Natural Bodybuilding Competition Shows Strength of Lifting Community

A winner in one of the novice categories is an NDSU student who also works as a personal trainer at a local gym.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – 20-year-old Riley Fernow is many things.

A student at NDSU, a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness in Moorhead – and as of Saturday, June 7th, the champion in the novice division for classic physique in the OCB Natural Spartan bodybuilding contest.

OCB stands for the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders, and what sets them apart is their strict adherence to natural regulations.

“We are just here to donate our time and give back to the sport that we love, and really keep it as fair and as straight and as clean as we possibly can,” explained Mike Allen, director of finance for the organization.

That means no steroids – and urinalysis and polygraph tests to make sure nobody’s cheating the system.

Riley comes from a family in Enderlin, North Dakota, that he says was always focused on the wellness aspect of fitness – which is why he likes to do things the natural way.

It still certainly isn’t easy, getting one’s physique to look like that for show day –

“I really focused on cutting out water 16 hours before the show. It was brutal, I will say,” he said with a laugh.

But once the lights come up, the sensation is worth all the sacrifice.

“The second you’re on there, it’s almost like I’m a different person. I’m in the zone. In the moment.,” he said.

Riley says he’s going to take some time off competing, planning to return at next year’s Natural Spartan.

For now, he’s savoring his success – and the fact he got to share it with his clients and friends that came out to support.

“Seeing them out in the crowd, and listening to them cheer for me, just made all the difference. On stage – you probably saw me up there cracking up a little bit just from being super excited having them there,” he said, smiling.