Mark Coulson, 49, from Carlisle, has achieved the title of pro bodybuilder after turning to the sport as a way to cope with grief following the death of his mother.
He was awarded a Pro Card by the International Bodybuilding & Fitness Association (IBFA), making him eligible to compete in professional-level events across Europe.
Mr Coulson said: “I never ever thought in a million years that I would get this far, to be fair.
“I kind of have to pinch myself sometimes.
“I don’t believe it.
“Of everything I’ve won over the five years, I’ve never really felt proud until I’ve gotten the Pro Card.”
His journey into competitive bodybuilding began in October 2020, following the loss of his mother.
Although he had trained on and off since leaving school, he had never pursued competition due to family commitments.
Her passing prompted him to finally chase the dream he had put on hold for decades.
Mr Coulson said: “Mom died October 2020, and I just thought, ‘You know what?
“I’m just going to go for it really hard.’
“I think it was my way of grieving.”
In 2021, he hired coach Niki Chisty and began training seriously.
He credits his wife, Michelle, children Madison and MJ, and his coach for helping him reach the professional ranks.
He said: “I couldn’t do it without her.
“You need that support network.
“It is a selfish sport because you’ve got to sacrifice a lot of stuff.”
Mr Coulson entered his first competition in 2022 and won three classes: first-timers, masters over-40s, and Mr Cumbria in his weight category.
He has since become a five-time Cumbrian champion and has won titles with both the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (UKBFF) and 2 Bros Pro Events.
He says he has never finished outside the top two in any competition.
He said of his first win in competitive bodybuilding: “It was euphoric.
“I thought, ‘Is it a pipe dream?
“Am I good enough?’
“It was just surreal, really.”
His training routine is intense, sometimes starting as early as 2.30am to fit in cardio before work.
He eats five or six carefully measured meals each day, follows a strict weight training programme, and completes multiple cardio sessions daily.
Ahead of competitions, he maintains around five per cent body fat.
Mr Coulson said: “My whole day is consumed.
“It’s very strict.
“It’s hard work.
“I don’t know why I do it, but I must love it because I keep doing it.”
Since starting his competitive journey, he has increased his contest weight from 77kg to 87kg.
Despite turning professional, he plans to continue working in his day job while pursuing further success on stage.
His next target is the IBFA British Finals, where he will compete in his height class rather than an age-restricted category.
He said: “If I can place in the top three, it’d be a big moment.
“And to win it would be an absolute dream.”
Mr Coulson keeps his late mother close, carrying a photograph of her in his bag at every competition.
He said: “Every show I go to, I carry a photo of her in my bag.
“I’d like to think she would be very proud.”
He hopes his journey will inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter their age.
Mr Coulson said: “My kids tell me that I inspire them.
“If you want something and work hard, you can achieve it.
“You’re never too old to follow your dreams.”
