Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week: Gavin Brings Intensity To Ireland!

Vital Stats

Name: Gavin Neeson
Email: gavinneeson@hotm…
Location: Belfast, Ireland
Age: 21
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 209 lbs (95 kg)
Years Bodybuilding: 4

QHow did your bodybuilding
journey begin?

I used to play football and Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling. My dad bought weights when I was 15 years old and he started lifting with my brother. I was skinny and started lifting with friends at age 16 in the garage where my dad kept his weights. My dad had posters and magazines that showed how to do exercises properly.

My friends and I lifted, listened to music, and challenged each other to determine who was strongest, but I took it more serious. At age 17, I created my own workouts and my dad bought my first protein supplement. I thought I would get huge if I worked out and drank protein, but I wasn’t prepared for how difficult it would really be.

I got more serious about lifting and trained five nights per week after school with friends as spotters. I slowly drifted away from playing sports to focus my energy on the gym. At this stage, I never imagined I would get big enough to compete in bodybuilding. I lifted to look good and impress the ladies.

I looked up to Arnold Schwarzenegger, watched his movies, and was fascinated by his body that looked to be carved from stone. I constantly thought about how badly I wanted to look like him.

“I was delighted with my finish but was determined to come back stronger, so I trained consistently and put on some mass.”

When I moved out of my parent’s home to attend college, I became serious about the gym and tried to put on some muscle. I was 18 years old and didn’t know much about diet or training, but I read as much as possible to learn quickly.

At age 20, I entered my first junior bodybuilding competition without guidance and placed fifth. I was delighted with my finish but was determined to come back stronger, so I trained consistently and put on some mass.

When competition time came around a year later, I was put in contact with a competitor named Mark Getty who helped me with diet and training. Mark taught me what it meant to really train hard and diet properly.

With Mark’s help, I competed in the junior category again and placed second. I was pumped about the results and was in the best shape of my life. I knew then that this is the path I want to take in life. Fitness is everything to me.

What workout regimen delivered the best results?

Amateurs Of The Week

Bodybuilding.com honors amateurs across all categories for their hard work, dedication, and great physiques. Learn how our featured amateurs built their bodies and hit their goals!

What nutrition plan fueled your body?

What supplements gave you the greatest gains?

“I love the dedication it takes to prevail in bodybuilding because it’s all worth it in the end.”

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

I always strive to become better. When I reach a goal, I immediately set another to stay motivated and hungry. I love pushing myself to the limit and testing my boundaries to see how far I can go and how much pain I can take. I love the dedication it takes to prevail in bodybuilding because it’s all worth it in the end.

What or who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

Having an aesthetic physique drives me to continue bodybuilding, but I believe the initial spark came from Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was blown away by his body and how cool he was in movies.

Where did you go for inspiration?

If I lack motivation to diet or go to the gym, I think about my competitors who are taking another step. This drives me to push through workouts and fuels my motivation. Listening to motivational speakers on YouTube helps too.

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

In the next few years, I plan to bulk and put on size before competing again. The next step will most likely be a novice bodybuilding or fitness model competition.

“If I lack motivation to diet or go to the gym, I think about my competitors who are taking another step. This drives me to push through workouts and fuels my motivation.”

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

Eat as much as possible, especially if you struggle to gain weight. Know your macros!

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

Arnold Schwarzenegger had the most aesthetic physique of all time. His charisma and determination is mind blowing. He knew what he wanted and what it took to get there. He worked hard and earned it. He is, in my opinion, the greatest bodybuilder of all time.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

When I started lifting, I always looked at the workout articles and tried new workouts until I found one that worked for me. This helped a lot when I started lifting and didn’t have a clue.

Gavin’s Top 5 Gym Tracks

1. “Hold Strong” by Rob Bailey
2. “Never Gonna Stop” by Mind The Gap
3. “Get Up” by 50 Cent
4. “Till I Collapse” by Eminem
5. “Party Up” by DMX

Contest History

• 2013 NABBA Junior Mr Northern Ireland – 5th Place
• 2014 NABBA Junior Mr Northern Ireland – 2nd Place

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