Gemma Dawson

As a child, I grew up in a very supporting family. I am the token middle child, the drama queen & the most stubborn of the bunch. I was a dancer through the early years & I watched my mum teach Step classes in her spandex & Reebox trainers. During High School, I loved Volleyball & Kayaking but didn’t really do anything physical, unless it was part of a subject in class. After High School, I joined the workforce & early 2006 joined a gym to concur the effects of eating lollies around the office.

I started in the gym like most women, some classes and the cardio machines, but I always need a goal & so I set my sights on running a 12km fun run. I completed the run, but it wasn’t without tears & wanting to be picked up and driven to the finish line! The next year, I completed the same run, this time not stopping and killing the last time by ten minutes. I was so stoked. Being my competitive self, I did the run two more years, each time betting my previous efforts.

At the same time, I was reading magazines and seeing the amazing women who competed in Bodybuilding competitions. I needed a challenge and running just wasn’t doing it for me anymore. So late 2009 I set the intention and worked on eating and training like a bodybuilder. Not really knowing what I was going, I met with a successful competitor in my state & watched a bodybuilding show early 2010 to see what these competitions were all about.

The reasons to compete or reach a certain goal are different for everyone & my reasons have continued to change. My goal has never been superficial, even if the competition is about looking hot on stage. What happens on the outside is the result of how I have treated myself and the dedication put in.

My first bit of advice that was given to me is something that I still believe is true – ‘listen to one person’. Pick one coach, and use their advice only! This is a MUST! You can get so confused with all the information out there, people just throwing in comments and reading articles. This advice would be the first thing I would tell anyone who asked me where to start. If competing, pick someone with a successful record and whom you respect.

Amelia Ricci (www.livingbeauty.com.au) was at the show I watched in April and I contacted her after visiting her website. Amelia had the WHOLE package, and for someone who really had zero clue, Her guidance and the hot tip to listen to only one person, really made me stick to something that has given me more than a first place sash from the first competition. Friendships, stronger relationships & knowing how tough I am mentally are just a few things I took away

Since the first two September 2010, I went along to that National competitions in October 2010 and I and currently up to seven competitions in ten months. If I competed interstate, I made sure I visited my extended family, being able to see my brother who lives in Sydney and my two aunties in Melbourne, including my two cousins.

Precious moments & memories that if it wasn’t for the competitions, I wouldn’t have seen them. I also had an epic road trip to the INBA Nationals, last minute in 2010 with my sister, who has been the best support and has taken control of her health & wellbeing after seeing the effects of living the way I do.

I have continued to train and live a lifestyle that I actually love. Competing does not take over my life, they are a part of it and if anything, the lifestyle of a bodybuilder enhances my life. I enjoy eating nutritious food, I love training, and I love having structure. I bounce out of bed with energy & I smile every day. My outlook on life reflects the way I treat myself & others.

I also contacted the beautiful Deanne Murphy, who runs the Pro Model Workshop. Dee was my trainer early this year, and being a World Champion her advice on the food and training was fantastic to know. I learnt how to drop weight, build more muscle & be even more confident after watching her do her thing. The women of all the federations I have met have been inspiring. I have three motivational boards at home and so many people I have been able to met are on them. One that stands out is Amber Walker. Amber is an absolute stunner & quality soul whom I truly admire

In May 2010 I also attended a seminar with Mr Perry Venakis, taking from this was priceless education about nutrition, more ‘whys’ were answered & I walked into the gym the next day to train like an absolute animal! By picking amazing coaches, I know I am learning from the best.

Place, win or come last, each time has been a learning experience. There have been many tears, difficulties with funding this expensive sport, injuries, personal relationships & family issues – just like everyone, I am human, normal everyday life can get in the way. However if you change how you think about the disappointing moments and the world is yours! The hurdles are put in the way to show you that you can get over them!

Now I want to actively inspire others to achieve their best life, and realise that anything is possible. How can I possibly teach someone steps to reach their goals if I can’t do it myself?  I am striving to be MY best. Never trying to beat anyone personally, I am trying to beat myself. We are our own toughest competition.

