Thanks to years of hard work, determination, and the support of the Vincent Pol University, Artem Bukhanets, a third-year Economics student at VPU, achieved great success, winning a silver medal at this year’s edition of the Bodybuilding Sports Festival, organized by the NPC Worldwide Federation. He stood on the podium, fulfilling one of his athletic dreams. On this occasion, we conducted an interview with Artem to learn more about his preparations and future plans.
How did your journey in bodybuilding begin? What inspired you to start training?
I’ve been involved in sports since I was a child. I started with dance and then moved on to athletics. I was always fascinated by how to sculpt the perfect body and reach my genetic potential. That’s how I found my way to the gym, which quickly became my passion.
What were your biggest challenges during your competition preparations?
The hardest part for me was the long training sessions and cardio, especially when my diet was very low in calories. That’s when the energy levels drop, but you just have to push through.
What does your daily training plan look like, and how do you adjust it before competitions?
I don’t do strength training every day, but cardio (1 hour) and 12,000 steps daily are non-negotiable. During competition prep, the difference is increased cardio and a stronger focus on cutting and dehydrating the body compared to my normal training cycles.
What key dietary habits do you follow, especially during competition prep?
The most important thing is sticking to the plan: proper calorie intake, and the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It’s also crucial to monitor the intake of complex carbs and fiber, ensuring you don’t exceed set limits.
How do you cope with pressure and stress before competitions?
I have a clear goal, and I know exactly what I need to do to achieve it. The best remedy for stress, in my case, is regular sleep and balanced nutrition. That keeps me calm and focused.
What are your next sports goals? Do you plan to compete in more events?
Absolutely yes! I will 100% be competing on November 10 at the WNBF competition in the Men’s Physique (U24) and Men’s Bodybuilding (U24) categories. My goal is to achieve the best shape of my life.
How do you balance demanding training with your student responsibilities?
Our university is very supportive of athletes. The lecturers are helpful and flexible, and there’s always a way to work things out when needed. Additionally, the flexible class schedule makes it easier to combine training with studying.
Do you have any advice for those just starting their journey in bodybuilding?
The most important thing is to set a goal from the very beginning and stick to it with routine and consistency. It’s also great if you have someone around with experience who can guide you—like a coach, for example.
How has Vincent Pol University helped you achieve success?
The university fully covered my competition entry fees, which allowed me to focus entirely on developing in bodybuilding. Thanks to their support, I was able to achieve success in this sport.
Interview by Edyta Pać
Photos from Private Archive Artem Bukhanets,