Who is James Hurst?
James Hurst, often known as “Obey The Bolt,” is a well-known IFBB Pro Men’s Physique bodybuilder who was born and raised in San Diego, California.
To succeed in the bodybuilding scene, he had to overcome numerous challenges in his life.
His self-confidence swiftly declined as bullying took over his life in boyhood, and because of his thin build, he was cruelly dubbed the “stickman.”
James was once bullied, but one day he fought back, determined to defeat the bullies who had formerly made his life miserable.
When he was in high school, he developed a desire for bodybuilding after being fascinated with the sport of Muscular Man and idolizing its strong competitors.
Since then, James has developed an incredible body and has seen success beyond his wildest expectations. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2014 after becoming an IFBB Pro. Here is his account:
Body Measurements of James Hurst
| Full Name: | James Hurst |
| HEIGHT: | 5’9″ (175cm) |
| WEIGHT: | 165 – 175lbs (74.8 – 79.4kg) |
| NATIONALITY: | American |
| PROFESSION: | Men’s Physique IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, Certified Personal Trainer, Sponsored Athlete |
| ERA: | 2010 |
Accomplishments
Career Accomplishments
- IFBB Professional Bodybuilder Men’s Physique
- personal trainer certified
- Featured Athlete
Results Of Bodybuilding Competitions
2017
- IFBB San Jose Pro: Men’s Physique – 13th place
- IFBB Northern California Pro: Men’s Physique – 6th Place
2016
- Mr. Olympia: Men’s Physique – 16th place
- IFBB San Jose Pro – 4th place
2015
- Ferrigno Legacy Pro: Men’s Physique – 1st place
- Sacramento Pro: Men’s Physique – 4th place
- Titans Grand Prix: Men’s Physique – 3rd place
- Mr. Olympia: Men’s Physique – 16th place
- San Jose Pro: Men’s Physique – 1st place
- Governors Cup: Men’s Physique – 1st place
- Western Cup Pro: Men’s Physique – 4th place
2014
- Ferrigno Legacy Pro: Men’s Physique – 3rd place
- Sacramento Pro: Men’s Physique – 4th place
- North American Championships: Men’s Physique Class C – 2nd place
- NPC Junior Nationals: Men’s Physique Class C – 8th place
- NPC Junior USA Championships: Men’s Physique Class C – 2nd place
- Europa Super Show: Men’s Physique Class B – 4th place
2013
- NPC National Championships: Men’s Physique Class C – 4th place
- IFBB North American Championships: Men’s Physique Class D – 6th place
- NPC USA Championships: Men’s Physique Class D – 4th place
- Junior USA Championships: Men’s Physique Class D – 16th place
- Gov. Cup: Men’s Physique Class B – 7th place
Biography
James’ Early Years
California served as James Hurst’s home during his formative years. He had always been one of the skinny students in school during his early years. He started to experience bullying as a result, which had a detrimental effect on his life.
James suffered from low self-esteem during his time in school because of the taunts that called him “the stickman” by other students.
But James soon came to the conclusion that enough was enough. He set out on a goal to gain physical mass, giving him the opportunity to deal with bullying successfully.
James has been a frequent viewer of multiple World’s Strongest Man competitions since he began his fitness quest. He was motivated to work hard and develop his ideal physique by their overwhelming strength and power.
James’ mother purchased him a weight bench and a barbell set when he reached 15 years old. James was immediately smitten with bodybuilding after that.
As a result, his self-confidence immediately increased, and he soon overcame the bullies who had previously set him back mentally.
Striking A Forward
Lean muscle mass development was James’ main objective. James had a clear goal in mind, one he planned to pursue via diligence and tenacity.
But since he had no mentor in the weight room and no knowledge of nutrition at the time, it didn’t take long for him to hit a plateau.
James Hurst started researching muscle-building techniques to expand his knowledge of fitness. He drastically changed his diet and exercise regimen at this time. He immediately started to advance as a result, pushing past his inexperienced days in the gym.
After some time, James realized what it took to have a superb body. He was driven to advance because of this, and he set his sights on the bodybuilding stage as the next step.
Reaching The Stage Of Bodybuilding
James started working with a personal trainer to fulfill his desire to become a bodybuilder. He worked out consistently and with passion, rapidly seeing the benefits of his challenging workouts.
James’ personal trainer made sure he maintained his motivation and kept moving toward his fitness objectives. James was soon prepared to compete as a bodybuilder for men.
James then competed in the men’s physique class D division of the 2013 Junior USA Championships. James was extremely disappointed with his performance, which saw him place 16th overall.
But his lackluster performance forced him to face reality. James became aware that he needed to put in more effort going forward if he was to succeed in his fitness career.
James was able to enhance his physique by the time his subsequent competition—the 2013 NPC USA Championships—came around, breaking into the top 5.
He came in fourth place, demonstrating that his dedication paid off and that he had improved on the bodybuilding stage.
Getting A Pro
James was able to obtain his IFBB Pro Card in 2014 after participating in a number of local and national bodybuilding competitions. This served as a reminder of how successful his fitness career had been due to his persistence and dedication at the gym.
James made the decision to enter the Pro circuit with a serious mindset after that. James quickly won first place at the 2015 San Jose Pro and 2015 Governors Cup competitions after becoming an IFBB Pro, demonstrating his potential as a Men’s Physique Pro bodybuilder.
James gained enormous popularity on his social media pages as a result of his performance on the bodybuilding stage.
After achieving success as a Men’s Physique Pro bodybuilder, James came to the conclusion that he wanted to assist others in achieving their own fitness objectives.
As a result, he started a job as a personal trainer, giving him the opportunity to have a good impact on the lives of his customers.
Training
James uses a push, pull, and legs split, working out each muscle twice a week except for the legs, which he works out only once.
He often works out with his wife, an IFBB Pro bodybuilder. When exercising, they encourage one another, especially before any competitive appearances.
The following is a sample upper body exercise that James usually does:
The Upper Body Workout By James Hurst
- Lateral dumbbell raises
- Shoulder Press Machine
- Curls Preacher Machine
- The EZ-Bar Curl (Overhand and Underhand Grip)
- Switching between dumbbell bicep curls
- Raising a Hanging Leg
Nutrition
James allows himself a 24-hour window following his appearance on the bodybuilding stage to have a cheat day. This serves as both a reward for his diligent preparation for contests and an additional motivation to meet his fitness objectives.
In order to maintain his ideal weight throughout the year, James prepares his meals at the beginning of the week, ensuring that his diet is rich in complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Influences And Idols
James Hurst has always looked up to the World’s Strongest Man contenders ever since he first developed an interest for weightlifting.
They helped him develop a great physique by giving him the inspiration and drive to achieve his exercise objectives.
When James was in high school, legendary bodybuilders like Kai Greene and Ronnie Coleman served as inspiration.
James was motivated to emulate their achievement because he loved their training regimens and physiques and wanted to succeed in his own right.
What James Hurst Can Teach Us?
James Hurst showed us how to accept losses in stride by learning how to do so. He has now made a name for himself on the bodybuilding stage as a result, keen to keep progressing.
James has demonstrated the value of exerting effort and maintaining motivation. In life, things occasionally don’t go as expected. But just like James, you too may succeed in life if you have a positive outlook.