Cover Story: 6X IPL Pro Champ Rob Tenerowicz Is 61 & At The Top Of His Game
“Make fitness part of your lifestyle. Make it a daily habit. The question for me was never IF I’m going to work out today. It was always WHEN am I going to work out today?”
At 61 years young, gracing our cover is a true embodiment of vitality, determination, and unwavering commitment to health, fitness and physique competition. Meet Rob Tenerowicz, an individual whose journey in the world of fitness has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Rob stands as a testament to the adage that age is just a number. Boasting a physique that defies time and an indomitable spirit, he has recently ventured into a new chapter of his illustrious career by inaugurating his very own gym. A testament to his lifelong dedication to promoting wellness.
Having clinched an impressive tally of six IPL Professional titles, Rob is more than a decorated athlete. He is a beacon of inspiration, and a pioneer in revolutionizing the way individuals perceive fitness and health.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and experiences of this fitness luminary, exploring the wisdom he has gathered over the years, uncovering the philosophy that propels him forward, and unveiling the secrets behind his remarkable physical condition. Join us as we uncover the story of a man who not only exemplifies peak physical fitness but also endeavors to guide others toward their own path to well-being and strength.
"IT REPRESENTS MANY YEARS OF PREPARATION AND DEDICATION TO OUR SPORT AND LIVING A HEALTHY, PED-FREE LIFESTYLE."
BEN YOSEF: Congratulations on landing the cover of ATHLETIC! Long time coming and long overdue! What is it like seeing yourself on the cover?
ROB TENEROWICZ: It’s really surreal. We all work so hard to prepare for each competition and regardless of the outcome, we know we gave it our best. But to be featured on the cover is an honor that goes beyond any single competition. It represents many years of preparation and dedication to our sport and living a healthy, PED-free lifestyle. I am so thankful for the IPL for giving us athletes the opportunity to showcase our efforts.
BY: Well deserved, my friend! You showed up to APEX VII in what I think was your best look to date. Would you agree? And what would you say were the key factors that lead to bringing the look your brought to APEX.
RT: I do agree. My goal is always to come in as lean as possible. I know I give up a little bit of muscle mass when I do that, but I feel it’s an overall better look. I have about 90% of my diet and exercise prep nailed down, and the remaining 10% is the tinkering I do each time to try and maximize muscle mass and leanness. I feel like it worked well for me this time coming into APEX.
BY: You’ve achieved remarkable success on the IPL stage, earning six professional titles. How has your approach to fitness evolved over the years?
"IT DEFINITELY HAS EVOLVED. I’VE MOVED FROM HIGH WEIGHT, LOW REPS, TO LESS WEIGHT AND HIGHER REPS. AND AS I’M GETTING OLDER, LESS WEIGHT PUTS LESS STRESS ON MY JOINTS."
RT: It definitely has evolved. I’ve moved from high weight, low reps, to less weight and higher reps. All of the research I’ve done indicates no real difference between the two approaches in terms of outcomes. And as I’m getting older, less weight puts less stress on my joints. My cardio has also evolved from running to walking at an incline. Again, lowering the stress to my body. And lastly, I would say reducing my risk of injury by making good decisions about engaging in other physical activities, or not, knowing my limitations at 61 yrs old.
BY: Wisdom! So, let’s talk a bit about your new gym. Congratulations on the opening! What inspired you to venture into this new business at this stage of your life and career? When did you open? And how is it going so far?
RT: Thanks! Fitness and gyms have been such a big part of my, and my family’s life. Owning a gym has always been something that I thought would be great to do at some point. I retired in 2022 from a long career in biotechnology and that afforded me an opportunity to pursue it.
The area where we opened the gym was really in need of one. And knowing the benefits of strength and conditioning training, opening the gym was really our way of giving something back to the community and providing an opportunity for folks to become healthier. We opened on October 28, 2023 and it’s been going really well so far! People seem to love it! The community has quite a few older folks and many have never used gym equipment before. I put together a basic full body workout and have taught many folks the proper way to use the equipment in order to maximize the benefit of each rep/set. It’s been a lot of fun for me, and quite rewarding, to see folks in their 60s, 70s, and 80s getting after it in the gym!
BY: Love it. With your extensive experience, what advice would you give to someone who’s just starting their fitness journey and aiming for long-term success?
"MAKE FITNESS PART OF YOUR LIFESTYLE. MAKE IT A DAILY HABIT. THE QUESTION FOR ME WAS NEVER IF I’M GOING TO WORK OUT TODAY. IT WAS ALWAYS 'WHEN' AM I GOING TO WORK OUT TODAY?"
RT: Make fitness part of your lifestyle. Make it a daily habit. The question for me was never IF I’m going to work out today, it was always WHEN am I going to work out today? Even when I was at the busiest time of my life (full time job, kids, pursuing my MBA at night), I always found time to workout. Sometimes it meant getting up at 3:30am, other times it was a jog during lunchtime, but I always found a way. And now, the way I feel (and look) in my 60s, it was all definitely worth it! So simply put, once you start your fitness journey…never stop!!
BY: What are your future aspirations or goals for your gym, and how do you plan to continue making a positive impact in the fitness industry?
RT: The goal is to continue to grow the gym and provide even more offerings to the community. Right now, we have strength and conditioning equipment, but we do have the ability to expand and add space for class activities like yoga, spinning and the like. In both my career and my athletics, I’ve been a “lead by example” type of person. The more people that discover the benefits of fitness, either by joining the new gym we established or being inspired by seeing me in my 60’s still competing on the IPL stage, the greater the positive impact it will be to the fitness industry. It’s a “think globally, act locally” approach.
BY: Love it. Once again, Rob you are an inspiration and definitely a great addition to the IPL community. Like we discussed, you have managed to improve over the years each time you hit the IPL stage. You mentioned returning to the stage this year for the July IPL contest in the Bay Area. So, finally, what can we expect to see from you at that contest and is it safe to assume that you will be even better yet?
RT: That’s always the goal! I’m going to try to come in even leaner for July. But I’m also going to spend more time on my posing. I think that’s an area where I can make significant improvements. ATHLETIC
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