Change begins in the mind, not the body

Monday, May 11, 2009

What are the chances a sickly infant, weighing only two pounds at birth, born in the back of a French Army truck, diagnosed with rickets as a child and bullied and beaten by cruel classmates would go on to become a fitness trainer for Oprah Winfrey, John Kerry and a host of A list Hollywood celebrities? Not only that, he “died” three times as an infant - Well, obviously for Nordine Zouareg, the odds were in his favor - or were they?

Nordine Zouareg, an internationally famous body builder – claimed the titles of Mr. Universe, Mr. World, Mr. France all before he was 24 years old. Not bad considering he used to be a skinny kid with no ambition or dreams. Born in the back of French army truck to Bedouin parents, Nordine was the oldest of 13 children. Weighing only two pounds at birth, he remained a sickly infant and constantly fell ill. His parents took him to France to get more advanced medical care for him. There, he was diagnosed with rickets.

In poor health for most of his childhood, he became an easy target for bullies. Yet, he pursued a dream of becoming a gymnast. After breaking both wrists in that pursuit, he says he was watching television and saw a body-building contest. The fire in his belly was instantly lit and he could think of nothing but becoming a bodybuilder. So, Nordine moved into the world of professional body building and began his transformation. He became the fitness manager at the Miraval, Life in Balance Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona from 1999 to 2004. He created their fitness program, and went on to work with some of Hollywood’s top celebrities. He also has his own business as a motivational speaker , and talks about fitness and health.

He claims that as his physical presence improved, his resolve to become a body builder strengthened. In 1985 Zouareg won his first title of Mr. France. By the age of 24, Nordine had won the titles of Mr. France, Mr. Europe, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe. Nordine has trained thousands of clients including Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand, Charlie Sheen and John Kerry. He is a two time Mr. Universe winner.

He attributes his rise to success to his mind, and his book, “Mind Over Body,” details his journey and his insights into how the mindset controls the body.

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