Greg Mawson Muscles Up, Apr 10

Greg, 04

Once a 'cuddly' chef, Greg Mawson of Napier has turned around his eating habits to cook up an athletic physique that many would envy.

But it was a different story in 04. Greg wasn't super obese but at 33%, he felt uncomfy in his body so he decided to make a change to his eating and exercise habits.

Now 6 years on, and only 2 years of competitive bodybuilding under his belt Greg has competed in nearly 20 shows and has already amassed numerous regional titles.

Soon he's off to compete in the INBA Dubbo show in Australia and then a number of NABBA shows in NZ are lined up. But first we asked Greg what it was like when he was fat and what advice he'd give to those wanting to lose weight.

Greg, 09

1. You were quite heavy before you started training and probably in bad eating habits, what sorts of food were you eating and what was your lifestyle like? did you do any exercise?
I was at the gym on and off for years just doing resistance training, mainly working the "ego" muscles. Very seldom did I do legs!. I was never really getting anywhere and not gauging my results. I especially didn't have any goals. I had no idea of what nutrition would assist at that stage other than the base they teach you from tech (I am a qualified Chef) So I did train at the gym, probably into the overtraining category, especially as I didn't have the nutrition to make it all work. Cardio? What was that?

2. What was your weight at your heaviest? what year was that?
I was 117kg peaking at 2004, which isn't majorly obese for my height of 185cm but I had a body fat percentage of 33%. I "hid" it well as I am quite broad across the shoulders but I held a hell of a lot on my gut.

3. When you were 'fat', did you think you could ever look like those muscly guys on stage?
Never. I used to look at bodybuilding magazines and dream, but also think that they aren't real people. Or perhaps that was an excuse. With all the lies you get from supplement adverts it's easy to think "I'll never look like that. It won't work like that for me." I guess it used to motivate me to doing a few abdominal sessions here and there, but still not the rest of the nutrition to make it work.

Greg with Phil Musson
NABBA Asia Pacifics Apr 09

5. What's your achievements so far?
I have done 19 shows and for me titles aren't the only achievement. I have made friends for life within the sport. The support and rapport of the athletes out back is worth its weight in gold. I absolutely love it! I have done 19 shows in the last 3 years. I am Mr Counties Manukau Athletic and Mr Bay of Plenty Athletic (2009). I also ended the year as 1^st International Athletic getting into the finals at the Nationals and in the "Ripped Freak" competition.

6. What's been your proudest moment in your bbing career so far?
Being able to compete with all the other athletes that make the sport what it is. Being selected to go to the World Champs which didn't happed last year, but "you can't sweat what you can't control." I got over that pretty quickly. Being distinguished as an "International athlete" and getting in the finals at Nationals last year. I'm proud every time I get on stage. I love it. Having people know who I am through the sport but knowing that deep down inside, I am still just good ol' Greg! You've seen the smiles!

7. How many comps did you do in 09? how did you mentally overcome the 'diet' mentality for most of the year. What aspect of your diet was most important to help keep your muscle mass?
I did 10 shows (one by accident!) in 2009. This might sound strange to those who don't diet for most of the year but I'm not the only one to say I miss dieting at times as that is the keeping in check because there is no doubt. I have a "Blueprint" diet I pretty much keep to, but this year I am eating a lot more salads with colour and feel so much better for it.

I think you need to keep training hard even if you feel tired. Don't give up but at the same time rest is so important. I have learnt a balance now and of course you grow when you rest. I always keep good quality protein available in one way or another. I am organised and ensure I'm covered for the day's food and never get caught out. I think of it as this: It's like walking out the door with no pants on! Eating on time every time is important to me.

NABBA BOP 09

8. Off season weight and contest weight? How do you stay in check in the off season?
Off season I set myself a goal not to go over 100kg. I am a firm believer in the "bulking up is an excuse for getting fat". Jan 1st I peaked at 103kg, but it was mostly water after a "night out" I don't drink so it's not a normal thing and the body didn't like it. Good night though!

To make Athletic with my height I need to be <86.5kg. Most of the year I am sitting around 89kg mark. This Dubbo show is physique so I have made some good gains lately and will have to sort out the weight situation come weigh in time!

9. What comps and how many do you plan to do in 10?
At least 6? My first is the INBA Dubbo International Natural Physique Championships in Australia on 1^st May which I believe I am the only one from NZ competing so I'll take it to them guys! Not sure but I think I've been "roped in" to doing the INBA Auckland show May 23^rd, but if not I will definitely be floating about helping in some form.

NABBA Bay of Plenty 26^th May (title defence), Hawke's Bay - our show July 10^th , Counties / Manukau July 24th (title defence), Would love to do Waikato as Shelley Boyes runs an awesome show but 3 in a row is a bit much as I'd like to do Manawatu which is a week after Waikato. Wellington and might just round it off at the Nationals, but who knows! How many is that? I lost count! Ha ha!

10. What advice would you give to those guys who still have weight issues to get off the couch and get into good eating habits?

You can do it. It's not easy at the start but you'll get there. I suggest seeing a nutritionist and get a personal trainer - Don't be concerned with the cost; you don't often see people blink an eyelid at a bottle of bourbon which might only last a night which can take time off your life. With a personal trainer you can get the right advice from the start and get more out of your life.

You wouldn't go out to the shed and pull your own tooth out, you'd see the dentist. Same applies. I would say my biggest regret is not getting the right advice sooner as I would always hit rock bottom because I didn't see the results. Losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint.

Don't look for a miracle pill as there isn't one, and in any case, it would be a cheats way out and wouldn't teach you how to keep the weight off. Eating good food actually makes you feel better and your body will love you for it. That's "real" good food not what the adverts on TV tell you is good for you.

11. Have you had a role model that's inspired you? a physique you aspire to?
Gary Nairn is my friend and mentor. Gary is an Ex Mr New Zealand and International Athlete. He's a rock. I am so proud he is assisting me and his help is awesome. I am working a lot out for myself which is a good thing, but he is there for the tweaks and advice.

Let's face it; a good pep talk never goes a miss (personal trainer again!) and Gary is awesome in this regard. Good that he tells it like it is too! No point in having someone who doesn't give you criticism because in this sport, without it you won't improve.

I've always thought you shouldn't want to look like someone, as we are all individuals. Try to be the best you can, that is something YOU can control.

NABBA Nats 09

12. What would be your ultimate goal in your fitness or bodybuilding life?
Always strive to be the best I can be. Mr New Zealand is a definite goal! Also helping others in some way achieve their goals and pass on my knowledge just like Gary has for me. I think if you can make a positive impression on someone's life, that makes it all worthwhile. Otherwise you just blend in.

Greg Mawson
12 Apr 10

Greg Mawson Muscles Up, Apr 10

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