NatBod Pro Brendan Simm: Old-School Dedication Meets an Evolved Approach
NatBod Pro Brendan Simm is a living testament to the enduring spirit of authentic, classic competition. In this feature, we delve deep into Brendan’s journey—from his early experiences in competitive natural bodybuilding to an evolved approach that blends old-school grit with sophisticated training and nutritional insights. Readers will embark on a narrative exploring his Competitive Career, where his relentless pursuit of excellence has propelled him into the spotlight of the NatBod federation. We’ll dissect the details of his Training, Nutrition & Supplements regimen, revealing how his approach has matured from straightforward techniques to finely tuned methods that enhance every aspect of preparation.
Alongside this, the article casts light on his unwavering Motivation & Discipline, offering a glimpse into the mindset fueling his ongoing commitment to the sport. As we navigate through his deep association with the ethos of NatBod and the broader realm of Natural Bodybuilding, you’ll uncover Brendan’s extensive Tips & Advice—actionable wisdom born from years of passion and dedication. Finally, his Future Plans outline a roadmap that not only continues his competitive journey but also lays the groundwork for mentoring others within the community.
Step into this immersive exploration and witness how the legacy of classic competition is being redefined through Brendan Simm’s transformative career.
Athlete Bio
- Name: Brendan Simm
- Age: 40
- Location: Gol Gol, NSW
- Height: 187 cm
- Division: Classical Bodybuilding
- Contest Weight: 85–88 kg
- Off-Season Weight: 95–97 kg
- Competition Results:
- NatBod Pro Card (November 2023)
- South Australian Elite: 1st in Over 90 kg and Overall for the 2024 Season A (un-affiliated with NatBod)
Competitive Career
Forging a Legacy on the Natural Stage
Brendan Simm’s journey into competitive natural bodybuilding began with a spark of ambition in 2012. Eager to challenge himself and inspired by friends already testing their limits on stage, he initially dipped his toes into various competitions. However, it wasn’t long before he recognized that some platforms did not align with his commitment to a truly natural approach. As he reflects:
“I started in 2012 when I wanted to compete. I had friends who competed in established circuits at the time and wanted to push myself and do my first competition. I competed a couple of times before realising it wasn’t natural and then sought out natural federations.”
After taking part in a few events, Brendan ventured into competitions that truly reflected his values. In 2014, he competed in natural events but soon had to step back due to family and work commitments—though he never stopped training or improving his physique. His dedication culminated in a triumphant return in 2022, where he’s been a constant presence on the natural stage, particularly with the NatBod federation.
Beyond the thrill of competition, one aspect has remained especially memorable for Brendan: the unique camaraderie backstage. He fondly recalls:
“The backstage camaraderie is fantastic at every competition. My memorable moments would be literally the prepping process and seeing how the body has made changes from year to year.”
For him, each competition is not only a test of strength and aesthetics but also a celebration of personal growth and shared passion among competitors.
Over the years, his approach to the sport has evolved significantly—especially regarding nutrition. In his early days, his regimen was all about simplicity and austerity. Reflecting on those times, he explains:
“Nutrition has evolved massively. I came from the old school way of zero added sodium in the diet and really bland food. I dieted in 2011 and 2012 on literally plain chicken and broccoli, then the ‘Peak week’ tricks we employed (sodium loading then depletion as well as potassium) were just so technical and those early preps really felt like a choir.”
Today, Brendan’s nutritional strategy is not only more refined but also far more enjoyable. His journey in nutrition mirrors his overall evolution—melding technical precision with a richer, more sustainable approach that enhances both performance and personal satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Brendan remains steadfast in his love for natural bodybuilding. Passionate about the sport and committed to leading by example, he balances running a successful studio in Gol Gol, NSW with his competitive aspirations. As he puts it:
“My main thing is I love this sport and want to do it as long as I can or at least contribute. I run a successful studio in Gol Gol NSW and as such lead by example and stay in shape. I just like doing preps without being a burden to my family. Every year as I age I love the challenge of can I get into shape again? Has my body regressed? And will I still be competitive on stage. I just want to continue to be able to compete until the day I can’t get into shape.”
Brendan’s competitive career is a rich tapestry of initial experimentation, hard-earned evolution, and an enduring passion for natural bodybuilding—a story that continues to inspire both on and off stage.
