FOCUS Feature
Bodybuilding’s a life-changer By Patti Jeffrey “It’s a better option to go to the gym than gt. 1st Class Robert Clark used to be drinking,” says Robert. “I was saved from like many active-duty Service membecoming an alcoholic. Not only that, but I’m bers trying to find a way deal with stress becoming the best version of myself I can be.” when he first entered the Army. Robert’s way The road to victory was to party, blowing a whole lot of money on Robert’s girlfriend (now fiancée), Tracy drinking with his buddies every weekend. Smith, had a huge influence on him along the But a challenge from a friend convinced him way, he admits. Tracy had been competing on to give it all up for something that ended up her own as a bodybuilder and she convinced saving him from walking down a dark road to him to compete, as well. So, alcoholism. in 2016, Robert prepared “My friend Paul challenged for his first show, the 2017 me to get a better score than National Physique Commithim on the next PT test. Since tee Holiday Classic in Fort I’m very competitive and Lauderdale, Fla. — and wanted to win, I stopped drinkplaced first. ing and smoking and started He has competed in further to eat healthier and work out NPC amateur shows in his in the gym with him six to weight class: seven days a week,” Robert • The 2018 Cascadian Classays. “We were both trying to Sgt. 1st Class Robert Clark sic in Bend, Ore., placing get promoted at the time. It second. just grew into a lifestyle from • The 2018 Universe Nationals in Teaneck, there.” N.J., placing second. In 2005, Robert took up the sport of body• The 2018 North American Championships, building, then got serious about it in 2008, placing first and earning his IFBB Pro Card. making a total life transformation from that In building his way from the amateurs to the point on. The overhaul transformed his health professionals, Robert receives inspiration and mind and he’s positive it’s adding a lot of
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“I was saved from becoming an alcoholic. Not only that, but I’m becoming the best version of myself I can be.”
years to his life.
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord Focus April 2019
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