[LIFE JOURNEY]
ABOUT COACH JAREK
From elementary through high school, my passion for sports was undeniable. I competed in track & field and played basketball, loving every moment of the grind and competition. During my later years at Brandon High School in Tampa, Florida, I earned the honor of playing alongside some of the best athletes in the nation on an elite basketball team. However, as time passed, my interest in basketball faded, and my passion for fitness began to grow. I immersed myself in learning about resistance training and lifestyle fitness, sparking a deep commitment to my health and physical potential.
In the summer of 2016, everything changed. One day at the gym, I noticed a man in his 40s—jacked and radiating strength. I was struck by his presence and approached him. He introduced me to the world of bodybuilding, and it felt like the stars aligned. My lifelong interest in fitness, coupled with the awe I felt for the physiques of anime characters like those in Dragon Ball Z, suddenly clicked. Bodybuilding became my obsession. I devoured research, studied the art and science of the sport, and quickly realized this was something I could compete in—and excel at.
Shortly after, I began prepping for my first bodybuilding show, “NPC Dexter Jackson Classic” in Orlando. With the help of a trainer, I prepared just four weeks out. In August 2016, I stepped onto the stage and placed first in my class and first overall, outshining competitors of all heights and divisions. That victory was life-changing—it was the moment I knew bodybuilding wasn’t just a hobby; it was my purpose.
NPC Dexter Jackson Classic - 2016
Driven to grow, I immersed myself in understanding resistance training, biomechanics, nutrition, and supplementation. In December 2016, I coached myself into my next show, the “NPC All South Championship,” where I placed third. While many would have been discouraged, I was motivated to improve. In 2017, I transitioned from Men’s Physique to Classic Physique and competed in the “NPC Florida State Championships.” Once again, I coached myself and placed first in my class. After the show, a coach who saw my potential approached me, offering to coach me for free. That connection opened doors, and soon after, I was hired as a coach at Bombshell Physiques.
By May 2018, I prepared for the “NPC Southern USA Championships,” a qualifier, and placed first in my class and first overall. The following month, I competed in my first national-level show, the “NPC Universe Championships,” where I placed first and earned my IFBB Pro Card, officially becoming an IFBB Pro athlete. It was a dream come true.
NPC All South Championship - 2016
NPC Florida State Championships - 2017
NPC Southern USA Championships - 2018
NPC Universe Championships - 2018
In 2020, I began coaching independently, applying everything I had learned to help others achieve their goals. Coaching became more than a career—it became my passion. That October, I competed in my first Pro show, the “IFBB Chicago Pro,” where I placed second, narrowly missing an Olympia qualification. Determined, I pushed forward and prepared for “The Battle of Texas” in December 2020. After 27 weeks of relentless prep across two shows, I placed fourth. While the results were humbling, the experience tested my resilience and built my character.
IFBB Chicago Pro - 2020
The Battle of Texas - 2020
In 2021, I took a step back to focus on my health and personal life. That summer, I applied for the prestigious "Arnold Classic (Arnold Sports Festival)" and was selected as one of only ten athletes globally to compete. The preparation was brutal. My health began to suffer—I faced hormonal imbalances, extreme fatigue, and rapid weight loss in the final weeks due to aggressive fat-burning protocols. Despite my efforts, I placed last at the Arnold Classic. It was a sobering moment that forced me to prioritize my health moving forward.
Throughout 2022 and into 2023, I stepped away from competing to heal, both physically and mentally. During this time, I was diagnosed with kidney and liver issues, gut dysbiosis, e-coli, and h. pylori. My body was broken, and the weight of these health challenges, combined with life-altering personal decisions, pushed me to the brink. However, in that downtime, I found clarity. I turned to self-development, diving into books on psychology, mindset, perception, and the power of the mind. These teachings grounded me and helped me rediscover who I was beyond bodybuilding. During this period, I also worked with a coaching company called Iron Eden, collaborating closely with its owner, Ruff Diesel, while simultaneously bringing on and coaching my own clients. Working alongside Ruff provided invaluable insights, further fueling my growth as both an athlete and a coach.
Arnold Classic (Arnold Sports Festival) - 2021
In July 2024, I returned to the stage at the “IFBB Atlanta Pro.” Despite my health limitations, I placed second, reigniting my fire to compete. Shortly after, I prepped for the “IFBB Florida Pro,” an “Olympia” qualifier. It was an intense prep, and my body felt the strain. On show day, I pushed through everything I had left, placing fourth. While it wasn’t the outcome I hoped for, it gave me invaluable perspective and further shaped my journey.
During this time, I was also working closely with Matt Jansen through his company, Camp Jansen, coaching clients and learning under one of the best in the industry. In addition to my work with Camp Jansen, I was building my own platform, bringing on clients and helping them achieve their fitness goals.
Two months later, I was invited to guest pose at the “NPC Mid-American Winter Classic” alongside the #2 Classic Physique competitor in the world, Mike Sommerfeld. This wasn’t about competition; it was a celebration of bodybuilding as an art form. That experience renewed my passion and love for the sport, solidifying my commitment to continuing my journey in a way that balances both my personal health and professional aspirations.
IFBB Atlanta Pro - 2024
IFBB Florida Pro - 2024
NPC Mid-American Winter Classic (Guest Posing) - 2024
Now, I’m prioritizing my health above all else. My journey has been one of triumphs and challenges, but through it all, I’ve gained an unshakable understanding of the importance of balancing health, mindset, and performance. My next steps involve building a team of nutritionists, biologists, and elite coaches to ensure I achieve optimal health and longevity. This isn’t just about stepping on stage—it’s about creating a life of abundance and purpose.
The dream remains the same: Olympia. But this time, I’m doing it with clarity, strength, and a vision not just for myself, but for the future of bodybuilding. My goal is to redefine what it means to succeed in this sport—focusing not just on physiques, but on health, mindset, and life abundance.
The journey continues. The best is yet to come.
-Jarek Crew
