SAM PUMPED TO TRAIN WITH HERO
A GEELONG fitness fanatic’s dedication has seen him awarded the chance to train with his idol in New Zealand.
Sam Butcher, 20, of Newcomb, was an apprentice tradie when he first saw cult online fitness guru Josef Rakich’s Facebook page.
Mr Butcher was inspired to start training and build on his “small” frame.
“I started when I found Josef. I used to go to the gym with a workmate once or twice a week — but I wanted to get more into it,” he said.
He has been training six to seven times a week and says his new fitter, stronger body has made him more confident and mentally stronger.
Not satisfied with the career path, Mr Butcher is now studying to be a personal trainer.
“I’ve always been really big on football and sport,” he said.
“But I’ve always been a little guy — having a bigger, stronger build gives me more confidence on field.”
Mr Butcher said Instagram celebrities such as Mr Rakich were becoming increasingly influential in the fitness world.
He is hoping to build his own online presence.
His dedication to changing his lifestyle and pursuing a fitness career has won him the opportunity to meet and train with his idol in New Zealand.
Mr Rakich, who has more than three million Facebook followers, claims to have helped thousands gain muscle mass.
The controversial figure avoided a conviction after pleading guilty to dealing ecstasy in 2014.
Media reports at the time said he escaped conviction because the offences happened in 2011 and he had turned his life around by building a business that then employed seven people.