Training
Precision in Motion: Sculpting Strength with Science and Intuition
Brendan’s daily training regimen is a masterclass in consistency and adaptability. He follows a seven-day split that targets various muscle groups multiple times each week. For example, his schedule kicks off with an upper-body focus on Monday, moving to lower-body work on Tuesday, a total body session on Wednesday, and a day devoted to improving weak points on Thursday—repeating this cycle on Friday and into the weekend. Each session emphasizes a primary movement for a muscle group, such as an incline barbell press on one upper-body day and a decline dumbbell press on another. Complementing this routine is a daily hour-long session on the recumbent bike to jump-start his day. As he puts it:
“If I feel tired I don’t train but that’s very rare.”
This philosophy of listening intently to his body ensures that he remains both disciplined and injury-free.
A particular passion in Brendan’s training is his focus on chest exercises. His enthusiasm for developing a well-sculpted chest is evident when he remarks:
“Probably anything to do with the chest—I love training chest. The pec dec machine is a very good exercise.”
He enjoys experimenting with different angles, believing that a versatile approach is key. While he acknowledges that modern coaching trends often debate traditional methods, Brendan maintains an open mind. He embraces the idea that every training modality has its merit, so long as it’s executed correctly and, most importantly, enjoyed.
Leg training, on the other hand, has transformed from a long-standing challenge into a critical component of his routine. Although he recalls that legs were once his least favorite due to their stubborn tendency to lag behind, his commitment to overall balance and aesthetics has led him to devote significant focus to them—training legs hard twice a week. He humorously admits:
“Actually, probably lunges are my least favourite haha.”
This evolution reflects his broader journey: turning weaknesses into strengths through perseverance and hard work.
As competition nears, Brendan’s training approach remains true to his core philosophy. Rather than undertaking a drastic change, he emphasizes the importance of intuition. A slight tweak here or a skipped session there—if soreness or an injury calls for it—ensures he can push through each day at his best. In his own words, when asked how he adjusts his training in the weeks leading up to a competition:
“Nothing really changes… you just need to listen to your body.”
This adaptive strategy, driven by a blend of mental resilience and practical adjustments, allows Brendan to consistently operate at peak performance while staying true to the natural bodybuilding ideals he cherishes.
With his meticulously crafted program, Brendan Simm not only builds impressive strength and conditioning but also exemplifies the harmony of persistence and intuition—a formula that continues to drive his success on stage and in life.
Nutrition & Supplements
Fueling Excellence: The Art of Strategic Nutrition and Supplementation
Brendan’s nutritional strategy is as methodical as his training routine. Rather than continuously switching food choices, he sticks with a consistent array of nutrient-dense options year-round—adjusting solely the portion sizes to suit his off-season or contest preparation needs. In the off-season, he maximizes clean calories and even incorporates two cheat meals per week tailored to support his lagging body parts. As competitions loom closer, his approach becomes progressively leaner, with cheat meals dropping to one per week, then one every two to three weeks, and ultimately phasing them out altogether four weeks before stepping on stage. Reflecting on his method, he explains:
“In the offseason I will allow two cheat meals per week and then in the pre contest the cheat meals go down to just one per week and as we get closer to competitions one every two to three weeks and then they finish altogether about four weeks out from a competition.”
With years of dedicated training under his belt, Brendan has cultivated an intuitive understanding of his caloric needs. His plan involves consuming ample clean calories during the off-season to keep body fat low, setting a solid foundation from which he gradually reduces intake during prep. This method prevents him from digging into a metabolic “hole” too early while ensuring his metabolism stays active. Structured cheat meals play a critical role in reigniting his diet and creating a life rhythm that also eases social interactions and family dynamics.
When it comes to supplementation, Brendan relies on a classic, evidence-based lineup. His everyday regimen includes staples such as creatine, whey protein, caffeine, and a pre-workout supplement, all designed to bolster his energy, recovery, and overall performance. Complementing these are a daily multivitamin and a probiotic drink, which help maintain his overall health and gut balance—key elements for peak athletic performance.
