The Vegan Muscle & Fitness Guide to Bodybuilding Competitions

Derek Tresize

I’m originally from San Diego, CA where I spent all my free time in athletic pursuits from organized sports to martial arts to surfing and kayaking. I took up weightlifting in early high school and this love of weight training carried me naturally into bodybuilding as my physique developed. I also realized early on that I have a contagious enthusiasm in the gym: I can’t wait to get everyone around me as excited as I am about fitness.

I have become increasingly passionate about health and, as I continue to learn about biology, I am awed by the amazing intricacy of all aspects of life coming together so that it may thrive. This is why a holistic approach to health is the only approach that makes sense to me and the only way that will guarantee phenomenal and lifelong results. When I met Marcella seven years ago (on World of Warcraft!) and began educating myself about veganism and reading the works of Dr. Campbell and Dr. Fuhrman, I saw the scientific literature in support of a plant-based diet and knew there was no going back. I have since been spreading the word and striving to lead by example using fitness and bodybuilding as a means to demonstrate the amazing health benefits of a whole foods plant-based diet.

I am a:

ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist

BS in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University

Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University

World Natural Bodybuilding Federation and Naturally Fit Federation Men’s Physique Pro

Founding Member of Team Plantbuilt

My competion history:

2011 NPA Master’s Universe: Men’s Open Middleweight – 3rd

2011 NANBF Washington State Natural: Men’s Open Middle Height – 3rd

2012 OCB Bodysculpting Open: Men’s Novice Tall Class – 1st, Men’s Open Tall Class – 2nd

2013 OCB Battle of Tidewater: Men’s Bodybuilding Open Tall Class – 4th