YEARS of training have gone into Ryan Geier's lead-up to his first bodybuilding contest.
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The 24-year-old from Bendigo will mark his competition debut when he flexes on-stage at Bendigo's Ulumbarra Theatre on August 29.
Geier will contest the men's physique category at the Australian Country Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition.
Across the next eight weeks he will raise the intensity in gym sessions and follow a strict meal plan.
Workouts at Doherty's Gym are usually 90 minutes
"To compete in a show was something I had thought about for a long time," Geier said after another training session at Doherty's in central Bendigo.
"The Country Classic is too good an opportunity to pass on.
"To compete before a home crowd will be amazing."
Geier first started weight training when he was 17.
"I was skinny when I was younger, so started training to add some size and strength."
Seven years later and he will be among many in the spotlight at the Country Classic.
His motivation to train is succinct.
"The results from all the work you put in are self-evident.
"There's a lot of commitment needed, but I do find training therapeutic, and a great challenge."
He said genetics played a key role in his physique.
Geier said one of the greatest challenges was the diet plan, firstly to add muscle, but then to be lean in time for competition day.
"The show is not just about size, but also symmetry, definiton and proportion."
Geier said the team at Doherty's Bendigo, led by owner-operator Danny McQuinn had given him a lot of support.
"They are incredible," he said of a group which includes Anthony Sutton as a training partner.
Another key supporter for Geier is girlfriend Kat Hawken.
Away from the gym, Geier teaches English across years 7 to 10 at Eaglehawk Secondary College.
More than 100 competitors and hundreds more fans will be at Ullumbarra.
"There's been a great response to the show," Danny McQuinn said.
"There's likely to be four or five competitors from Bendigo in various classes.
"For Bendigo to be hosting an event of this type is amazing.
"It's a new show that will draw competitors and spectators from many areas.
"I believe this event that will grow every year."
The IFBB Australian Country Classic is a qualifier for the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic next March.