Who would believe that a skinny little kid from the Island of Jamaica would grow up to be a pro body builder?
My name is Shawn 'Flexatron' Rhoden, and I began bodybuilding in the summer of 1992. What has transpired since then has been nothing less that spectacular. In 1992 I met former Mr. Universe, Yohnnie Shambourger . He provided me with the building blocks to be able to create the powerhouse that has become FLEXATRON. I was able to take 155lb frame and expand myself to become a IFBB Pro.
I have accumulated overall wins in many competitions included the 1997 Eastern Coast Tournament Of Champion. In 1999 I took 2nd at the JanTana Light heavy weight Division and 3rd in said Division at my first NPC Team universe Trials. I was also able to take 2nd and the 2001 NPC Team Universe Trials and 2nd at my first try at the 2001 IFBB North American Championship.
My success has not come with a few trials and tribulations. 1n 1993 I cut 9 tendons in my right hand and was told I would never me able to write, use a hammer, or play the piano, let alone be able to lift heavy weights. In fact I was told if I attempted to lift any kind of heavy weight I may cause permanent damage to my hand. With a little persistence and help from my mentor and John Lancaster I was able to rebuild the strength in my hand to compete 14 months later at the Natural Eastern Classic in New Jersey winning the Teen Overall as well as 1st Middle weight and Open overall and show Best Poser. Again, in Jan of 1996 while squatting well over 500lb, I severely hurt my lower back and was bed ridden for 5 months and had to take another year off from lifting. I was able to pull myself together after only 4 months of training to compete in the Mid Atlantic Natural, placing 2nd in the light heavy and a few weeks later winning the overall at the East Coast Tournament of Champions.
While preparing for the 2002 National, my dad became ill with lung cancer and past away almost a year later. My dad was my biggest supporter and it left me devastated. I lost all will to go to the gym and decided to take some time off. What seemed like few months ended up been 7 years.
I made the decision to get back on stage after going to watch a show with a friend and realized my destiny had not changed but was challenge. I devoted 7 months of hard training and dieting to see how far I would be able to push my body. I was able to get back on stage in the best shape of my life winning the OVERALL at the 2009 IFBB North America Bodybuilding Championship where I earned my Pro card.
I have been a proud user of VPX products since 2001 and it is a honor to be apart of this wonderful establishment. My favorate stack is Stealth (cookies and cream) first thing in the morning blend with peanut butter, NO Shotgun pre work out, sip on Power Shock during my workout as well as through out the day followed by SyntheSize post workout 10 min later another serving of Stealth with 1 scoop of Syngex and the same right before bed.
I'm looking forward to a exciting year with VPX.
The Journey of one or a thousand miles begins with a single step , please walk with ME!
SHAWN 'FLEXATRON' RHODEN
