Coach Carson
The story of four knee surgeries, hard lessons, and why I built a system that actually works.
Carson Labrecque
Carson's fitness journey began between the ages of 12 and 14, driven by a passion for football. As one of the bigger, slower kids on his team, he asked his parents for weightlifting equipment for his birthday. That winter, he self-trained - learning from older players and researching online. The following season, he saw significant athletic improvements.
By 18 he was playing university football and was stronger than many senior players. He played for the University of Calgary Dinos and joined the staff as an Assistant Strength Coach - a role that contributed to a National Championship win in 2019.
After two years on staff, he transitioned to online and in-person personal training, eventually moving to Vancouver where he founded Built Training Inc. His mission: share the wisdom and experience he's gained - the hard way - to make a meaningful impact on others' lives.
The Hard Way Forward
Carson's coaching philosophy wasn't built in a classroom. It was forged through real mistakes, painful recoveries, and the honest work of rebuilding.
Volume Is Not the Answer
Chasing the conventional high-volume bodybuilding model - hours per workout, multiple sessions per day - Carson gained some size early. Then he hit a wall. He accumulated injuries and underwent four knee surgeries before the age of 20.
His current approach is the opposite: focused intensity within a proper training structure. Not more volume. Not more time. Better decisions. The result? He trains more injury-free and gets better results than he ever did grinding through endless sessions.
More Is Not Better
Carson once believed more steroids equalled better results. During a bodybuilding show where results weren't what he wanted, he increased his PED use. It backfired badly - he stopped sleeping for months, damaged relationships, and had a disastrous show followed by a long recovery.
Today he tracks bloodwork meticulously, makes educated and deliberate decisions on compound selection, and uses less than he ever has - with better aesthetic and health outcomes to show for it. That experience is the foundation of how he guides every client.
Winning Isn't Everything
During the birth of his first son, Carson chose to compete that year. He missed early milestones, placed a burden on his son's mother, and the relationship ended. It was a wake-up call that redefined what success actually means.
He has since rebuilt - maintaining a flourishing relationship and being an active, present father to his two sons, Robbie and Joe. And he achieves better bodybuilding results than ever. His system is built to prove you don't have to choose between winning and living well.
Why Carson Coaches Differently
Every hard lesson became a principle. These are the non-negotiables that run through every program, every protocol, and every client relationship.
Structure Before Stacks
No protocol works without a rock-solid training and nutrition foundation. We build the base before adding anything on top - always.
Health-First Enhancement
Long-term health is never negotiable. Every performance goal is balanced against bloodwork, hormonal health, and longevity from day one.
Life Doesn't Stop for the Stage
Bodybuilding should fit into a great life - not consume it. Carson's system is designed around your career, your family, and your relationships.
"If you want to fulfill that dream in your heart - and hit the stage for the first time, or even redeem your last showing - this is the place for you."
- Carson Labrecque, Founder of BUILT Training Inc.Take the First Step
Whether you're stepping on stage for the first time or coming back to redeem a previous showing, Carson has lived through every part of this journey - and he's ready to guide yours.
Based in Vancouver · Coaching athletes across Canada