‘I share their pain, progress and happiness’

Henry Hussey got himself in shape, and now he helps others with their fitness goals.

Arthur Green
Kicker

Henry Hussey, a 33-year-old former bartender from Portugal Cove, has made a huge impression in the bodybuilding circuit in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“If you make your passion your job, you will never work a day in your life,” Hussey said.

Success didn’t come easy. Hussey returned home to the province from Asia three years ago. During his travels, he got sick and gained a lot of weight – something which strongly effected his self-esteem.

“When I got home, I was a big 208 lbs with 30 per cent body fat and was very uncomfortable with my appearance,” said Hussey as he walks on the treadmill.

It was during that time he decided he was going to make a change. Hussey hit the weights hard with a strict diet plan. Two years later, he competed and won third place in the men’s physique division at the Newfoundland and Labrador Body Building Association.

Henry Hussey took third place in the men’s physique division at the provincial body building championships on Nov. 26. He is now inspiring others to become fit. Arthur Green/Kicker

This year, he has his sights on taking first place. Then he hopes to bench-press his way into nationals.

But the 33-year-old is not all about himself and perfecting his own physique. Hussey has also spent time coaching people around St. John’s to help them gain mass and lose weight.

“I’ve been obsessed with the science behind nutrition, exercise and recovery for years now,” Hussey said. “I find studies and learn everything I can on each topic. Real science produces real results, it’s not just gym rumours.”

Allison Martin, a 32-year-old single mom from St. John’s, calls Hussey an inspiration.

“We have trained together for about a year now,” Martin said. “Henry is my rocksteady; he has constantly pushed me to work harder. He is one of the few people I can talk to not only about the physical challenges of the sport, but the mental ones as well.”

“He has helped me grow stronger mentally and emotionally over the last year than I ever thought was possible. He’s kept me focused and grounded.”

Hussey offers 24/7 service to his clients. This sometimes means dragging himself out of bed at 4 a.m. to talk to a client before they leave for work.

“I’m very proud of all their accomplishments and I sometimes shed a tear when they call me, ecstatic that they have accomplished a goal we have set. I share their pain, progress and happiness,” Hussey said.