A BENDIGO bodybuilder is hoping to muscle her way to South Africa for the World Fitness Federation world titles.
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Bree Bisset was this month crowned state sports model champion at the National Amateur Body-Builders' Association/World Fitness Federation Victorian Championships.
The win qualified Bisset for the national championships in Melbourne on October 17 and world championships in Pretoria, South Africa, on November 7.
But she is no certainty to head overseas given the short amount of time between her state title win a fortnight ago and the proximity of the world event.
A $1000 travel incentive as part of her state title win will go part to alleviating the costs of a potential world titles trip, but time is running out to pull together the necessary funds.
Bisset, who is in her second season competing in fitness modelling, lists a win at the AWA/WFF Bendigo Classic competition in front of her home crowd at Ulumbarra Theatre in August as one of her proudest moments.
The 28-year-old combines a hectic 15 hour-a-week training schedule with a full-time job as an environmental scientist with the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
"It's an interesting mix, being an environmental scientist, it's world's part from what I do in the gym," she said.
"I've always been into health and fitness, but I kind of hit a plateau with my training and got a bit stale and wanted a new challenge.
"I'm the type of person who likes to set myself a challenge and do it 120 per cent.
"Then I did my first competition and fell in love with it, and then spent a good nine months trying to grow some muscle to move into this federation."
Being a bodybuilder does not come without its sacrifices.
Bisset does an hour and a half of weights and and an hour of cardio training six-to-seven times a week at her "second home" at FIT Republic in Golden Square, and maintains what she refers to as a "tight" diet.
"I started this prep at the end of April and I've dropped nine kilos," she said.
"I wasn't what you would call big to start off with - on stage I'm about 52 kilos.
"But I have a really good coach behind me and if you have that, you can keep things in check, stay healthy and win trophies."
Bendigo born-and bred Bisset said she was facing a race against time to compete in South Africa.
"I want to know that I am good enough to win at the Aussies before I commit myself to going to South Africa, but at the same time I don'y have much time," she said.
"I have to plan as if I am going.
"I am trying to be as confident as I can they I will do well at the Aussies and can get there."
Bisset said she was blessed to have the support of her Geelong-based coach Tom Brown and sponsor Mass Nutrition at Strath Village and friends and family.
Businesses or individuals interested in supporting Bree can contact her at bree.bisset@hotmail.com