We recently connected with Nishaun McCall and have shared our conversation below.
Nishaun, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
About 6 years ago I was a high functioning alcoholic my life was spinning out of control. One day while going through boxes in my basement my son came across some of some of my old college day magazines. My son questioned me as to why I had a collection of male bodybuilding magazines. I tried to brush him off because I wasn’t in a good mental place, however I had to explain the ambitions I had years ago. My son was surprised to learn that I wanted to be a bodybuilder, asking me why I didn’t pursue my goals. That was a long question that was quickly a table turner, my son counterd me if he gets straight A’s in school you have to change your life. I couldn’t refuse this offer, that date I poured out all of my alcohol and was clean for over 2 years. Not having alcohol in my system I was able to focus and set an action plan to compete in my 1st bodybuilding competition. Not knowing what I was getting into I set a date and signed up for the biggest amateur bodybuilding show, coming in 5th place. Initially I was hurt coming in 5th place, however I later learned from the judges, they was very impressed with me, never being in a bodybuilding show actually placing higher than individuals on the stage who have competed in several shows.
I owe all credit to my son, his words have shaped me into the man that I’am today.
Nishaun, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Many people know me as MAC or bodied by Mac, I’m a officer by day and fitness model afterwork. Becoming a bodybuilder allowed me the opportunity to study the human body muscle structure, I use those tools to help people who are trying to get in shape or trying to develop muscles. In the gym I’m known as the mayor, a lot of people flock around me both young and old. Being a 45 year old man its very shocking learning that most people cant believe my age. My answer to that is its important to eat healthy and clean, don’t workout to impress others and always try to get proper rest. These are my keys to success.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Great question, during my transition I would always watch bodybuilding shows and movies that had characters who was experiencing pressures that could have been a easy excuse to quit. My favorite movies was Rocky and Creed, I would often try to emulate their drive when I was fighting temptations that would set me back. My set backs wasn’t just alcohol, knowing I had months to get my body to my optimum state, wasn’t easy living with a teenager. A teenager who fills the house with tempting snacks is very ruff, waking up 3AM to grab a rice cake while staring at chocolate cakes and ice cream. I can honestly say I overcame those temptations, while developing a new profound respect from my friends and family.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My advise to all those trying to achieve goals is to not sweat yesterday, God woke you up, so you have the opportunity to change today. Working in a jail these are the words that I provide individuals that are held in our custody. The past is the past, today is the day that you and only you have the power to make the changes that you want to achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: bodiedbymac.com
- Instagram: bodiedbymac.com
- Facebook: M shaun Mccall
- Twitter: @bodied_bymac
- Youtube: @bodiedByMac
Image Credits
Photo credit Keena A McCall Nishaun McCall Jr.