From the vibrant, spice-laden streets of Calicut to the bustling thoroughfares of Los Angeles, connecting through the hurdle ford of Dublin, Ramees’s journey is a compelling testament to natural strength, disciplined resilience, and unwavering belief. This is not just a tale of muscle and determination; it is the story of a lifetime natural athlete who holds the philosophy that a “healthy life is a wealthy life”, and who now stands ready to represent the spirit of natural bodybuilding on the world stage.
You can listen to this conversation of ‘City of Spices to City of Angels, Journey of a Natural Bodybuilder’ on podcast channels : Apple, Spotify
Ramees, hailing originally from Kerala, India, has etched his name into the history books of drug-tested competition. Competing within the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Ireland, a federation renowned for its rigorous testing standards, including polygraph and urine tests, Ramees recently secured a coveted spot as a top three finisher in his Men’s Physique class. This impressive performance has earned him an invitation to compete in the Amateur Los Angeles World Championship, scheduled for November 21st and 22nd.
Forging the Body, Honing the Mind:
Ramees’s athletic foundation was laid early, having been born and raised in Oman until the 8th grade. He maintained an active lifestyle, participating in martial arts and football. His true journey into bodybuilding, however, began after moving back to India, around the age of 19. Finding himself lonely in a new school environment, the motivation sparked unexpectedly: looking at anime, specifically the movie Om Shanti Om, where the visual trend of the “SRK six pack” came into focus.
Initially, his coach encouraged him to compete, recognizing his natural physique. His first competition back in India saw him finish third in the junior class, competing naturally even then.
This early success affirmed his potential, yet Ramees always prioritized the long-term view, believing that longevity and health were primary goals, since “no amount of money can buy you a good health”.
Upon moving to Ireland, Ramees continued his development. He initially tested the waters in the open Republic of Ireland Bodybuilding Federation (RIBBF). There, he was “beaten really bad,” learning a valuable lesson about failure, which only strengthened his resolve. He then pivoted to strictly tested federations, committing fully to his identity as a lifetime natural athlete—meaning he has never touched enhancements. This commitment led him to the Natural Building Federation of Ireland (NBFI).
The journey, however, was not without severe turbulence. Following a hip mislocation that required treatment, Ramees gained significant weight and fat, leaving him depressed with his body composition. Used to the speed and stamina required for football, he felt restricted. He used a short-notice competition with the NBFI to push himself back into shape, ultimately finishing last, but achieving the crucial goal of regaining the fitness he had lost. This setback fuelled his subsequent success in 2022, when he found the WNBF and kicked off his serious natural bodybuilding career.
The Blueprint for a World-Class Physique:
The preparation Ramees undertakes is structured and intense, often spanning two or three seasons leading up to a competition. While he insists the process is not a “struggle” because he loves what he does, it requires immense personal and familial sacrifice.
A six-month hiatus was involuntarily imposed when Ramees suffered a supraspinatus muscle injury during his off-season—a crucial time reserved for eating heavily and training hard. Despite this setback, he maintained discipline by focusing entirely on leg workouts and consistent cardio.
Ramees employs a smart, phase-based approach to training. During the off-season, training is heavy. However, approximately 16 weeks out from the show, he begins to “dial in,” training smartly to avoid injury while still pushing hard. This phase requires meticulous attention to rest, training schedules, and carrying prepped food everywhere. The final 8 to 4 weeks see an intensive push on cardio, incorporating hour-long morning walks and post-workout cardio like the stair master.
Dietary discipline is paramount, yet Ramees has found a sustainable middle ground, especially as an Asian athlete used to spices. He avoids vegetable oil and sunflower oil, exclusively using olive oil and, in season, coconut oil. He skillfully combines his diet with Indian cuisine, even cooking biryani in his off-season using only olive oil, ensuring the food remains flavourful and manageable for him and his wife.
Crucially, his success is built on a strong support network, though he maintains a “soul trainer” mindset to prevent reliance on others. His wife serves as his indispensable “kitchen coach,” managing all the meal preparation and ensuring he avoids temptations like candy or ice cream. Furthermore, in the final three months before a competition, his wife joins him in the gym, providing the necessary support and external force required for those final, heavy strength pushes.
The Financial Finish Line:
Ramees’s consistent qualification for the Los Angeles World Championship (2022, 2023, and 2024) is highly significant. As far as he knows, he was the first Indian in his class to qualify for the WNBF World Championship in Los Angeles back in 2022.
This year marks his third qualification, yet previous years were derailed by high financial costs.
The qualification standards are stringent: only the top three athletes in the Men’s Physique category receive an invitation to the amateur World Championship. Achieving professional status is even rarer; the overall first-place finisher competes against others in their height category (short, medium, tall), and only one single person goes pro, earning the right to compete at the professional level the following day.
Preparing for and attending these events incurs substantial expenses. Ramees estimates his monthly costs for gym fees (€40), supplements (€150), and specialized food (€350–€360) total around €700 to €800.
The Los Angeles trip, a three-day commitment, carries a significant price tag of €2,500 to €2,800. This amount covers WNBF registration, required polygraph testing (they test athletes again upon arrival), flight tickets, accommodation, professional tanning services (two coats needed), gym access for the final preparation days, food, and transit.
As he focuses on small, refined tuning needed for the world stage, Ramees is now actively searching for sponsors to alleviate the financial burden. He aims to involve multiple supporters rather than relying on a single major sponsor, splitting the expense accordingly. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out via his Instagram handle, R A M B O R A M E E S, to become part of this inspiring journey.
Ramees’s final advice to anyone postponing their health journey resonates with the urgency of competition preparation: “If you decide on now is when the action happens. So, you need to take that action”. He emphasizes that discipline takes only two to three weeks to establish, and once cemented, it provides longevity and health.
As November 21st approaches, Ramees is poised to take the stage in Los Angeles, representing not only Ireland but also carrying the flag for Kerala and India. His dedication to natural competition, despite the injuries, financial hurdles, and the sheer effort involved, makes him a true champion regardless of the final outcome.
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