Managing cravings is another critical component of his nutrition plan—a challenge that requires unwavering mental discipline. Brendan emphasizes that much of the battle against cravings is a mental one, where he fully acknowledges that the rigors of competitive prep create a “self-inflicted prison.” By willingly imposing strict dietary rules on himself, he accepts that no one is forcing him to adhere to this disciplined routine. Instead, he owns his choices fully, understanding that if he becomes too lax, not only will his performance suffer, but he might also negatively affect the lives of those around him. He explains:
“I’m very aware that no one is forcing me to eat clean and compete. If you don’t enjoy it and you become a hassle to the people around you, then you won’t last long in the sport. I know that if I have a cheat meal in four or five days I can hold out and diet hard until that time. Your taste buds regenerate every 10 to 14 days so if you can go past this point between cheat meals, it actually gets easier to stay consistent.”
For Brendan, this self-imposed challenge fortifies his resolve. The structured reintroduction of cheat meals isn’t just about occasional indulgence—it’s a strategic mental reset, allowing him to push through the confinement of strict dieting. By embracing the discipline that comes with willingly locking himself into this seemingly restrictive lifestyle, he transforms his nutritional journey into a testament of mental fortitude and personal ownership.
Brendan’s balanced approach to nutrition—anchored in consistency, calculated indulgence, and a deep-rooted understanding of his body’s specific needs—stands as a cornerstone of his natural bodybuilding success. His unwavering commitment, both physically and mentally, continues to fuel his journey toward excellence.
Motivation & Discipline
Leading by Example: The Heart of the Journey
For Brendan, discipline in natural bodybuilding is more than a regimen—it’s a way of life. At 40 years old and running his own thriving fitness studio, he embraces the responsibility of leading by example. As he puts it:
“Just as I stated above, being 40 years old running my own fitness business, I like to lead by example.”
This sentiment underscores his commitment to living a lifestyle that not only fuels his own ambitions but also inspires the community around him.
Setbacks and plateaus are woven into the fabric of his journey, and Brendan meets these challenges head-on. He believes that every dip in performance is an opportunity to hone his craft. Reflecting on this, he remarks:
“That’s just part of the fun of bodybuilding. Everyone has setbacks and plateaus or weak points. I like to structure my training accordingly and see if I can work on these weak points.”
This proactive approach—refining his techniques to address specific areas of improvement—keeps him in a constant state of growth, turning obstacles into stepping stones.
When it comes to sustaining his focus during tough times, Brendan doesn’t lean on a cookie-cutter mantra. Instead, he relies on the simple truth that passion makes the journey worthwhile:
“Nothing really, just that this is a sport that I love and you need to make it as fun as you can.”
This down-to-earth perspective reminds him that the joy of natural bodybuilding lies in the love for the sport, even when the challenges pile up.
At the core of Brendan’s success is an unwavering support network. His wife and three boys provide constant encouragement, joining him on every leg of his competitive journey. He is equally passionate about imparting the values of proper nutrition and fitness to his children, ensuring that what he practices today becomes their guiding principle for tomorrow. Alongside his family, a tight-knit group of gym clients and peers continuously motivates him to push further. As he candidly shares:
“Without the support of my family, I wouldn’t be able to do this long term.”
In embracing both the discipline required by his demanding sport and the joy of a supportive community, Brendan transforms what might seem like a self-imposed prison of strict rules into a dynamic arena of growth, resilience, and inspiration.
NatBod Bodysport
A Sanctuary of Authenticity in Natural Bodybuilding
For Brendan Simm, NatBod isn’t just another competition—it’s a transformative experience that embodies the essence of old-school natural bodybuilding. Reflecting on his journey with the federation, he states:
“NatBod is just such a fantastic federation. Being old school, they really embrace the athletes and the physique. The background, the stage lighting, the overall experience is second to none and it’s one of the main reasons we keep coming back year after year.”
This sentiment sets the tone: NatBod is a space that celebrates authenticity. Its meticulous attention to detail—from the unique stage settings featuring sports inspired artificial green grass to the thoughtfully curated lighting—creates a visual spectacle that amplifies the art of the physique. Competitors are granted generous stage time, and the supportive, encouraging energy backstage transforms every event into an unforgettable celebration.
The magic of NatBod lies not only in its aesthetics but also in how it mirrors the old-school training philosophies that resonate deeply with seasoned athletes like Brendan. With over 20 years in the sport, he cherishes the federation’s straightforward approach:
“NatBod embodies that philosophy. There’s no glamour, there’s no fluff—it’s literally put your tan on, go on stage and show your muscle. That’s what I love about the sport. It’s a family.”
