Discipline and resilience is helping Dave Hughes prepare for the looming state qualifier for the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition.
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Hughes, the owner of the Dubbo community fitness hub Mass Nutrition, is set to compete at the qualifier in Sydney on March 16.
Hughes, who placed sixth at the Arnold Classic last year, is competing in the heavyweight division, for those ranging from 90kg to 100kg.
Each state will hold a qualifying show.
At Sydney, the top six placegetters from the Saturday qualifier will then proceed to finals the following day.
"I’ve been competing on and off for maybe 10 years, however I have only just become super serious the last four to five years," Hughes said.
"It’s a sport where time, along with hard work, can improve the physique. Unfortunately muscle doesn’t grow over night."
Hughes has also placed in previous years at other state shows and said his love for bodybuilding was actually discovered through his first passion, rugby league.
"I grew up playing rugby league in my hometown of Tumut and it was always my dream to play professionally, so I discovered the gym and began weight training," he said..
"I did both for a number of years before I decided to hang up my boots and focus on bodybuilding."
Outside of competing and being a father of two, Hughes runs Mass Nutrition stores in Dubbo, Wagga Wagga and Bendigo. As well as that, he is the director and shareholder of Mass Nutrition Australia, currently stepping into the general manager's role for the company also.
"The business came about six years ago when I saw the need for a store like Mass Nutrition in Dubbo," he said.
"It’s my passion to be able to provide the right advice in a world where there is so much conflicting information. Each day I get to live, breath and be involved in something I have so much passion for.
"Seeing people gain confidence, become healthier and ultimately grow and overcome many years of feeling unhappy with themselves."
Hughes stated he's obsessed with the process of training and competing.
"The hours of training and discipline required to make the body look a certain way, it’s weird to say but challenging myself mentally keeps me strong in all the right areas of my life," he said.
"I’m one who always follows through and I’ve learnt resilience and patience through this amazing sport.
"My goal is to be one of the top guys in Australia, continue to get better and help others achieve their goals too."
Hughes has spent almost half his life in the gym, but according to him it is never too late or too early to start.
"You definitely must be willing to spend years doing it if you wish to compete at some stage, and I cannot express enough how huge nutrition is," he said.
"You can train as hard as you like, but if your not managing your nutrition you will ultimately struggle to change body composition," he said.
"Those who are considering it, I urge you to do so, test yourself mentally and physically."
Hughes is living proof of hard work paying off and he is always keen on helping those who may need it.
"I'm always up to help those of all demographics," he added.
"Mums wanting to drop weight from a birth, a dad who wants more energy to chase his kids, athletes chasing huge goals, or people who are just wanting more energy and to improve their health.
"Our motto is fuel your fire, and with that we aren’t talking about your supps (supplements), we are talking about your goals and where you want to end up."
Hughes encouraged anyone seeking advice to reach out to his Instagram page at dave__hughes.
Hughes was also keen to thank Dubbo RSL gym, Anytime Fitness Dubbo and his sponsors Green Tea x50 and THS Nutrition.