Iron - Mike Sommerfeld

‘Iron’ Mike Sommerfield speaks exclusively to Flex’s Darren Nicholhurst about his tumultuous rise to bodybuilding fame, sharing his diet and nutrition tips he picked up along the way.

- Darren Nicholhurst

Fitness Dynasty

As an impressionable young boy, Mike like many others, wanted to be just like his Father. In Mike’s case he had some momentous shoes to fill, his Dad was a prolific competitive bodybuilder who had competed with the likes of a young Dennis Wolf. Following in his Dad’s footsteps was certainly not an easy task but one Mike took in his stride.

His journey began with a home multi-gym gifted to him by his Father and cardio bunny Mother. Being too young to use a proper gym, this was the best way to start the eager teen on his physique transformation. Back then, the world was a smaller place and there was no internet or social media gurus to get inspiration from. Mike reminisces “I learnt from feeling. I would do an exercise and see how it felt uncomfortable, I would adjust my body and watch it respond. I believe, learning and feeling the muscle is the best way to know that you are working the area correctly.”

At 13, Mike’s Mum and Dad separated but luckily with his Mum having the fitness bug herself, she knew the importance of diet and nutrition and was hands on with supporting Mike achieve his goals “I remember Mum buying and giving me protein shakes after I’d train,” he reflects.

By the time he was 14, Mike was heavily into parkour, basketball and hip-hop but it was then that Mike persuaded his parents it was time to get him to a proper gym. This catalysed some major lifestyle changes and by the time he hit 16 he learnt about a fourth coming bodybuilding show. He told Flex, “I knew nothing about bodybuilding shows. My Father’s friend advised me how to get ready for this show.”

THIRST AID