Tarek Elsetouhi

Tarek Elsetouhi is a new star in the professional bodybuilding industry. Having just earned his IFBB card, he has proven himself as a pro that genuinely loves bodybuilding, and considers it more than just a job. He first started going to the gym when he was fifteen, in hopes of being like Schwarzenegger.

Elsetouhi was born in Mansoura, Egypt, and now resides in Germany. However, he spends considerable time traveling, and has been to the United States several times in the past couple of years, participating in pro contests in cities such as New York, Tampa Bay, and Phoenix. While he has yet to rank 1st place in a professional Superweight contest, he’s still one of the most hard working athletes in the industry.

What makes Tarek Elsetouhi stand out, other than his humble beginnings and dedication, is his preference for the basics. For the majority of his career, he used free weights and his own motivation to build up his strength. He likened lifting a barbell into the air to Conan the Barbarian, his childhood hero, lifting a sword into the air.

For twelve years, he avoided machines. Only in the past few years has he been using some in his workouts. He doesn’t want to rely on them, though, and admits that he is using them reluctantly. Now that he’s competing as a pro, he knows that working out in a basic gym isn’t enough.

His motivation is still the same. It can truly be said that Tarek Elsetouhi’s motivation has never wavered, and probably never will. The very first time he won an award was when he was in his teens, and he turned the prize money down. How many young boys would turn out prize money?

The younger Tarek Elsetouhi turned the money down because his own efforts were rewarding enough. Despite having come such a long way, the present Elsetouhi still considers his hard work and love for bodybuilding the greatest rewards he’ll ever need.

Added Information About Tarek Elsetouhi

Tarek Elsetouhi is a professional bodybuilder from Egypt who has made numerous international appearances. Elsetouhi has won many competitions and titles over the years. In 1994, he made his first international appearance in Turkey during the IFBB Junior World Championship. Only fifteen years old at the time, he came in 5th place.

Tarek Elsetouhi developed an interest in bodybuilding in 1993 when he first saw Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Barbarian. Elsetouhi pleaded with his father to take him to the gym, and he began working out. His friends encouraged him to enter a bodybuilding contest, which he won. He turned down the prize money, explaining to the host that he’s doing this “because I like it”.

He won numerous amateur championships over the years, from 1994 to 2008. In 1997, he ranked 1st place in the Arab Bodybuilding Championship, Junior Class. In 2003, he was the 1st place and overall winner at the International German Championship. Three subsequent 1st place, overall wins would follow, until his professional debut in New York in 2008.

Tarek Elsetouhi’s professional IFBB rankings in the Super Heavyweight Division are as follows:

• 2008 New York Men’s Pro –12th place
• 2008 Europa Super Show – 5th place
• 2008 Tampa Pro – 6th Place
• 2008 Atlantic City Men’s Pro – 10th Place
• 2009 New York Men‘s Pro – 6th Place
• 2009 Tampa Pro – 6th Place
• 2009 Europa Super Show Pro – 8th Place
• 2010 Europa Show of Champions: 6th place
• 2010 Phoenix Pro: 9th place

For Elsetouhi, this isn’t a job. It’s not a “lifestyle” – it’s “life”. He claims that his workouts change constantly, and that he “tortures” himself. Despite not yet ranking 1st place in a professional competition, he still loves what he’s doing and doesn’t plan on taking a break anytime soon.

Currently residing in Germany, this 5’10”, 240 pound bodybuilding star is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Tarek Elsetouhi has come a long way over the past sixteen years, and now that he has his pro card, he should be interesting to watch in the coming years.