Stories by DAVID ASHBY

HE'S THE KIND OF GUY who'll walk into any room and grab your attention. After all, he's no ordinary man. Anybody who packs about 250 pounds of muscle on a near 6-foot frame would make most people do a double take.

Carmichael Bryan is a former Mr Barbados bodybuilding and Central America and Caribbean (CAC) champ, who recently turned pro. He now flexes his muscles in Bermuda, not so much on the bodybuilding stage, but as a personal trainer.

He was recently back home for a short stint to help client Tamesha Lewis get into top shape for body figure at CAC if she makes the national team. Lewis won her last three competitions under Bryan's supervision, including Ms Body Figure at Nationals, which qualified her for CAC.

He said Bermudans took their health and fitness very seriously and wouldn't hesitate to hire a personal trainer.

"My list of clients is pretty wide. I train bodybuilders, body figure competitors, teachers, you name it. I also have on my list Bermuda's Minister of Tourism Dr Ewart Brown, said Bryan, who turned pro in 2004 after winning the CAC title that same year.

The heavyweight, who moved to Bermuda in January, helped to shape some of the competitors for the island's top muscle show, Night Of Champions.

"I also prepared Ross Caesar, who won the overall showdown to become Mr Bermuda. I am also working with a competitor for the Arnold Classic which is scheduled for March next year."

Bryan is very much focused on personal training. "Being a professional bodybuilder doesn't mean you have to win pro shows. You can use the knowledge you gain from being a bodybuilder and a certified personal trainer to train other people or athletes."

He said he planned to market himself by taking a few shows to boost his personal training career.

"I guess posed at Night of Champions in Bermuda where I received plenty of positive feedback and potential sponsors.

"As a personal trainer I believe you have to look the part and have a good track record, so I'll be looking to compete next your in Europa or the New York Pro Show."

Bryan thanked Banks Breweries and Jenns Health and Beauty for supporting him throughout his bodybuilding career.