Mind Over Matter

Mind Over Matter tells the story of François Gay, one of Europe’s best-known natural bodybuilding pioneers, who went all out 24/7 for 14 years to pursue his goal of becoming the world’s best amateur bodybuilder and win the prestigious Mr. Universe title. With a severe back condition, less-than-ideal genetics and unwilling to cut corners with performance-enhancing drugs, he knew that there was only one way to fulfill his vision: 100% dedication. Dive into François’s inspiring life story, from his peaceful childhood on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland through his turbulent youth, then on to the discovery of his passion in California, culminating in his victory at the Natural Mr. Universe in the USA. François will guide you through the subculture of bodybuilding, where he spent more than decade on a journey of total discipline. Not only will he explain how he developed the right mindset to overcome the many obstacles he faced and to never lose focus on his goal, he’ll also show you how he applied these lessons in his most intense training sessions. His “never, ever give up” attitude will empower and inspire you to become the best you can be, whatever your passion. François, now a renowned personal coach, will also teach you to maximize your potential, revealing the highly effective method that he uses with his own clients. He will expose the most stubborn fitness myths and show why weight training is the best way to beat the biological clock and stay vital, whatever your age. In a straight-talking final chapter, he will share with you how he has tackled his greatest challenge yet, a severe health issue he has recently been confronted with. Mind Over Matter will motivate and encourage you to get up off the couch and to start doing instead of just wishing. It will serve as a wake-up call, reminding you that now is the time to start living, instead of just existing, and that you too can achieve anything you set your mind to if you want it badly enough.

François Gay is a former bodybuilding champion from Switzerland. At an early age, he discovered his passion for bodybuilding and, as a 19-year-old, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming the world’s best amateur bodybuilder. He stands out for his commitment to staying drug-free in a sport dominated by performance-enhancing substances. After winning five national titles and being declared runner-up at the 1986 IFBB Mr. Universe in Tokyo, his competitive career culminated in his victory at the Natural Mr. Universe in 1992. François’s success is due to a clear vision of what he strived to achieve, total dedication to his goal, and an unbeatable belief in his ability to succeed, no matter the circumstances. To promote natural bodybuilding in his home country, François founded the Swiss Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (SNBF) in 1997, the first European bodybuilding federation affiliated with the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF). Today, François is a fitness consultant and motivational speaker, who gives lectures about health and fitness. He also does personal coaching, inspiring his clients to follow a healthy lifestyle and to live their lives to the fullest.