Pumping Iron, the Prequel

He boogies across the stage at Venice’s Muscle Beach to the driving beat of “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit’ It.” He dances, he whirls, he slides easily into the splits. His muscle-flexing poses show off solidly cut biceps and abs. Strutting, he grins teasingly as he motions his cheering fans to their feet. He owns the crowd. A compact superstar in Batman shorts, he is fast becoming a guest sensation at fitness competitions. And he is 7 years old.

“Bostin wanted to do his own routines at my competitions,” says his mother, Marie Loyd, a bodybuilding champion. “He picks out CDs and choreographs dances at home.” Marie and husband Jon own Gold’s Gym in Northridge, a second home to Bostin. Jon, a former Mr. California, adds: “We’ve never pressured him to perform in any way. We’ve just tried to provide healthy role models.”

Bostin has his own trainer and exercises at the gym three times a week. The first-grader’s activities include stretching, calisthenics, light weight training and kick boxing; he’s a purple belt in karate and loves team sports such as football and baseball. Asked about his secret to success, he responds easily: “I eat good.” For breakfast, Bostin prefers egg whites with spinach and toast. “I have to eat school lunches,” he grimaces. “But on Saturdays my mom makes me broiled sea bass.”

And the future? “I’m going to be an astronaut,” Bostin answers confidently. “And a muscle champion, just like my dad.”