A VICTORIAN champion in the Mr Teen division, Golden Square's Sam Dawson is putting in plenty of work as he prepares for more bodybuilding contests.
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Dawson's dedication in the gym at Doherty's Bendigo or at Anytime Fitness in Geelong was capped by success at this year's the International Natural Bodybuilding Asosciation state titles.
It was the first bodybuilding show the 19-year-old entered and was followed by being on stage at the nationals in Brisbane.
"A goal for next year is to be in the top five of my division at nationals," he said.
Dawson first started weight training to increase fitness and strength for footy when he was 14.
For several years he kept playing with Golden Square Junior Football Club.
He became more serious about bodybuilding about 18 months ago.
"It's been a steady progression," he said of work on adding muscle and definition during his workouts..
Dawson said Danny McQuinn at Doherty's Gym in Bendigo had given him plenty of encouragement and training tips.
Dawson said the lead-up to this year's titles was a "great challenge" as he also had first-year studies in sports science at Deakin University in Geelong.
"Training is every day, but I have a rest day if sore."
Most weekends he would head back to Bendigo for training at the Garsed Street-based gym.
Dawson's workouts vary between one and two hours and in levels of intensity.
"The lead-up to the Victorian Championships was a huge challenge," Dawson said.
"There was a 20-week block of training aimed at the state titles.
"On the day of the show there's a lot of nervous energy.
"The adrenalin rush from when you first go on stage is incredible."
Dawson said the goal was to work even harder for 2015 and beyond.
The keen athlete said healthy diet was crucial.
Support from parents David and Jenny, and from younger sisters Chelsea and Sarah has played a big part in Dawson's sporting pursuits, whether it be kicking the footy or bodybuilding.
Years of experience that McQuinn has from preparing and contesting shows has played a big part in Dawson's progress.
"Sam is genetically-gifted, but he has worked extremely hard," McQuinn said.
"His commitment to training is fantastic, as is his willingness to learn.
"To win at the Victorian titles first-up was an amazing result.
"The plan was to have a go at that show and see what would happen.
"The states and then the nationals were a great experience, not just in terms of training, but the competition."
McQuinn said a focus in Dawson's workouts would be on adding definition and size to his back and chest.
From early next month Doherty's Bendigo will be in a new home on High Street.