Jacob Sumana, Spreading the Fitness Word!
For some of us, our love affair with the sport doesn’t appear as l
ove at first sight. Instead, our adventure through the industry is a much more gradual process. First, an idea becomes planted in our subconscious like a seed. Over time, our thoughts nourish that seed as it begins to take root until one day it becomes a fully formed miracle of nature – and our tiny little idea has matured and manifested itself has a career in the industry.
For international Men’s Physique competitor, Jacob Sumana, what began as a desire to be healthy and active has launched itself into a career that has taken him well beyond what he had ever anticipated. I recently had the chance to speak with Jacob, and you can read it all right here, in this RxMuscle exclusive.
Q.) Before we talk about your competitive history, let's talk about how you began your journey into the fitness world. Prior to beginning your training as a fitness competitor, did you have an athletic background?
A.) Let me first say thanks to you, Dave Palumbo, and RxMuscle for this interview. Growing up I was always playing sports like soccer, basketball, and football, along other physical activities like running. I actually played football in college. Matched with good genetics, a developing knowledge of anatomy and nutrition, the weight room became like a fresh bed of soil that helped me to grow consistently both physically as well as mentally.
Q.) When were you introduced to the bodybuilding world and the fitness lifestyle?
A.) Growing up in Denmark and in the States, fitness was and is everywhere. There’s an ongoing rise of health awareness and a rising trend of hitting the gym a few times a week.
For me it was just different, I fell in love with the gym as soon as I stepped in there the first time. Once the results started to show, I was completely hooked. I was 16, and since then it remained a hobby of mine until I quit sports. That’s when I stepped my game up in the gym and got busy in the kitchen. At the same time I got my PT certification and started associating with people in the industry. Then, before I knew it, I was on stage competing at my first show.
Q.) When you first began training, was it always your goal to become a competitive athlete? Or did the desire to compete come later on?
A.) Fitness is about health, wellbeing and self-improvement and this has always been a driving force of mine. I have always been a very competitive athlete; I played football in college, playing with the mindset of potentially making it into the NFL. The ongoing mindset of beliefs and reaching for the stars was part of the reason for me taking fitness to a competitive level. Right now the Men's Physique Division and earning my pro card while being a great international brand/product ambassador are my main priorities.
Q.) The bodybuil
ding and fitness lifestyle is very demanding and requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice at times. Is this something that you've ever struggled with at times?
A) I would not necessarily call it a struggle or sacrifice. There’s no doubt about it, I have changed my life around to succeed in this sport. But, despite all of the many sacrifices I’ve had to make, I’ve gotten even more back – the places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen, learning what a work mentality really is, and most of all being able to better myself both physically and mentally, while helping others to do the same.
Compromising in order to balance a bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle with daily life priorities, demands, family, work, school, surprises, people, relationships, circumstances, situations and scenarios can be testing at times. Somehow it all works out just like every workout in the gym, you learn to fight through the tough times and work around the obstacles.
Q.) In comparison to mainstream sports, the sport of bodybuilding and fitness can sometimes be looked down upon. Do your family and friends support your efforts in the sport?
A.) I guess living and traveling several times throughout the year, I don't see bodybuilding/fitness as being looked down upon. Sure, you'll come across some confused nay-sayers, doubters, distracters, and even hater-nation negative energy. They all could use a bit of direction, inspiration and comfort in knowing that they too can get on board with bodybuilding/fitness, regardless of income, resources, location, etc.
I am hoping for the new Men’s Physique Division to open up people’s minds to the sport. I admit it can be kind of discouraging getting involved in the sport if you’re looking at the bigger guys at first.
My family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic are beyond super supportive. I thank all of them! They always tell me how proud they are and how much I inspire them to stay fit and healthy. So, yes, I am blessed with a family who respects my choice of life.
Q.) Your first competition came in April 2012 at the Loaded Cup in Denmark. What motivated you to step onstage for the first time?
A.) It was that time, the right time, and my time to do more to push the envelope, so to speak. Back in 2012, I was starting to associate with a lot of people in the industry, including my coach, Thomas Busted, and my training partner, Patrick Johnson, being in the circle of competitors it just came to me naturally.
So, to tell you the story of how I got into my first show, I was working out with Patrick when his coach walked in the door, shortly after that I was being introduced. He looked at me and asked if I could take off my shirt. The next thing he said to me was, “There’s a competition coming up a month from now. The sign-up deadline is tomorrow, but I think you could potentially win it.” He gave me his number and told me to contact him the next day if I was game. I surely did, and that’s where my journey began.
My motivation is primarily the world and the times that we’re living in. My manager often says, "You gotta be in it to win it." And, "If not now, then when?"... and that's coming from a brother who's super busy doing everything for so many
others, and of course himself, all while enduring tri-weekly dialysis treatments awaiting a kidney transplant. So yes, I definitely felt like this was an opportunity for me to test myself.
