After many weeks of dieting and hundreds of hours’ training, Engelsman was declared No. 1 in the novice division at the Melbourne Natural Physique Titles run by the International Natural Bodybuilding Association.

The 33-year-old has had little time to reflect on his victory, with his next showdown being the Natural Physique Titles for Australasian Natural Bodybuilding on May 9 at La Trobe University Bundoora.

Weight training had been a pursuit of Engelsman’s for more than eight years.

“Bodybuilding was something I had always thought about having a go at,’’ he said before another workout at the Strathdale-based Feelgood Fitness.

“It was an awsome feeling,’’ he said of his competition debut.

A strict diet began 16 weeks ago as he worked toward his goal, as well as gaining valuable tips from Warren Clampett.

“Dieting is the most challenging part of all the training,’’ Engelsman said.

“It’s a 100 per cent commitment,’’ he said of diet, training, and cardio.

Engelsman said a goal in training was more about definition and symmetry, than being the biggest competitor on stage.

From the eve of the show, the bodybuilder drank a limited amount of water.

“You have to be careful not to dehydrate, but the less fluid in your body helps a lot for definition and the skin being tighter.’’

Engelsman and his rivals completed a symmetry round and then did compulsory poses.

The audience included his parents and friends.

“Mum and Dad (Linda and Brian) had never been to a bodybuilding show before, so it was an experience for them, too.’’

Engelsman’s greatest supporters are his wife, Jaime nd their three-year-old daughter, Cameron.

“Jarrod Butler and the team at Feelgood Fitness have also helped me in many ways,’’ he said.

Away from the gym, Senior-Constable Engelsman is kept busy on duty for Victoria Police.

Later in the year, Engelsman may be vying for Mr Victoria and possibly national titles.