28 Mar 2024
Saturday 28 October 2017 - 10:20
Story Code : 281001

'Iranian hulk,' Instagram star, shares his tips for becoming super strong



Sputnik - The astonishing physique of Iranian bodybuilder Sajad Gharibi has earned him plaudits and a host of nicknames, from "Hercules" to "Hulk;" in an exclusive interview with Sputnik, the 25-year-old shares the secrets of his success.




IranianbodybuilderSajad Gharibi has captured the attention ofinternet users withhis hulkish physique, and currently has 344,000 followers onhisInstagramaccount.

Sajad, who is 184cm tall and weighs 165kg, has been given several monikers including the "Iranian Hercules" and Rustam, the name ofa legendary Persian folk hero. Some Western media publications have dubbed him the "Iranian Hulk."

In an exclusive interview withSputnik Iran, muscular Sajad reveals that he once had another nickname, "Daesh executioner" butit was all a misunderstanding.

"Daesh executioner," or how my Internet fame began witha misunderstanding

"I graduated inbusiness economics fromthe University ofBushehr. At the moment I work ina real estate agency, butmy main occupation is sport. For 10 years now I've been doing powerlifting. However, my popularity began witha misunderstanding: I was mistaken fora Daesh executioner who was shown onthe Internet. People began totalk aboutme and when they recognized me they thought I was a Daesh militant this rumor even reached the media. But then one London newspaper wrote an article aboutme which changed people's idea aboutme. Since then, the media have published good things aboutme and I have received positive recognition throughoutthe world."

Training and genetics lead the way tomuscles ofsteel

"I lead a really ordinary life. I do 2-3 hours ofsport each day and sleep for8 hours. If I have some work todo, then I spend 1.5 hours onsport and I work the rest ofthe time. Regarding food, I do eat differently frommost other people. Usually I eat 4-5 times a day, butwhen I'm trying tobulk upI increase my meals to7-8 times a day. I eat aboutthe same things asevery Iranian family does. However, what distinguishes me fromothers is my genetics. My grandfather was also a big man and went tothe zurkhaneh [a traditional sports arena where physical exercises and wrestling are practiced)."

The internet is full ofrumors

"The most unpleasant story aboutme is the one aboutthe Daesh executioner, it worried me very much. There was another interesting rumor, that I was going togo toAmerica toperform inultimate fighting, a fight withoutrules. This rumor arose when [former Iranian-American wrestler] Hossein Khosrow, Ali Waziri, invited me toAmerica. I couldn't go there because I was serving inthe military."

I'm looking forward toentering the international sports arena

"I have received many proposals fromdifferent countries, butI am serving inthe army atthe moment. After I finish my military service, I am ready tojoin a foreign club withthe permission ofthe Ministry ofSport. Unfortunately, this sport doesn't get enough attention inIran so I want togo abroad forprofessional development."

If my country needs me, I'm ready togo tofight inSyria

"When I was given the nickname "Daesh executioner," a lot ofpeople fromdifferent countries, including Russia, began toassociate me witha terrorist. Above all, I want toprotect my homeland, and then come tothe aid ofother countries. I have not signed upanywhere and I want tocontinue my sport activities. If the Islamic Republic ofIran needs my help, if I am asked, I am ready todo that (go toSyria)."

 

People onthe street are not afraid ofme they want totake a picture withme

"People onthe street do not remember my name, butthey really love me and they call me the "Iranian giant", the "Iranian Hercules" or "Hero." The phrase "Iranian Hulk" has already become a world brand. I am somebody who smiles a lot and I'm very polite witheveryone. People have no reason tofear me most ofthem want totake a picture withme."

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