Why wouldn’t any well and able-bodied person not go for a challenge? Now my dreams are bigger, and my love for the sport has grown tremendously. Show me someone into bodybuilding/fitness who does not aspire and dream for a pro card and success? Regardless of anything else, it's the gold standard of the lifestyle.
Q.) To date, what would you say has been your most rewarding competitive experience?
A.) I would have to say the most rewarding competitive experience to date has been the 2013 Dallas Europa Super Show in Dallas, TX. Ed and Betty Pariso (the promoters) and Mr. Manion and Mr. Weinberger (the NPC/IFBB leaders) are pros! They brought together athletes from around the world. On that day it didn’t matter if you were a pro or an amateur, the bodybuilding and fitness world was united that day.
Fans, vendors and supporters delivered high energy. One of my sponsors, BetterBodies, was showcased everywhere. My people at Pump SportsEnt Management also connected me to some powerhouses like Pro Tan, IFBB Pro Stephen Frazier, and Morenike Atunrase, former WNBA player turned-Figure champion, and countless pros and legends who were everywhere.
RxMuscle and other bodybuilding/fitness media giants were there, too. Plus, my Texas family were great hosts and supporters during my visit. To top it all off, I won my class at the Dallas Europa in the Men's Physique Division. When I returned to Denmark, still super pumped and hyped, I jumped right in and competed in a contest and while being cheered by my European family, friends, fans and supporters. I can't wait for the Arnold Classic and the Arnold Sports Festival. I have a few competitions leading up to this show, but getting that win is my main goal at the moment.
Q.) In addition to your competitive career, you're also a successful fitness model as well. What advice would you give someone looking to break into the fitness modeling industry?
A.) The best advice I have is to get representation/management, get connected, stay focused, step up, step out, apply yourself, take safe risks, hold on to hope and never give up! Remember, it's not just a hobby. You also want to be a professional who earns and is rewarded for your work. Take your skills, your physique and your life to a greater level. Pace yourself. Learn, read, listen and live it. Handle your business! Have fun! Don't just rely on the weights, the meals, the mirror, the glances, the shout outs, or the applause. Somehow know that your presence and relevancy are probably also inspiring and impressive to others who you might not even know yet. I also would like to mention my charity interests and my other entertainment project work with my competition/fitness modeling.
Q.) You recently started a blog detailing your journey through the fitness life. In one of your introductory posts you describe having a desire to share your knowledge and give back to the bodybuilding and fitness community. Tell us what sets Jacob Sumana apart from other members of the sometimes crowded fitness industry.
A.) I'm no different from anybody else. I embrace all and work with everybody. I strive
for detail, discipline and distinction as an athlete, as an ambassador and advocate for education, health, fitness, nutrition, wellness, sports, style, substance and sincerity. I'm currently finishing up my health profession studies, and I also see that bodybuilding/fitness is more universal and healing than most may be aware of.
All competitors strive for optimal conditioning and stage presence. I think and live beyond the important stage moments. I take the bodybuilding/fitness life on a stage every day, everywhere. I can't help but to see/hear the daily news. I can't help but to see people in my communities who are struggling or suffering with disability, disease, disaster, discontent, disappointment or disillusions. I can't help but see kids being overweight, obese and/or inactive. I can't help but see elders with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, home care attendants, assisted living homes situations, on meds and on fixed incomes. I can't help but see young people around my age who are unemployed, under-employed, under-educated, not interested, not stimulated, not hopeful, not energized nor excited about today nor the future.
I know that I'm no miracle-maker, but I need to help the generations that make up my life and the world. Bodybuilding/fitness across the world can lead to optimal conditioning, and open doors for options and opportunities. I know this as fact from firsthand experience. I will continue to help and inspire others with bodybuilding/fitness, and wellness, education, awareness, nutrition, and health.
Q.) What's the best way for someone to get in contact with you?
A.) I can be contacted at https://www.facebook.com/jsumanafitness and www.jacobsumana.com. I am available for promotions/exhibitions, guest appearances, film, stage, television, broadcast/print media and modeling opportunities, project collaborations, event hosting, private affairs, speaking engagements, translations, press interviews, photo ops, video shoots, community affairs outreach, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, corporate benefits, seminars, product representation, product-placement alliances and brand-identity marketing partnerships. Please consider me for global promotional efforts, purposeful projects and development plans.
As Jacob enters into his final preparations for the Arnold Classic Europe, he plans to continuing following his formula for success that has led him to this point. Just like the wise gardener, Jacob will continue to water and cultivate his seed as he grows in the industry. And, if everything goes according to plan, Jacob will have the opportunity to spread his message to the community with those seven elusive letters preceding his name – IFBB Pro.
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