Todd Fedor no longer competes as a bodybuilder, but his bulging biceps are a reminder of his championship days in bodybuilding events.

Fedor, former Mr. Montana and Mr. Big Sky, has been offering clinics in Kalispell on weight lifting, general conditioning and nutrition habits.

“For me, it’s a passing-of-the-torch kind of thing,” Fedor said. “In today’s world, a lot of people have a tendency to overthink a lot of things, so I’m here to kind of help them through it and let them remember to keep it simple.”

The next clinic will be March 27 at 6 p.m. at Kalispell Athletic Club. The event is free and open to the public.

Fedor’s interest in bodybuilding started when he was a senior at Whitefish High School. He began working out at Unique Physique in Whitefish, spending hours in the weight room, reading up on nutrition and preparing his body for competition. 

At 19, he competed in his first bodybuilding event. 

Five years later in 1994, Fedor was crowned Mr. Montana and Mr. Big Sky. He added a second-place finish at Mr. Rocky Mountain the following year and ended his career with a third-place finish at The Oregon Ironman in 2001. 

It wasn’t all about winning for Fedor. The sport of bodybuilding has taught him lessons for all walks of life.

“It can enhance your life if you keep a good balance with it. Any little goals you achieve help you feel a lot better and it can carry over into other life ventures,” Fedor said. “Whether it’s getting a job or getting into shape, it’s a discipline and it teaches you a lot about yourself.”

During his competitive career, Fedor attended the University of Montana and graduated with a degree in health and fitness. When he moved back to Flathead Valley, he saw a need for personal training and overall fitness knowledge. 

After a few ventures, including personal training and selling fitness equipment, Fedor became a coach at Columbia Falls High School for the football and softball programs in 1999. 

He also coordinated the strength and conditioning programs at the high school until 2005.

“When I started there, the football team wasn’t so great,” Fedor said. “They’ve turned into a bit of a powerhouse since then and I believe it’s because of the coaches and having a proper strength and condition program.”

Local athletes, beginning bodybuilders and even people who just want to get in better shape now have an opportunity to learn from a bodybuilding veteran.

 Stan Watkins, a longtime friend and owner of the Kalispell Athletic Club, has been working with Fedor to coordinate clinics to give people an outlet for their training needs. 

“A lot of people that start out bodybuilding have to start out on their own. When I got my degree, I wanted to be able to help out the beginners. I like to help those just starting out and it’s been a lot of fun teaching the younger kids,” Fedor said. 

“It doesn’t matter what sport, age or experience level. If someone has questions pertaining to fitness, I want to be there for them and help them.” 

Fedor manages Rebecca Farm and spends each year preparing the facility and helping coordinate The Event at Rebecca Farm — one of the largest equestrian triathlons in the United States.

But he also maintains a consistent workout schedule — his biceps nearly tearing through his sleeves — and for a former bodybuilder, he remains humble.

“Hopefully I don’t look too small now,” Fedor says with a chuckle. 

Reporter Sam Campbell may be reached at 758-4446 or by email at scampbell@dailyinterlake.com.