILL MANAGE TO EAT WELL AND FIT IN 5-6 WORKOUTS WEEKLY.”

AM: Balancing fatherhood and bodybuilding can be challenging. How do you manage your time between your family and your fitness goals?
AG: Having a supportive spouse like my wife, Athena, makes a huge difference. Alongside fatherhood, I’m a full-time student and firefighter working about 96 hours a week, yet I still manage to eat well and fit in 5-6 workouts weekly. This is only possible because I’ve cut out unnecessary, time-consuming activities. For example, I stopped playing video games, which could easily take up hours that I now devote to more meaningful pursuits. While leisurely activities like video games and social media aren’t inherently negative, it’s worth asking if these activities bring you closer to your goals, or hinder progress. For me, those extra hours are better spent on family, fitness, and personal growth.
AM: What advice would you give to other young athletes who are also juggling personal responsibilities?
AG: Keeping your home life in order is essential. As cliché as it sounds, the saying “happy wife, happy life” holds weight. If you’re neglecting your responsibilities as a partner or parent, the ripple effects will impact every other aspect of your life. A supportive home environment sets the foundation for success beyond family life.

“I DON’T RELY ON MOTIVATION ALONE TO DETERMINE MY ACTIONS. ANYONE CAN FOLLOW THROUGH WHEN THEY’RE MOTIVATED, BUT THE REAL TEST IS PUSHING THROUGH WHEN MOTIVATION WANES.”

AM: How do you stay motivated during tough training sessions or when faced with setbacks?
AG: I don’t rely on motivation alone to determine my actions. Anyone can follow through when they’re motivated, but the real test is pushing through when motivation wanes. Some days, I don’t feel like doing mundane tasks like brushing my teeth, but I understand the consequences of neglecting my responsibilities and how it will ultimately cost me. I treat the gym the same way. Even in -50°F North Pole, AK weather, I’ll shovel the snow, drive to the gym, and get the work done. Just as I prioritize feeding my family, I prioritize my health and fitness, which are integral to my role as a firefighter. We humans are more than just animals driven by instinct. We have the power to rise above our impulses, make conscious decisions, and pursue long-term goals.

“NOT EVERYONE ASPIRES TO REACH PEAK COMPETITION SHAPE, BUT MOST PEOPLE WANT TO BE FITTER THAN THEY CURRENTLY ARE. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE I HOPE TO REACH WITH MY STORY.”

AM: What do you envision for your future in bodybuilding?
AG: My goal is to earn my IPL Pro Card, eventually. But for me, bodybuilding is more than just accolades. I want to use my journey to inspire others who struggle with balancing fitness and life’s responsibilities. Not everyone aspires to reach peak competition shape, but most people want to be fitter than they currently are. These are the people I hope to reach with my story.
AM: What message would you like to share with aspiring bodybuilders and young parents who look up to you?
AG: Keep things in your life simple. Remove unnecessary stressors from your life. Pay off debts and stay debt-free. Declutter your home and life. The less you’re bogged down by distractions, the more energy and focus you’ll have to invest in what truly matters. ATHLETIC

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