Exclusive Interview with Kristian Quinones: From 355 lbs to Bodybuilding Champion

In this exclusive interview for Men’s Fitness Journey, we dive into the inspiring transformation of Kristian Quinones. From struggling with obesity to becoming a bodybuilding champion, Kristian opens up about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the mindset that got him where he is today.

Q1: What sparked your transformation?

Kristian Quinones: “What sparked my transformation was as simple as stepping on the scale and just not liking the number I saw. I had no idea I was as overweight as I was, and coming from an athletic background, I was upset with myself for letting it get that out of control.”

Q2: When did you decide to make a change?

Kristian Quinones: “I had been over 300 lbs from the time I was 12 until I reached 355 lbs by the time I was 21. That’s when I decided to make the change.”

Q3: How did it feel to go from being overweight to being in the best shape of your life?

Kristian Quinones: “It was more a mental battle than anything. Don’t get me wrong, it was a battle physically as well. I can train for hours, but when it came to the mental aspect, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Waking up every day to do fasted cardio, cooking my meals, working all day delivering appliances, and then going back to the gym while eating on time—it all weighed on my mind. But at the end, it only made me stronger.

Physically, it was a lot of hard work to take my body to heights it had never seen before. Eating with precise timing and putting in the amount of volume I did for my workouts was incredibly draining.”

Q4: Did you face any setbacks during your prep for the bodybuilding show?

Kristian Quinones: “During my prep, I had two injuries that I thought would ruin my show. First, I hurt my leg badly playing softball. It took three weeks to a month to heal. Then, four weeks out from the show, I hurt my lower back at work, and that injury healed within two to three weeks.

Both made training very hard, especially being so close to the show. I kept a strong mindset and believed in myself to heal properly and return to training as safely and quickly as possible without letting my mental state weigh me down.”

Q5: How did this transformation change your perspective on life?

Kristian Quinones: “Being overweight for half my life and now being in the best shape of my life showed me that hard work, dedication to a sport I love, and proper nutrition make all the difference.

I was bullied throughout my life due to my weight. At the time, it didn’t give me the drive I needed, but it fueled my ambition to get in the best shape I could and prove everyone wrong—those who stood against me and said I couldn’t do it or that it was just genetics.”

Q6: What was the most rewarding part of stepping on stage?

Kristian Quinones: “Stepping on stage was the single most rewarding feeling of my life. I’ve done a lot of things most people can’t—like benching 415 lbs, squatting 510 lbs, and deadlifting 575 lbs—but stepping on that stage was different.

I wanted to show the world that you can make something impossible, possible. Losing 140 lbs and competing as a 100% natural athlete was more than just about me; it was about proving what’s achievable with discipline.”

Q7: What role did your support system play in your success?

Kristian Quinones: “Although bodybuilding is often seen as a one-man show, it’s not. You need a group of people you can trust to support you when times get tough mentally.

For me, that was my family, my friends, and my coach. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I did. Having close people in your life is mandatory.”

Q8: What message would you give to those struggling with weight loss?

Kristian Quinones: “Don’t quit on yourself. Even when you feel like you have nothing left to give—whether it’s getting up early, working out twice a day, or just eating right—ask yourself: ‘Is this worth sacrificing my dream?’

Create a mental picture of how you want to see yourself, and don’t ever stop chasing it. When you get there, you’ll realize it was all worth it.”

Q9: What did your prep for the show look like?

Kristian Quinones: “I started my prep at 285 lbs in January, and even being 285 lbs was a major feat for me. But when I committed to doing the show, I ended up losing 70 lbs during prep, going from 285 to 215 lbs.

I was the most nervous, anxious, and eager I’ve ever been, especially near the end, but seeing what I was truly capable of made it all worth it.”

Q10: What’s next for you in bodybuilding?

Kristian Quinones: “My next show is on May 17th. I’m hoping to take first overall, bring home the pro card, and elevate to pro status. My goal is to show everyone that I’m here to compete. Even if I don’t win, I won’t make it easy for anyone else.”

Q11: Do you see yourself as a role model?

Kristian Quinones: “I’ve never really considered myself a role model, but if my story can inspire someone to reach their potential, that’s all I could ever hope for.

This sport is about sharing information and helping others achieve their greatest self. If I can do that, then I feel like I’ve succeeded beyond bodybuilding.”

Q12: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Kristian Quinones: “I’d tell myself, ‘It’s worth it. You’re far more capable than you’ve been led to believe. No one can stop you except you.’”

Q13: How do you stay motivated through tough days?

Kristian Quinones: “On tough days, I remind myself of how far I’ve come. I think back to being 355 lbs and how I felt then. That memory is enough to keep me pushing forward, knowing I never want to go back to that version of myself.”

Q14: What do you think sets you apart from other competitors?

Kristian Quinones: “My dedication as a 100% natural athlete. I don’t make excuses. People said I couldn’t do it because of genetics or my starting weight, but I proved them wrong. I believe in pushing through limits.”

Q15: How do you hope your story impacts others?

Kristian Quinones: “I hope my story shows people that nothing is impossible. Whether you need to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs, the only time you fail is when you quit. If I can do it, so can you.”

Kristian Quinones’ journey is one of resilience, discipline, and transformation. From battling obesity to becoming a bodybuilding champion, his story inspires us all to believe in ourselves and our limitless potential.