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.
Cool Fact

Dawson has an advantage with crazy mobility and flexibility that he developed from years of freestyle breakdancing!
Incline Dumbbell Press
6 sets of 6-12 repsDecline Bench Press
4 sets of 6-8 repsMilitary Press
4 sets of 4-6 repsLateral Raise
4 sets of 10-12 repsDumbbell Flyes
4 sets of 8-12 repsRope Press-Downs
4 sets of 10-12 repsSkull Crushers
4 sets of 8-12 reps
Barbell Rows
5 sets of 4-6 repsWeighted Pull-Ups
5 sets of 8-12 repsDumbbell Rows
5 sets of 8-10 repsClose-Grip Pull-Downs
5 sets of 6-8 repsReverse Dumbbell Flyes
4 sets of 12-15 repsPreacher Curls
4 sets of 8-12 repsAlternating Dumbbell Curls
3 sets of 6-8 reps
Squat
6 sets of 2-10 repsSumo Deadlift
4 sets of 4-6 repsLeg Press
5 sets of 12-15 reps
Superset
Leg Extensions
5 sets of 8-12 repsLying Hamstring Curls
5 sets of 8-12 repsBodyweight Lunges
3 sets to failureStanding Machine Calf Raise
5 sets of 8-12 repsSeated Calf Raise
5 sets of 12-20 reps

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?
Egg Whites
6 whitesOats
2 cupsChicken Breast
8 ounces
Brown Rice
1 cupSteak
6 ounces
Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey
2 servingsOats
1 cupCottage Cheese
1 cupEgg Whites
1 cupMilk
1 cup
Chicken Breast
12 ouncesGreen Beans
1 cupBrown Rice
1 cup
What supplements gave you an edge?

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