On August 8, 2009, KCSTRONGMAN member Josh Aguilar traveled to Boston with his training partner Tyler Schuman to Compete in North American Strongman's teen nationals.  It ended up being a banner weekend for the dou, as Josh became national runner up in the lightweigh category, and Tyler becoming a national champion in the heavyweights.  I got the oportunity to ask Josh some questions about his start in strongman and his newfound success.

ET: Congrats on your stellar performance, Josh.  Tell us, what sports were you involved with before getting in on the strength sports scene?

Josh: I started sports with baseball and then I went into wrestling for one year before going into football. I started weight training for football, and tried my first powerlifting contest. Then Justin (Cantwell) told me about strongman, I was hooked from then on !

ET:  How long have you been lifting weights? Who got you involved in lifting?

Josh:  I started weight training for football when I was 16, but I got serious when I decided I wanted to try powerlifting.  I have been seriously lifting for about 2 years now and I cannot say I have ever made a better decision in my life. My dad is the one who originally got me lifting weights, then I met Justin who introduced me to KCSTRONGMAN.

ET: How did you get involved in strongman?

Josh: It was after I did powerlifting nationals, Justin mentioned strongman to me, I was unsure if I could do it, but I never let that stop me. He took me to daves old gym in Belton and I felt like this was the sport for me. I met a lot of the KC guys for the first time and was amazed how helpful they were compared to any other sport. This gave me the confidence I needed, and I think its one of the main reasons I am still here. I hope I to can give back to the strength community. 

ET: What are your strongman experiences prior to nationals 2009?

Josh: My first strongman experience was Kansas 07", were I met the legends ET, Conan ,and Dave. I then did teen nationals in 07" At the mall, when the weight cut off was 180 for light weight teens. After that I continued my goal for strongman and did Topeka’s Strongest man 08 and 09.  I did teen nationals 2008 in Chicago, and then Kansas city’s strongest man that summer. The following winter I competed in my first GUS and when on to do monsters of the mall 09.Then I finally did Teen Nationals 09. 

ET: What is your training like. Where do you train, and who with? How did it change going into nationals?

Josh: My training has changed tremendously over the two years I have been training; I had to learn how my body responds to training. I follow a pretty standard Westside training split, with some strongman tweaks I have added in. I train during the week with Tyler and sometimes Justin at the 8th Street YMCA. Then every Saturday rain or shine we would meet Conan & Sal in the mornings or Dave in the afternoon. My training going into nationals was the best training in my life because I had some of the best guys helping all the way. I had Tyler pushing me for more weight, Dave for amazing motivation, Conan for technique and Justin to make sure I was always working out. The main aspect of my training that changed was my strength. I had been working the events for the greater part of 2 years and finally got the strength I needed to work the weights. I feel all my work is starting to pay off and there will be more to come.

ET: Describe your nationals experience for us?

Josh: Nationals was a truly amazing feeling because I have never really beat anyone up until now. I was always the young guy who worked hard, but never felt strong enough to beat some of the better guys. This show I was different I went in with a focused experienced mind and knew what I had to do. 

ET: What is your life like outside of strongman?

Josh: There is no life outside of strongman! at least I would like to say that. My life outside of strongman is very busy I am a full time college student, and I work at St. Johns hospital as a CNA and at the YMCA both nonprofit organizations. I love the outdoors and just got a small house in the country.  

ET: Thanks Josh.  Sounds like quite a ride.  Good luck with your future in Strongman, it looks very bright.  Congrats on your National placing, and doing KCSTRONGMAN proud!