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Matt is the 1st ever IFBB Pro in Men’s Physique history!
He is a former National Level Bodybuilder and personal trainer for competitors across the country. His goal is to spread inspiration and help others with their fitness dreams and goals while becoming a legend in the industry.
- Men’s Physique IFBB Pro
- NPTI Certified Personal Trainer
- Extreme Physique Endorsed Athlete
- Professional Fitness Model
Hi and thank you for reading this little excerpt about me. I’m honored that there are so many people out there who believe in me. I take you with me every time I walk in the gym and every one of you makes me stronger and pushes me closer to my goals. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.
Born and raised in Warren, Ohio, I relocated with my family to Payson, Arizona. It’s a small town and three wasn’t much to do, so I was bitten by the gym bug. I started training and picking up every muscle mag I could, so that I could find how I could turn this 105 pound body into something respectable. A few years passed and as I started to find my stride, tragedy hit; at age 17, I was in a near fatal car accident breaking my femur and hip and had to be airlifted nearly 100 miles to a Scottsdale Hospital. I went through numerous surgeries and had pins placed in my leg and hip, as well as numerous neurological traumas to my brain and spinal cord. I hit a brick wall and my desire and dedication was the lowest it has ever been.
I remember lying in my hospital bed and making a decision that this bad turn of events would not dictate my future; this will not hold me down. From that point forward I made it my goal to walk again, and not let anything stand in my way. The road was long and I had no idea what I was in for, but I was determined. As soon as I was able, I began lifting weights in a wheelchair, and then progressed to crutches. My upper body thrived, but as I was still dependent on crutches my legs began to atrophy. Two years later, my bones healed and I had the pins removed and began the tedious journey of making my physique into something that I had always dreamed of.
In 2004, I studied to become a certified personal trainer, and received my accreditation from NPTI. I began training clients shortly thereafter. I had ambition to do more and push myself, and decided at age 26 to compete in my first bodybuilding competition. In 2009 at the NPC Western Regional’s I stepped on stage as novice middleweight and won my class. That was it; I knew that I was destined to compete. In 2010, I went on to compete at the USA’s and that was a great experience for me.
In 2011, I was excited to hear the announcement of the Men’s Physique Division. I had done fitness modeling for a few years now and really liked it. I stepped on stage and took Second Place, the feedback being that I was "too big" for Men’s Physique. This only fueled my desire even more! I qualified to do the Jr. USA’s and on May 21nd, I was excited to be a part of a new era of fitness as an IFBB Men’s Physique Pro.
As I look back on what’s happened and where I am, I look to give back to the industry that has given me so much! My quest continues with the Olympia 2012 and the IFBB Grand Prix. Thank you for your support and interest in my story; don’t forget to not let anything hold you back and don’t ever forget where you came from.
Matt "Swoll" Christianer
Website: mattchristianer.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Twitter: @mattswoll
Facebook: /mattswoll
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