Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the incredible Flex Lewis. Flex is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He has won 7 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles.

He's also the co-owner of Arsenal, strength gym equipment, the fastest-growing fitness equipment company in the world and the owner of the famous Dragon's Lair Gym in Las Vegas.

 

Time stamps:

00:55 Flex’s family and background

Grew up in a loving home in WalesHis father was a steel worker and his mother a nurseDecided to be a millionaire as a kid

 

03:52 Born with a rugby ball in the mouth

He started playing rugby at the age of 6His full name is Steven James LewisFlex is a nickname he got as a kid

 

06:27 The pressure to better himself

A pressure to become betterHis first entrepreneurial momentDelivering papers on his bikeLearned responsibility and dealing with money

13:22 Investing the money he earned

Bought a male and female finchStarted breeding and selling them

 

15:57 Starting a moving company

Powerlifting and starting a moving companyBought his first truck and developed the businessWent an extra mile to do a good job

 

22:05 Learning from the Quadfather

Spent weekends at his grandparentsDiscovered a book by Tom Platz at 12The book changed his lifeFound weights and started doing squats

 

26:23 His parents’ worries

His parents were afraid it would stunt his growthStayed away from training weights for a number of yearsFunny story about his father catching him squatting

 

28:30 Steve Naylor and his influence

Flex had a lot of admiration for SteveHe was drawn by his humilityStarted training with SteveBodybuilding is all about mind-muscle connection

 

32:19 Elbow injury and getting a tattoo

Spent the whole summer building his motocross bikeHad an accident and broke his elbowAfter removing the plaster cast, his arm was deadHad to make it stronger by himselfA tattoo on the weakened arm

 

38:53 Working in silence and achieving things

Didn’t like school but liked PE teachersHe had dyslexia or ADHD, was labeled stupidHow schools were failing kids by discouraging themPracticing a handstand and the first day at school

 

47:26 The first powerlifting competition

From high-level rugby to powerlifting showBodybuilding in Wales is a big thingThe competition was held in the Royal Princess Theatre

 

51:59 Getting on a bodybuilding stage

Was drawn by a free gym membershipChanged his diet and watched a lot of VHS videosThe competition and the alter egoPerformed great and won the showDeciding to prepare for British nationalsA 20-year relationship with his coachThe importance of loyalty

 

1:01:40 Chasing dreams and making sacrifices

Winning the British NationalsGot an invitation from Gol

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