How did your fitness journey begin?
I was always an extremely skinny kid and got bullied in sixth grade. I was 60 pounds, 5 feet tall, and had to do something about it. I started doing sit-ups and push-ups at home and got a little bigger, but nothing extreme.
I started going to football weight training at school in eighth grade, and then to the gym. In October 2013, I learned what to eat, how to train, and devoted myself to the gym. I keep learning more every day and am extremely proud of the progress I made the past year. Now all I to do is lift.
What workout regimen delivered the best results?
I like to do a three-day split of legs, push, and pull with high volume and intensity. More frequency helped my strength gains on heavy compound movements. That's when I really started to grow.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
One of my best friends was always lean and the girls stared at him just because he had a six-pack. I was jealous, so I got in the gym, pushed hard every day, and fell in love with the amazing sport of bodybuilding.
What/Who motivated you to be a fitness guru?
Jeff Seid, Greg Plitt, Zyzz, and Steve Cook have always been people I look up to.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I go to an awesome gym called Extreme Fitness and the people there gave me great advice. I got advice from Russian powerlifters and very experienced bodybuilders.
What are your future fitness plans?
I plan to continue bulking up until age 18, and then cut down for my first men's physique competition. I might compete sooner, but I want to kill it when I hop on stage. One day I hope I can be like Jeff Seid or Steve Cook.
What is the most important fitness tip?
Be patient and stay consistent. There were times I didn't grow or see gains at all, but I never give up and see the best results of my life right now.
Who is your favorite competitor?
It's definitely Steve Cook. He's extremely modest and seems like a nice guy. Plus, he's massive.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
I've always done my own training, but I always come to Bodybuilding.com to read about nutrition, diets, and recipes so my food never gets bland and boring.
Dawson's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "In The End" by Linkin Park
- "Bleed It Out" by Linkin Park
- "You're Gonna Go Far Kid" by The Offspring
- "Faint" by Linkin Park
- "Breathe" by The Prodigy