Brian Buchanan Biography
Brian Buchanan, a notable bodybuilder, had a remarkable journey from working in construction to becoming a renowned V-tapering bodybuilder. Born in Australia on June 17, 1962, his initial motivation to start training was to improve his fitness and strength for his job in construction. Little did he know that this decision would lead to an addiction to bodybuilding and a career that would make him one of the best in the field.
Brian’s dedication to his craft was evident in his competition weight, which he maintained at around 210 pounds. He honed his training routine to perfection, focusing primarily on lifting heavy weights, which set him apart from many other bodybuilders. What distinguished him further was his unique approach to training. Unlike many bodybuilders who meticulously plan their exercises, sets, and reps, Brian followed an instinctive training regimen. When he walked into the gym, he knew the body part he was going to train but left the exercises, sets, and reps to be determined in the moment. This approach allowed him to listen to his body and adapt his training accordingly.
High volume training was a hallmark of Brian’s approach. He incorporated four different exercises for each body part, tailoring his choices to meet specific development goals. As an example, for his back training day, he targeted width, thickness, separation, and the development of the lats along their entire length to tie in with the obliques and lower back. For width, he utilized pull downs behind the neck; for thickness, bent-over rowing movements were his choice; for separation, he turned to seated pulley rowing, and for lower lats, he relied on pull-downs to the front. Brian’s training philosophy revolved around logical overloading of the muscle, always with a focus on lifting heavy weights.
One of the key elements that set Brian apart was his incredible genetic gift of having a waist that measured only 27 inches. When combined with the heavy weights he trained with, it was no wonder that he quickly rose to become a successful bodybuilder.
Brian Buchanan’s journey in bodybuilding took him to various locations. He moved to the Northern Beaches of Sydney, where he trained and eventually met Michelle Costello, with whom he fell in love, married, and had a child. Later, he relocated to the New South Wales Central Coast, where he opened a gym in Wyoming. During this time, a young and ambitious Lee Priest frequented Brian’s gym as he pursued his dreams of becoming an international bodybuilder. Ultimately, Brian’s marriage to Michelle ended, and he decided to return to the UK.
Brian was more than just a talented bodybuilder; he was known for his sense of humor and happy disposition. He enjoyed playing the saxophone in his spare time, showcasing his multi-faceted personality.
Brian Buchanan’s bodybuilding journey and his innovative approach to training continue to inspire aspiring bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. His legacy lives on as a testament to the remarkable heights one can reach with passion, hard work, and a unique training philosophy.
Brian Buchanan Contest History
1979
Mr Britain – NABBA, Junior, 7th
1980
Mr Britain – NABBA, Junior, 3rd
European Championships – WABBA, Junior, 4th
1981
Mr Britain – NABBA, Junior, 1st
European Championships – WABBA, Junior, 2nd
1982
Mr Britain – NABBA, 2nd
European Championships – WABBA, Tall, 1st
1983
Mr Britain – NABBA, Winner
1984
Mr Universe – NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 1st
World Championships – NABBA, Professional, 1st
World Championships – WABBA, Professional, 2nd
1985
Universe – Pro – NABBA, 2nd
1988
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Greece – IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Italy – IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Spain (2) – IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix Spain – IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix US Pro – IFBB, 2nd
Olympia – IFBB, 7th
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 2nd
1989
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 6th
Olympia – IFBB, 8th
1995
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Winner
1998
Night of Champions – IFBB, 13th
Toronto Pro – IFBB, 9th
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