Father-of-three from Cambridgeshire becomes unexpected star of fitness world after bodybuilding return

A father-of-three from Cambridgeshire has become an unexpected star of the fitness world after chronicling his dramatic return to competitive bodybuilding - more than a decade after stepping away from the sport.

Brendan Pearl, 35, from Wisbech, began training again just 18 months ago.

Since then, his YouTube channel documenting the highs and lows of his transformation has exploded, amassing over 400,000 subscribers.

“I didn’t come back to bodybuilding for fame,” Brendan said.

“I came back to prove something to myself—and to show my kids that you can rebuild, no matter how far you’ve drifted.”

Brendan first got into the gym as a teenager, inspired by school friends who were lifting weights.

“At the time, I’ll admit it, I was just trying to impress girls,” he laughed.

“But it lit a fire in me.”

That fire led him to compete until 2011, when he chose to step away to focus on raising a family and launching a business in double glazing.

Now, with his children a little older, Brendan said the timing felt right to pursue his passion again. “I wasn’t in a dark place, but I knew I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

"I decided to document everything—training, diet, mindset, and all the chaos that comes with juggling fatherhood and fitness.”

His candid, unfiltered approach has struck a chord with thousands across the globe. From early morning workouts at BoxCross UK in Wisbech to meal prepping and school runs, Brendan gives followers a glimpse into what it really takes to make a comeback.

“The feedback has been incredible,” he said.

“People seem to appreciate the honesty—showing that it’s messy, it’s hard, but it’s doable.”

His brother and business partner Damien Pearl, who co-owns the BoxCross gym with him, says Brendan’s journey has inspired the entire community.

"I’m incredibly proud of my brother Brendan," he said.

"We didn’t have the easiest start in life, so watching him grow into the man he is today—a devoted father, husband and genuine role-model—fills me with pride

“We’ve been through a lot, and seeing Brendan step back on stage is emotional for all of us. He’s not just training clients—he’s leading by example.”

That example will be on full display on June 15 when Brendan competes at the Physical Culture Association show at the New Theatre in Peterborough—his first competition since 2011.

Reflecting on his journey, Brendan admits the road hasn’t been easy. “It’s been physically demanding, but mentally even more so. I had to rebuild my belief in myself. The biggest driver? My kids. I wanted them to see what commitment looks like.”

His advice to others stuck in a rut?

“Start small. Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect time, because it doesn’t exist. Eighteen months ago, I was untrained and out of shape.

"Today, I’m about to walk on stage again. Change is always possible—you just have to believe you’re worth it.”

With plans to expand the BoxCross gym into Norwich later this year and his growing online presence, Brendan shows no signs of slowing down.

His next chapter is just beginning—and this time, the world is watching.