Russell’s journey to stage

“The natural adrenaline was overwhelming, the realisation that my journey resulted in being placed 2nd in a Bodybuilding competition. The sacrifice and discipline of training intensely had not prepared me for how good I would feel…”

Having served in the NZ Army for over 20 years, I believed that I was at a high level of fitness, considering the varying types of exercises and such I was exposed to.

I joined the gym to widen my exercise regime and social circle and started on a 12-week challenge to build a better body.

My new training program targeted each muscle group in a different way. I had somewhat of a small frame, having predominantly done military-style cardio workouts. The first couple of weeks were a struggle – this was definitely a new style of training that my body was not used to and the soreness of my muscles was telling me this!

After the initial body shock, I realised that muscle growth was an achievable goal.

It was during this that the suggestion of training for a Bodybuilding competition came along. Visions of wide, built men, bulging and towering at the seams came to mind. The thought of ME, being in such a competition? I laughed such a suggestion off, however the thought stuck in the back of my head.

I talked more with Kat about it and she was positive I would do well, not solely for the competing side of things, but for myself and the journey the training would take me on. She had previously competed and was an invaluable source of knowledge. With her as my trainer, coach and mentor, I decided to go for it.

Having gotten used to the weight training, the next challenge was the food. Previously I just took for granted and without much thought what I put in my body. Suddenly, I had to eat the right ratios of protein, carbs and fat. It was a discipline, but like anything else, when it becomes routine, it is just a part of life. You need a bit of humour and imagination to get you through the food regime, but once you start seeing the changes in your body, it’s all worth it!

With the training and food, comes another science – supplements. The market is flooded with an array of pills, powders and promises, again, it is important that your trainer has some knowledge in this area. No plan or program will work the same for each person.

Kat was the leader and I was the listener and learner – from the warm up to the stretches. Without such a trainer you may be wasting time – and time is precious to you, your body and result. Reading muscle magazines is not enough, you need to listen to advice from people you trust.

The day arrived, and I felt fully prepared and ready. Like a kid in a candy shop, the excitement was surreal and a natural buzz! I competed and placed 2nd, something I never dreamed of doing. It was an overwhelming feeling, to compete not only individually against other competitors, but an internal competition with yourself to show the judges and the audience, the best you possible. Very few people see the hours, the effort and sacrifice you have done to get there.

From the moment of deciding to do it, I knew it was a huge change to take on, and one that tested the resolve and mind. Your trainer is your grounder, teacher and believer so you need to ensure you have one that knows what they are talking about; one that has walked the same path that you, yourself are about to walk.

Personally, I do believe that my body changing journey is and will be something I will never forget, will cherish and am truly proud of. For me, it was a life moment; a moment of greatness, achieved by an even greater trainer.

If you are serious, competitive and desire the urge and support of someone to motivate and push you to do and be your best, I fully and without exception, recommend Kat to take you on your journey of change.