Marek Kalmus: Portrait of an Estonian bodybuilder
Marek Kalmus is a bodybuilder and coach from Tartu whose name is familiar to gym-goers at both Avancia and Arcoman. A tall man from Elva, he almost always says what he thinks—and his example has left its mark on Estonia’s gym scene. Here is a brief profile: who he is, how he trains and what motivates him.
Who is Marek Kalmus?
Born on 9 February 1971 in Elva, he now lives in Tartu. He stands 191–193 cm tall, with a competition weight of around 110 kilograms and an off-season weight closer to 115–118 kilograms. He is married to Signe Kalmus and is a father—a role he describes as his greatest achievement outside bodybuilding.
His day job has two parts: he coaches young cyclists at the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club and works as a trainer at the Arcoman gym. His own training takes him to Arctic, Avancia, Arcoman and Elva Tonic. Contact: marek@avancia.ee.
Hobbies? Frankly, if he were 20 cm shorter and 35 kg lighter, he would be a cyclist. Since he is not, cycling remains a hobby. He prefers mellow music, his favorite singer is Joe Cocker, and the actors he admires include Robert De Niro and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Fried potatoes with tomato salad and cottage cheese, along with Maarika’s quark cake, are regular features on his table.
Marek Kalmus: Competitions and achievements
His measurements speak for themselves: biceps 52 cm, waist 84–89 cm, thigh 72–74 cm, calf 50 cm. He no longer remembers his chest measurement—and there is something refreshingly honest about that answer.
He says he has built up a fair amount of competitive experience, although reaching the top of the major leagues is difficult. As he puts it, less competitive leagues give the average athlete a chance to win and the motivation to keep going—in tougher competitions, they might not even make the top 16. In the spring of 2001, he appeared on “Pealtnägija” alongside Arnold Tokko.
There is one thing he would like to change in bodybuilding: the judging. No favoritism or bribery—and he means at major amateur and professional competitions alike. “Believe me, I know what I’m writing about,” he says. So do Estonia’s other leading bodybuilders.
Role models and motivation in bodybuilding
He has one role model, and one only: Arnold Schwarzenegger. He says there are very few people in the world who have never heard of Schwarzenegger, yet quite a few for whom the name Ronnie Coleman means nothing. “Not that I have anything against Ronnie—he’s a great guy,” he quickly adds.
His biggest disappointment over his many years of training? Sometimes the body cannot match the willpower and simply gives way—one snap, and those hard-earned kilograms and centimeters are gone. Fortunately, almost all of it can be regained.
He has two sources of motivation: his own progress and the satisfying tiredness after a workout. “Let’s be honest,” he says, “if our bodies couldn’t produce endorphins, how many of us would do any sport at all?” His goal is simple: he would like to know that someone has taken up bodybuilding because of him.
Among Estonian athletes, he admires Jaan Talts. He has one sentence about Ott Kiivikas: the tough guy who wants to beat him on stage has to be Ott Kiivikas.
Frequently asked questions about Marek Kalmus
Where does Marek Kalmus train?
At clubs in Tartu and Elva: Arctic, Avancia, Arcoman and Elva Tonic. He also works as a trainer at Arcoman.
What is his competition weight?
His competition weight is around 110 kilograms, rising to 115–118 kg in the off-season. His highest weight has been 125.8 kg.
What would he like to change in bodybuilding?
The judging system—to make it fairer and more transparent. At major amateur and professional competitions alike.
A message to readers in Marek’s own words: enjoy the rest of your summer, and whatever you do, put your heart into it. Always—or don’t do it at all.
Author: joker
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