07.09.2004: HawaIian Muscle

From The Honolulu Advertiser:

Posted on: Friday, July 9, 2004

Hawaiian Islands contestants aim for chance on national stage

By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer

Brian Copeland of Waikiki said that anyone who works out is a bodybuilder.

Brian Copeland of Waikiki is one of the contestants in tomorrow's Hawaiian Islands Bodybuilding Championships. Rebecca Breyer ? The Honolulu Advertiser

However, bodybuilding has various levels to it and his competitive level will be on display at tomorrow's Hawaiian Islands Bodybuilding Championships at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

"It depends how serious you want to take it," said Copeland, 34. "Bodybuilding to me is what everybody does when they go to the gym, but there are different levels to it."

Competitive bodybuilding goes beyond the intense preparation spent in the weight room. Dieting plays an important role in one's appearance while focus keeps bodybuilders on track.

"At the competitive level, there is a lot of focus and commitment," said Copeland, who has been involved in it for eight years.