Alex Diaz
There are a handful of people who have competed every single year in the GGC. Our athlete today, Alex Diaz, is one of them. On top of that, he has a wife and three kids, works full time in a physical job, plays softball, AND he competes in the USAPL and is prepping for his first USPA meet. Oh, did I mentioned his home gym fits in an 8ft by 15ft shed and he is over 50 years old? Alex is crushing it and has no intent on slowing down. I’m looking forward to seeing Alex hit his 5th year in the GGC this year, and to see him in 2027 for the 10 year celebration. Let’s talk to Alex.
Alex, tell us a little about yourself
I was born in the Dominican Republic and currently live in Bayonne, Jew Jersey. I have a wife and 3 kids, ages 20, 18, and 10. I work for UPS where I’ve been a driver for over 24 years.
I play slow-pitch softball and have played football and baseball in my younger years.
How did you first get into lifting?
Started lifting with my friends plastic weights 1986. We didn’t have the internet, so we used bodybuilding magazines to guide our training.
Tell me about your gym…
it’s in a concrete shed in my backyard 8’X15’. I’ve lifted there on and off for 15 years
I started out with a rack, a Texas Power Bar and some iron plates. In addition to that I now have a Texas Deadlift Bar, some specialty bars, Calibrated plates, bumper plates, monolift hooks, roller j-cups, adjustable dumbbells and more. Looking to add a Texas Squat Bar.
Do you only train at home?
Usually keep a gym membership and go for a few months at a time. contest prep time is strictly home for me where I train by myself. No waiting on equipment or lack of gym etiquette. Save plenty of time.
What got you interested in the GGC?
Cool idea plus I love to compete.
Do you compete elsewhere?
USAPL and prepping for my first USPA meet.
What brings you back for the 2022 GGC?
Love to compete plus keeping my streak alive. Each year I’m aiming to do better than the one before.
How have you prepared for the GGC and what has made you successful?
I trained fairly regular year round and for the GGC would practice singles 3 weeks out.
Consistency and learning from mistakes. Especially as an older lifter.
The key to my success in the GGC is to remain healthy. Use a sensible approach and the numbers will be where they should be.
What motivates you to lift, day after day, year after year?
I like to be fit and strong for my age and size.
What do you think of when you eye down a big lift?
Hit all my cues and the lift will happen.
What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I will never give up trying to get better and stronger even in my 50s.
Thanks Alex! You can follow along with Alex’s lifting on his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alexdiaz1271/
