Filming in Norfolk, VA: A Weekend with Vegan Strength and physique Athletes
From May 30 to June 1, 2025, I embarked on a journey from New York City to Norfolk, Virginia, to film with some of the most inspiring vegan strength and physique athletes in the game. The drive was a pleasant change of pace, allowing me to reflect on the purpose of this project while transporting all my camera gear.
Derek Tresize at Root Force Gym
My first stop was Root Force Gym, where I met Derek Tresize, a professional bodybuilder and certified plant-based nutritionist and trainer. Derek has been a vegan since 2007 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He is a four-time natural bodybuilding champion and a WNBF and NFF Pro Men’s Physique Athlete. Derek co-owns Root Force Personal Training with his wife Marcella, offering plant-based personal training in Richmond, VA.
Daniel Austin at Shark City Barbell
Next, I visited Shark City Barbell to film with Daniel Austin, known as the “Vegan Meathead.” Daniel has been vegan since 2005 and powerlifting since 2015. He has competed in both the USPA and USAPL, qualifying for national championships in both. Daniel has set multiple state records and placed second at the IPL World Championships. His dedication to strength and veganism challenges stereotypes and inspires others. He also has some of the sickest vegan merch which you can find at VeganMeathead.com
Bryan Jervey at Somnium CrossFit
At Somnium CrossFit, I filmed with Bryan Jervey, a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and athlete with the VeganStrong Team. Bryan is also a coach at Somnium CrossFit and The Elevated Training Program. His commitment to CrossFit and plant-based living showcases the versatility of vegan athletes across different disciplines. He’s also a video game fan like me so we bonded over Kingdom Hearts, of course!
Shelli Beecher-Seitzler: Vegan Bodybuilder
I also filmed an interview and a training session with Shelli Beecher-Seitzler, a professional natural bodybuilder and WNBF Pro in Figure and FitBody divisions. Shelli became vegan in 2014 and has since made a significant impact in the bodybuilding community, winning multiple first-place titles. Filming with her offered incredible insight into how a plant-based diet fuels both physique and performance.
Forrest Nash: Natural Bodybuilding Pro
Although Forrest Nash was away that weekend (we originally planned to film but there was a conflict), it’s worth highlighting his achievements. Forrest is a natural bodybuilder, certified personal trainer, and plant-based nutrition advocate. He earned a bronze medal at the Amateur Tall Classic Physique category at Mr. America in 2023 and coaches vegan athletes globally. His work emphasizes whole-food plant-based nutrition for peak performance and longevity.
Reflections
Tons of great footage this weekend! The footage captured from the sessions with Derek, Daniel, Shelli and Bryan provides valuable insights into the lives and training of elite vegan athletes. Their stories are a testament to the power of plant-based nutrition in achieving peak performance. As I head back to New York City, I am reminded of the importance of sharing these narratives to inspire others and challenge misconceptions about veganism and strength sports.