Smile big and bright, create opportunities where none existed

Advice for others : Competitions or not, know that you are worth being healthy and living life to the fullest!  Not only will looking after yourself make you feel amazing, it will help you be a better person. If you show that you care about yourself, this will make others want to care about themselves, leading to a more positive existence.
 
After competing in seven Sportsmodel competitions at a State and National level in the last ten months, I am not your average office worker. At 25 years old, I have grown more as a person in the last year then I ever imagined & have been asked to share some of my inspirations with you in this publication. In September 2010 I won my first competition - taking the title of Best Body Swimsuit SA for the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF). Since this time, I have also become an assistant coach for Living Beauty, an online personal training business that will help you achieve your goals with massive love and support! Through social networking & daily interaction, I hope I can inspire people to take control and change their lives.

Competition History
2010
1st World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Best Body Swimsuit SA September 2010
2nd International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) SA Sportsmodel September 2010
4th INBA National Sportsmodel October 2010
4th WNBF Asia Pacific Championship Best Body Swimsuit October 2010 (tall class)

2011
2nd International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) SA Sportsmodel April 2011 (10)
3rd NABBA/WFF SA Sportsmodel May 2011 (10)
ANB Asia Pacific Championships June 2011 - Open Model (unplaced -17)
8th Under 30 Fitness Model ANB Asia Pacific Championships June 2011 (24)
WNBF SA Championship 17 Sept (equal 4th (10))
6th INBA Nationals October 2011 (17)
INBA Universe Sportsmodel Comp 2011 (Tall class - equal 6th (15))
3rd WNBF Asia Pacific Championship Best Body Swimsuit (Tall) Oct 2011 (6)

Media Coverage:
* Picture Featured in Oxygen Magazine Adverts for Living Beauty 2011
* Picture Featured in Natural Bodz Magazine 2011 as a Hot Shot &
   in the ANB Asia Pacific 2011 Fitness Model Championships overview
* Launched a new section - Full 2 page Q&A for 'In the Spotlight....' in Natural Bodz
   October 2011. Thank you Steve and Ant xx
* Full 2 page story in Oxygen Dec/Jan 2011/2012 'Work In Progress' 
   Thank you Lindy and Megan at Oxygen xx

Diet
Meal 1 – Wholegrain Oats, Eggs, Fruit
Meal 2 – Serve of Protein plus 1-2 cups colourful vegetables
Meal 3 - Serve of Protein plus 1-2 cups colourful vegetables
Meal 4 -  Serve of Protein plus 1 cup Sweet Potato 1 cups colourful vegetables
Meal 5  - Fish or Steak with lots of greens

Supplements:
I am lucky enough to now be supported by MuscleWorx Stores in Perth (www.muscleworx.com.au). I make sure I have Glutamine, BCAA, L Carnitine, al my vitamins, fish oil, green drinks & a quality Protein Powder

Training
Cardio: 3-4 x steady state 45-60 minutes & 2 HIIT sessions
Weights: Monday – Legs, Tuesdays – Bis/Tris, Wednesday – Shoulders & Abs, Friday – Chest, Saturday- Back and Abs.
Stretching/Rest – One or two good session a week stretching all muscles
Favourite Body Part – Shoulders as they were my weakest but have responded to training very well

Role Models:
Every person I met with the attitude to tackle every day the best they can. The women that feature in Oxygen Magazine are constant source of inspiration. Women on my motivation boards include Amelia Ricci, Amber Walker, Christina Halkiopoulus, Justine Switala, Deanne Murphy, Raechelle Chase & Nicky Jankovic

Best Training Move:
Being able to motivate myself during high intensity cardio splits, I have a love/hate relationship with the lactic acid build up. I also love Yoga, which is great for flexibility, strength, focus of the mind and holding poses needed for competitions

Favourite Clean Meal:
Wholegrain Oats, Chia Seeds, Cinnamon and blueberries

Hobbies: Promotional Model, Sports Modelling, Gym Instructor, studying Personal Training

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