For Conway Corp Safety & Emergency Management Director Brent Fason, fitness started with a simple goal: lose weight.
What began as a personal health journey more than 20 years ago has evolved into something much bigger — a passion for fitness, a love of bodybuilding and a yearly commitment to challenging himself in new ways.
“I really got into fitness because I was trying to lose weight,” Fason said. “Like most people, there were ups and downs along the way.”
While fitness remained part of his life for years, Fason said he became truly committed to the lifestyle about eight years ago, after the birth of his second daughter. Then, when he turned 40, he decided to take his fitness journey to a new level.
After watching a fellow gym member complete a bodybuilding competition, Fason found himself inspired.
“I saw what he accomplished and thought, ‘I want to do that,'” he said.
The decision was about more than fitness. Years earlier, Fason had been diagnosed with colon cancer at age 37. After five years cancer-free, he said that experience changed the way he approaches challenges.
“When you’ve already faced one of the hardest things imaginable, it changes your perspective,” Fason said. “You realize life is short, and you don’t want to spend time wondering ‘what if.'”
With guidance from a coach, Fason spent nine months preparing for his first bodybuilding competition, including a demanding 20-week contest prep phase that required strict nutrition, intense workouts and unwavering discipline.
His training schedule included six days of cardio and five days of weightlifting each week. Meals were carefully planned and measured. Even his family life required adjustments.
“The hardest part wasn’t the workouts,” Fason said. “It was balancing everything with family.”
As the primary cook in his household, Fason still prepared regular meals for his wife and daughters while sticking to his own highly structured meal plan.
“It’s important to maintain some sense of normalcy for your family, even when you’re in prep,” he said.
When competition day finally arrived, standing on stage became one of the proudest moments of his fitness journey.
“Just getting there was the accomplishment,” Fason said. “Seeing all the work come together and knowing I finished what I started was incredibly rewarding.”
Today, bodybuilding remains an important part of Fason’s life, but he says the lessons he’s learned extend far beyond the gym.
One of the biggest takeaways has been learning to embrace discomfort.
Rather than focusing solely on fitness goals, Fason challenges himself each year to do something difficult. Last year, it was bodybuilding. This year, it was speaking at a national conference.
“I try to give myself one hard goal every year,” he said. “Something that makes me uncomfortable.”
This mindset also helps him in his role at Conway Corp. Standing on a bodybuilding stage in front of judges and hundreds of spectators puts everyday work challenges into perspective.
“Once you’ve stood on stage in a swimsuit while people judge every detail of your physique, giving a presentation doesn’t seem nearly as intimidating,” Fason said with a laugh.
When he’s not working or training, you’ll likely find him at 365 Fitness, a place he describes as his sanctuary.
Fason credits much of his success to the support he’s received from mentors, coaches and the fitness community. He specifically recognizes Warren Martin for helping establish his foundation in fitness and his coach, Lexi Lamey, for guiding him through competition preparation.
“A good coach is more than a coach,” Fason said. “They’re part therapist, part motivator and part accountability partner.”
Despite the intensity often associated with bodybuilding, Fason says the community is surprisingly supportive.
“Everybody knows what you’re going through because they’ve been there,” he said. “People encourage each other and help each other through the difficult days.”
And there are plenty of difficult days.
When motivation is low, Fason admits one thing keeps him moving forward: a healthy fear of failure.
“I just don’t quit,” he said.
For anyone considering a fitness journey of their own, his advice is simple.
“Start today,” Fason said. “Don’t wait until Monday or next week. Walk for 15 minutes. Then walk for 20 minutes the next day. Give yourself small goals and build from there.”
It’s the same philosophy that carried him from the desire to lose weight to a bodybuilding stage, one small step, one challenge and one goal at a time.
And if you ask Fason what comes next? He’s not sure. But whatever it is, chances are it will push him outside his comfort zone, which is exactly where he likes to be.
