Please note: this is an old article
It was published in September 2016, so the information may be out-of-date.
Aquamoves member Michael Leonard has taken out first place at the AWA Bendigo Classic Body Building and Fitness competition held recently in Bendigo at the Capital Theatre.
Open to all states of Australia, the event saw over 100 contestants converge to battle it out across a whole range of Body Building categories.
Mr Leonard’s success came in the Grand Masters (over 50s category) and his win will see him go on to compete at The Victorian State Championships held in Melbourne on Sunday 2 October.
Michael has been competing in Body Building since 1991 after developing a love for working out in the gym from a young age.
“You just feel good about yourself when you come and train. It’s definitely a good endorphin maker,” Mr Leonard said.
In order to be competition ready, Michael trains twice a day, with his routine incorporating both cardio and weights. However, he says nutrition is also essential to being successful.
“Eighty per cent of results come down to what you put in your mouth. If you don’t eat the right food then you won’t achieve your goals.”
Mr Leonard acknowledges the diet required for competing Body Builders is quite extreme.
“In order to get ourselves into condition we don’t have any fat, sugar, fruit, dairy or bread. It’s mainly protein, but we don’t eat this way for 12 months of the year.”
In fact Mr Leonard says he’d like to see Body Building de-stigmatised because it’s essentially a very healthy sport.
“There can be a negative perception around Body Building, but I just love the fact that it’s a great lifestyle and it keeps you fit and healthy” he said.
“I wouldn’t be doing anything else.”