STATESBORO, GA (WTOC) -
After weeks of dieting, countless hours in gym, avoiding temptation and peer pressure the moment has finally come when area competitors at the 180 Fitness Bodybuilding and Figure Classic can show off their accomplishments.
"It started eight weeks ago, just a personal goal," said Brent Nevil. "I have never been able to see my mid section, my abs. I just made my mind up that I was going to do it and it came true."
Nevil never thought this day would come to light, when he would be standing in the bright lights before a panel of judges as a competitor of the fifth annual competition.
"I can't believe it," said Nevil. "When I look back at the picture when I started I thought I was in good shape, 40 pounds later, it is a major change."
It's a life change that was no easy task to achieve.
"You have to have friends and family with you to support, when you sit and have a meal and you cant have it," said Nevil. "You get a lot of criticism. You have to have tunnel vision and look through that and know you have a goal and you have to keep working for it."
With each week that past and every pound shed, the dream to become a bodybuilder became closer to grasp.
"Every week you see a change, makes you want to drive harder, push harder and keep going," said Nevil.
As a Judge Reese Brown says making it to the stage is an accomplishment in itself.
"I admire sport of bodybuilding, because it takes so much dedication to do it," said Brown. "Everyone looks good, but that whole doing the nutrition, doing the workouts, the whole commitment to it, it takes a special person to be able to do that. Anyone that can do that for extended period of time is definitely someone to look at and say, 'wow.'"
It's also sparking inspiration within others.
"I think it motivates a lot of people," said Brown. "The saying is, "a lot of times people don't want to be in the audience, they want to be on stage."
That is why Angie Hitchens and Tichard Blair host this competition, to show off the talent, hard work, and dedication that happens in our area gyms.
"It shows so much dedication of the competitors, not only for themselves with diet and exercise, but their strength conditioning but loyalty of family, co-workers, friends and stuff that support for the show," said Hitchens.
"Anyone can do it, just make your mind up and it can be done," said Nevil.
WTOC's Lynda Figueredo also competed in the 180 Fitness Figure Classic. She placed second in her class. Hear more about her journey. Watch her interview from the News on Daybreak.
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