If you live in a first-world country, it’s normal to see people waltzing their way into an air-conditioned gym. You’re probably even among those who have had the privilege of trying out the best gym in town, complete with cutting-edge workout equipment, and perhaps even first-rate sports facilities such as swimming pools and boxing areas. Such is the not case for 27-year old Kulbila Samson, a native of Ghana West Africa. He hails from Akuapem-Akropong, a town located in the eastern region of the country, and rose to popularity due to his great physique, which he had worked hard building despite the lack of exercise facilities.
Unlike most of us who would complain about the equipment in our own gyms instead of simply working out with what’s available, Kulbila didn’t allow the limitations of his circumstances stop him from becoming a bodybuilding beast. He didn’t make excuses and instead created solutions to get exactly what he wanted!
They didn’t have treadmills back in their town. They didn’t have selectorized strength machines. They didn’t even have lat pull-down machines. What they have, though, are workout equipment made of recycled materials. Scrap metals, old truck tire rims, even bricks – Kulbila and his friends use these types of stuff to come up with their own dumbbells, barbells, and bench presses. At one part of the video, you’ll even see Kulbila gliding using a makeshift Ab slide! And despite all these, this young man clearly has one of the most remarkable bodybuilding profiles you’ll see today! What’s even more amazing about this story is that even though he’s contracted malaria, he didn’t allow it to stop him from pursuing his passion!
When asked what type of workout program he follows, he answered he didn’t have any, and simply made sure he trained all parts of his body throughout the week. He said he trains from Monday to Friday and rests during the weekend. In terms of his diet, he actually has no choice, but to pack on muscle mass with what’s available to him: Garri and beans partnered with fried plantain, banku and grilled fish, yam with nktontomire stew, and green soup with catfish and mushroom snails. The absence of McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants is actually an advantage to Kulbila, because that means he could focus on what’s healthy for him.
You may ask, “What about supplements?” Well, Kulbila doesn’t take any of those. He said he has tried multivitamins and fish oil before and has even tried creatine, too. However, since these types of stuff are expensive and rare, Kulbila simply relies on his protein-rich diet instead.
It has actually been three years since the video about Kulbila and his DIY gym first came out, and he’s been active on the Internet since. He regularly updates his instagram account where you’ll see more photos and videos of him and his friends. The next time you feel like you don’t want to hit the gym because you’re tired or it’s too hot outside, just think of our friend Kulbila. Despite having the limitations of an outdoor gym with only makeshift workout equipment, this young man didn’t give any excuses and has achieved what others with access to some of the best gyms in the world could only dream of.