Marius Dohne is a symmetrically-gifted IFBB Pro Bodybuilder from South Africa. He'll be .jpg)
making his pro debut at the IFBB New York Pro on May 8, 2010. Rx Muscle caught up with Marius after his guest posing down in North Carolina. The following interview will give you better insight into what makes this rookie pro so passionate and determined to make a mark on the IFBB.
RX: Marius, how old are you?
Marius: I was born March 24, 1982 - I'm 29 years old.
RX: What's your current body weight?
Marius: 250 lbs.
RX: How tall are you?
Marius: 6 ft.
RX: Where are you from?
Marius: I'm from South Africa. I currently live in Durban.
RX: Do you have any hobbies?
Marius: I enjoy spending time with my loved ones.
RX: Is bodybuilding widely accepted in South Africa?
Marius: It's not a National sport but its growing. South Africa loves muscle, so bodybuilders who are well spoken and friendly are well accepted.
RX: What does your family and friends think about your bodybuilding?
Marius: My family is my biggest supporters and that's saying a lot cause I have such a big support in South Africa. I don't think I'd be half as good as I am if I didn't have so many people backing me and wanting me to succeed.
RX: It takes a lot of self discipline to become a successful bodybuilder. To what in your life can you attribute your discipline?
Marius: My dad always had us strive to be the best ever since childhood. I think it's just embedded in my head; motivation is not hard for me. I'm very self motivated and my mind is my strongest asset. If I really want something and I'm convinced in my mind that it's what I really - want I will achieve it!
RX: How long have you been working out?
Marius: 11 years.
RX: When did you do your first bodybuilding contest?
Marius: I first competed when I was 17 years old. I took 3rd.
RX: You've been competing since you were 17? How many shows do you think you've done?
Marius: I've done over 36 shows last time I counted, I can't remember them all now.
But I competed for 2 years in the UKBFF from 2005 - 2006. My best placing was 4th at the British GP and 5th at Nationals. I won the WPF Unvivese Overalls in 2007 and the NABBA world championship title in 2008. I turned pro after winning Nationals in South Africa in 2009; that was the first time ever in the history of IFBB South Africa that they allocated a Pro card to a National winner.
RX: That's a big honor and a great story to pass down for generations. Was it your plan to become a pro, or did you just find that this sport was something you are good at?
Marius: Bodybuilding is my life. It was my dream to become a pro, but since we don't have any pro bodybuilders in South Africa, it always felt like a dream I'd never achieve. Now that I am South Africa's only pro bodybuilder, I'm looking forward to see what the future holds.
RX: Since you've turned pro, are you finding that people recognize you when you are out and about?
Marius: Yes, in South Africa.
RX: What inspired you to start bodybuilding?
Marius: As Levrone said: I was the skinny kid with a plan.
RX: Is there anyone in bodybuilding who is your role model?
Marius: My all time favorite bodybuilder is Flex Wheeler. In my opinion, he has the perfect physique. With regards to posing, I admire Kevin Levrone's ability and energy on stage.
RX: Have you had the opportunity to meet either of them?
Marius: I've met them both. Kevin charges me $20 for a signed photo. Flex came to South Africa. He took the time to sit down with me and he gave me very valuable advice.
RX: Do you work with a trainer currently?
Marius: I have two trainers: Chris Scott and Chris Dranias; both from South Africa. and
RX: Do you have someone else design your diet?
Marius: Yes, I work with Dave Palumbo. He also watches my physique and makes the a.jpg)
djustments necessary as I get closer to a show. It's always hard to look at yourself and be an objective judge.
RX: Tell us about your off season diet:
Marius: Off season my carbs are high, protein is high and I have good fats with each meal.
RX: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
Marius: Apparently it's going to be NY Cheesecake (laughs). But I love chocolate and I love burgers.
RX: How often do you cheat?
Marius: (More laughing) ...too often.
RX: How many weeks out do you start dieting for a show?
Marius: I'll start at 16 weeks out.
RX: What is your off season training routine like? (how many days per week? Heavy weights? Reps? Exercises?)
Marius: My reps are always relatively high, (to failure) but because of the extra calories I push much heavier weights in the off season then I do pre contest. I'm very injury prone, so I have to watch my form all year round.
RX: How many days per week do you train?
Marius: I'll train until I need rest. So if I want I'll train every day for 4 weeks straight. I go as my body can handle.
RX: Do you have a favorite body part that you like to train?
Marius: Legs....I think they're my weakest body part...it's a mental thing.
RX: Then what's your least favorite body part to train?
Marius: Glutes....because my legs are always tired. (ha ha)
RX: When prepping for a show, do you change your training routine? How?
Marius: Only the very last few weeks.
RX: How?
Marius: I start training twice a day.
RX: What is your cardio routine like? (In season and off season)
Marius: I don't do cardio in the off season because I eat clean most of the time so its not needed. Pre contest I'll increase cardio the closer I get to a show - 1hour a day max.
RX: Are you planning on competing in 2010? What show(s)? Any in the U.S?
Marius: This year I'm planning on doing the New York Pro, Tampa Pro, and Europa.
RX: Traveling and competing can get very expensive. Are you a sponsored athlete?
Marius: Yes I am. I've been very fortunate to be sponsored since the age of 20.
RX: Any predictions for your future in bodybuilding?
Marius: Predictions? I'm not too good at predictions, but I'll tell you that it's my goal to qualify for the Olympia this year. And maybe a pro win by next year.
What would you recommend to other guys your age (and with potential) who are interested in pursuing bodybuilding as a possible career?
Marius: If it's really what you want and you have the gift, go for it! I had people tell me in South Africa that I couldn't make a living from the sport and its absolutely not true. You have to believe in yourself and have faith.
RX: What do you do for work?
Marius: I work for a Supplement company in South Africa called USN. I promote their hard core line.
RX: You're a single guy, right? Are you currently dating anyone?
Marius: At the moment I'm sort of seeing a girl on RX Muscle... Lol... You'll have to wait and see who.
RX: So you're an RxMuscle member. What's your forum name?
Marius:I just use my name...Marius
RX: How can people/fans get in touch with you?
Marius: I'm on Facebook under IFBB Pro Marius Dohne and my email: [email protected]
RX: Marius, we're looking forward to seeing you in New York. Best of luck!
