Meet Bodybuilding.com Master Coach:
Craig Bongelli
Craig’s disciplined coaching style pushes you to discover what you’re capable of—unveiling evidence to transform your life.
Craig Bongelli, Master Coach, delved into strength training when he met Scotland’s Strongest Man, Jamie Barr. After training for five years, Craig faced a catastrophic back injury that led to him joining Westside Barbell and mentorship with its Founder, Louie Simmons.
Later, when opening his first gym, Craig encountered an unexpected situation that nearly took his life. Despite this setback, he went on to compete against podium finishers from The World’s Strongest Man.
His no-nonsense, never-give-up training mentality led Craig to become a professional Strongman, coach the fourth strongest woman in the world, and train Olympians, world record holders, and top professional athletes.
We had a chance to discuss Craig's journey to fitness and Bodybuilding.com. Here’s what he said.
Who are you, and what do you do?
I am Craig Bongelli, and I help people achieve their goals by sharing insights from the best in strength and conditioning. I see myself as a conduit for knowledge.
When and where did your fitness journey begin?
My journey began at 17 when Scotland’s Strongest Man inspired me. Meeting him felt like getting hit by lightning; it completely transformed my perspective on what’s possible in the world of strength.
What got you hooked on fitness as a career?
The moment I met Scotland’s Strongest Man was pivotal. He embodied everything I had never imagined a person could be—lean, muscular, and incredibly strong. It was awe-inspiring. My first visit to Westside Barbell solidified my passion. It was like a baptism into an immensely hardcore world that opened my eyes to a whole new level of intensity in training.
What’s your movement of choice?
Strength training is my primary focus. I believe in tailoring movements to meet individual needs and addressing the biggest weak points in a person's fitness. But if I had to pick— deadlifts, as they indicate overall strength.
What’s the difference between working out and training?
Working out is simply exercising, while training has a clear purpose and direction, much like the difference between speed and velocity. Speed is how fast something moves; velocity is about moving toward a specific goal.
What does being strong mean to you?
To me, strength is synonymous with capability. It encompasses physical and metaphorical strength, providing a foundation for building every other quality of life.
How does training benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally?
The physical benefits are clear, but the mental aspect is where training truly shines. It allows you to create and recreate yourself, turning the vision of who you want to be into reality. The transformation is a powerful demonstration of control over your life.
Tell us about your routine: from training regimen to nutrition, fueling, and recovery.
I train 3–4 days a week following the traditional Westside Barbell Conjugate System—including two upper and two lower body sessions.
My diet is simple and focuses on whole foods that my great-grandmother would recognize. I emphasize red meat, fruits, and vegetables. I adjust my carb intake based on my workload and body weight. For recovery, I prefer low-key methods like walking with a sled rather than more intense activities.
What’s your supplement routine?
I primarily use non-dairy based protein powder for convenience. I also take magnesium, vitamin B, and vitamin D. If I'm engaged in particularly intense training cycles, I might add a post-workout shake. My favorite Bodybuilding.com product is Signature Magnesium Glycinate—I find it has a significant impact on my recovery, soreness, and most of all sleep.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you in your early days of training?
Bodybuilding.com was one of the first resources that provided accessible information from top experts. It connected me to the knowledge I needed to advance my training and understanding of the field.
What piece of advice would you give someone just starting their fitness journey?
Act like the person you want to become. As you progress, recognize that you will face struggles and don’t trust every thought that arises. We all have a voice that tries to negotiate shortcuts or excuses when things get tough. It’s essential to follow through with your plans despite those thoughts—just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s valid.
What is one thing you would tell your future self?
I would say, “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here.” Everything I do is for the person I want to become. The story I aim to tell in the future drives my actions today, and every effort is for that future self I aspire to be.
