Mind & Body Local Competitor Shares His Knowledge With Others
As he’s done many times before, amateur bodybuilder Carl Washington spent some time last Thursday at the Pro Fitness Center in Spokane making arrangements to help a woman with her bodybuilding training.
Does this Marine, who is competing as a middleweight in the Rocky Mountain Bodybuilding Championships on Saturday, train people on a regular basis?
“Officially, no,” says Washington, who spends an hour-and-a-half per day in the gym. “But I do help people out. Because once you become a trainer, then you start charging.”
And Washington won’t charge because he’s repaying a debt of gratitude.
In 1983, when Washington was 20 and a three-year Marine Corps veteran stationed in Camp Pendleton, Calif., he developed an interest in bodybuilding. That’s when he met a 70-year-old Native American who was a retired Marine and bodybuilder. Washington doesn’t recall his name, just his words of wisdom.
“He was a pretty incredible gentleman. He spoke with me and he started showing me a lot of different stuff,” recalls the staff sergeant, a native of Chicago. “He said, ‘When you’re doing this exercise, do this.’ I looked at him and said, ‘You’re not charging me for this, are you?’ He said no.
“He said, ‘My charge is this. I’m taking the time to show you all of this. All I want is for you to do the same thing later on down the line when you see some young kid who needs help, just take that time to show them what I’m showing you now.’
“That’s the way I’ve been.”, Washington has applied that bit of advice toward every aspect of his life. Whether it be as the Spokane coordinator for Toys for Tots, a former drill instructor, a Desert Storm veteran, a father, a husband, a role model, or even a bodybuilder, Washington devotes his life to serving others.
It’s obvious through his enthusiasm and demeanor that he derives a deep sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment from helping others.
This is especially evident through the Toys for Tots program.
Washington, a communications specialist, instructs and trains military reserves through the Navy/ Marine Reserve Center by Joe Albi Stadium. He got involved with the Toys for Tots program, sponsored by the Marine Corps, when he moved here from Hawaii in 1993.
“There are a lot of needy families here in the city of Spokane, whether people realize that or not,” says Washington. “And we do the best we can to make sure each and every last one of them is taken care of.”
Last Christmas, while Washington and a fellow Marine were hauling a truck load of toys to the Toys for Tots warehouse, they came upon a husband and wife and their little girl standing on a street corner.
“We pulled up and I looked in the back and I had this nice, big porcelain doll,” remembers Washington. “It had to cost $50 or $60, if not more. I called her over and took the doll and gave it to them. I know they would have never come down to the warehouse. It was like the week before Christmas, and I know she probably didn’t have that much, so I gave her that doll. And the smile that covered her whole face, that made me feel good.
“I get enjoyment knowing these kids have these toys. They have big smiles on their faces when they get up Christmas morning because they do have toys under that tree.
“A lot of people see the Marine Corps going to war. Not too often do they get to see this side of the Marine Corps,” he says. “We’re human, too, even though sometimes we have to go out there and do what we have to do.”
Washington doesn’t believe little elves dressed in green are Santa Claus’ faithful assistants. Rather, it’s the Marine Corps.
“We are Santa’s true helpers. We’re in our dress uniform with the red and blue trousers - the colors of Christmas,” he says. “It says we fight and travel in any climate or place, be it spring or winter. Hey, we work in winter, too - out here delivering toys or over in some country where it’s freezing cold, saving somebody, so they can live safely and have a nice Christmas.”
It’s almost surprising to hear this coming from a soldier who experienced war’s destructive and barbaric nature firsthand. Washington, who was stationed in Saudi Arabia from the start of Desert Storm until the end, spent much of his time on the frontlines in Kuwait.
“I look at it like this. No matter where you’re at or what you’re doing, it’s what you make of it. If I’m sitting here and I’m miserable, then that’s the way everything’s going to be,” he says. “I’m a person who likes to have fun; I like to enjoy myself. So I try to make the best out of wherever I go or whatever I’m doing.”
And he shares the same sentiment about bodybuilding.
“Bodybuilding is a hobby for me. It’s something I enjoy doing. And I’m enjoying it just like jumping out of planes,” says Washington. “When it’s no longer fun, that’s when I’ll say, ‘It’s time for me to stop and do something else.’ As far as going for it as a major career, I don’t think so.”
Washington joined the Marines after graduating from high school, passing up several scholarships to play college football as a running back. He’s been recruited to play professional football twice since he enlisted, once for the now-defunct L.A. Express and another time for the San Diego Chargers.
“I had the option to play pro ball if I wanted to. I just didn’t do it,” he says. “I’ve pretty much been doing what I want. I’ve enjoyed the traveling. I’m a people person; I like meeting people. I like talking to people and helping people out as well. I really haven’t had any problem at all. So far it’s been pretty good.”
His appetite for sports led Washington to bodybuilding, a sport that requires strict self-discipline, something he undoubtedly learned as an athlete and a Marine.
In the year 2000, Washington will celebrate his 20th anniversary as a Marine. At that time, he’ll be 37 and he says he’ll embark on a new career. He hasn’t mapped out a job path, but you can bet it will involve working with people.
“I’m always glad when I can help somebody out. That’s just me. That’s just the way I am and the way I will always be.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 color photos
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: COMPETITION The Rocky Mountain Bodybuilding Championships will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Met. Reserved seats are $18 and $14, available at all G&B Select-A-Seat outlets or by calling 325-SEAT.