Gold finish for Bega bodybuilders in ACT

Last year's success was at the ANB Canberra Muscle and Model Spectacular.

This time around it was the Australian ICN (iCompete Natural) titles held at the Hellenic Club on September 22.

The Bega-based bodybuilder who trains with Lachlan Carey and the team at United Fitness Studio, competed in the ACT championships last weekend, winning the men's open category.

He then went on to claim the overall "Mr ACT" title and earned a spot at the nationals on October 12-13 in Sydney.

Other great results from United Fitness Studio team members came from bodybuilding competition first timers.

Belinda Peel placed second in Ms Figure, Tobia Field fourth in Ms Fitness Model, and Alice Keltie was third in Ms Bikini Model in a huge line up.

Maxine Moon placed third in Ms Figure Intermediate as well as third in Ms Figure Masters (40-plus) category, just behind Belinda Peel in second for that category.

Fellow first timer Ray Sheehan claimed third place in the Masters Men 40-plus bodybuilding category and third in bodybuilding first timers.

Trainer Lachlan Carey said it was a fantastic result for everyone. "We're proud of everyone who stepped on stage for us in Canberra - everyone works as a team and they support each other," he said.

As an avid competitor himself, Carey said competitors were enjoying the science and learning of what their bodies responded to and what worked best for each individual.

"Our main goal for everyone is improving themselves and it involves a lot of trial and error, but there is enormous satisfaction in seeing everyone achieve the results.

"The gym is still abuzz and you can tell how pumped everyone was to see the competitors do so well up there. "I think it has inspired a lot of people to take it up for themselves."

Sturgiss said he almost pulled out as competing is more about his self-discipline than securing places.

"I'm more involved in myself and the learning process," Sturgiss said. "I almost pulled out, but the team kept me head strong ... and I'm actually stoked we brought home the gold."

He said he was looking forward to experiencing nationals, but credited the team and trainers Carey and Shaun Ruzicka for their training and belief. "None us achieve without support," he said.

Merimbula Health and Fitness-sponsored Hannah Hawkes placed fourth in her class for both Ms Bikini Novice and Ms Bikini Open.

Sturgiss said there were great health benefits from bodybuilding that went beyond the physical.

He is working towards launching motivation and inspiration support groups on Instagram and Facebook to provide depression support and was all about "building a healthy support group for all men".

"Anything we can do to support men around the world in making better decisions or even to open up and say what is on their mind without people feeding them more negatives."