Mike Arciaga strikes a pose during the Maxfit Pro/Am Classic bodybuilding competition in Fort Walton, Florida on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
FORMER Saipan resident Mike Arciaga continues his ascension in the sport of bodybuilding after finishing first and second in two separate categories at the Maxfit Pro/Am Classic bodybuilding competition in Fort Walton, Florida, on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024
It was Arciaga’s second time on the big stage but he performed like a pro.
Nine weeks of preparation was more than enough for the 26-year-old to strengthen both his body and his mindset. He won first place in the Novice Classic category and finished second in the Open Classic category.
“It feels good, not because of the win, but because I came out drastically better in terms of conditioning and posing — I put up a little size as well in the short prep time,” Arciaga said. “Confidence has certainly increased from my first show to this one.”
He said the preparation phase for a novice was tough. But after having a taste of real competition at the Panhandle Show Down in Pensacola, Florida in April, and with the help of his coach Dicky Feria, Arciaga said he was able to “battle the negatives and turn them into positives.”
He said the time he dedicated to preparing for the Maxfit Pro/Am Classic was a major factor for his success.
“You don’t have to stress about being ready when you’re already ready,” Arciaga said. “There were no real challenges this time around. I came in confident and ready to execute.”
Although Arciaga has just begun his bodybuilding journey, he is in no rush to compete again. “I’m going to take a long off season to put on significant size in the next year or two and to make sure my health is flawless for the next big push phase.”
He added, “I just want to thank my wife Chloe for being my rock, my coach Dicky for setting up a plan that I was able to execute to the T, and all my friends that came out to support me.”