For Brendan, this familial vibe is at the heart of his competitive experience. NatBod’s scoring system is uniquely detailed and its feedback thorough—elements that have significantly contributed to a relaxed yet focused contest environment. He sums it up perfectly:
“I believe it’s fantastic the way that NatBod focuses on just the bodies. The feedback is fantastic and thorough. It is just such a great day to go and compete. There’s not too much stress, and everybody gets along. Backstage is a really good experience and relaxed for everyone, with more than enough notice of when you’re going to be on stage, making the whole day seamless.”
NatBod has redefined what it means to compete naturally. It’s more than the sum of its elements—it’s a complete, immersive experience that inspires athletes to elevate their performance while grounding them in heritage. For Brendan, competing under NatBod’s banner is a tribute to the timeless values of hard work and discipline, backed by the perfect environment that makes every competition feel like coming home.
With its unrivaled blend of tradition, community, and attention to detail, NatBod continues to set the standard in natural bodybuilding, inspiring the next generation of athletes while nurturing the spirit of those who have been part of its legacy for years.
Natural Bodybuilding
Pursuing Purity: Achieving Excellence Through Natural Means
For Brendan Simm, natural bodybuilding is more than a discipline—it’s a commitment to long-term health, personal integrity, and setting a powerful example for his family. Remaining drug-free is essential not only for his physical well-being but also for demonstrating to his children the rewards of hard work without shortcuts. Reflecting on his early temptations, Brendan explains:
“I want to be fit and healthy for my children. There was a time in my 20s when the idea of taking steroids was very appealing to me… Then I joined Victoria police and that’s put a stop to any thought of doing steroids.”
He truly values the idea of sculpting his body purely through hard work and perseverance. There is a distinct pride in knowing every muscle is earned without enhancement. As he puts it:
“Just the idea that you can push your body to the limits naturally and achieve a physique that you can be proud of and walk around in 24 hours a day knowing that you’ve put in all the hard work yourself.”
This philosophy is the cornerstone of his approach—a celebration of what the human body can accomplish naturally and the lasting benefits of living a drug-free life.
Brendan also recognizes both the bright and dark sides of social media in today’s bodybuilding culture. On one hand, social platforms can inspire and connect natural athletes and help promote authentic physiques. On the other, they often propagate manipulated images that create unattainable standards, pressuring young athletes to strive for an unrealistic ideal. He observes:
“Social media is good to get your face out there and to follow athletes you like, but it’s also very dangerous because people manipulate photos all the time.”
Here, the allure of perfection can overshadow the joy of the sport, making it harder for genuine natural athletes to appreciate the raw benefits of their hard work. Despite these challenges, Brendan believes that any exposure is ultimately positive, as it brings more eyes to the sport and highlights the importance of staying true to one’s natural journey.
When it comes to the decision of remaining natural, Brendan is unequivocal in his advice. He underscores the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, noting that the temporary gains they offer rarely outweigh the long-term consequences. He warns:
“Unless you’re the top 1% of genetics in the world and you’re going to be on the Olympia stage one day or a high-level pro bodybuilder, there’s really no point doing steroids. You’re going to do more harm than good… I’ve seen a lot of people that do a few cycles and look huge one year, but fast forward a few years they’ve lost all those gains and now they’ve completely changed their personalities, whether it be depression or anxiety. The risk to reward benefit is too much, so I suggest going natural and just seeing what you can achieve with your own body.”
For Brendan, natural bodybuilding is a testament to what can be achieved when physical, mental, and emotional well-being align in the pursuit of excellence. His approach celebrates authenticity and reminds us that true strength is measured, not by the shortcuts taken, but by the perseverance and integrity shown every step of the way.
Tips & Advice
Blueprint for Lifelong Natural Success
Brendan’s philosophy is rooted firmly in the idea that the journey itself is the reward. He believes that every small gain matters—a mindset that transforms incremental progress into monumental achievement. As he advises:
“Enjoy the process really sit back and look at what you’ve achieved. You may put on 2 kilogrammes in three years but that’s a massive achievement and something that can’t be taken away from you. Don’t push your family and friends away but also don’t conform and just go drinking or partying just because friends are doing it. You need to make your own choices but the main thing is have fun in this lifestyle and it’s not just a diet—it should really be your lifestyle to create an image of a body that you want and that you can achieve and then keep long term.”
This advice champions the importance of celebrating progress—even when gains are measured in single digits—and embracing the lifestyle as a whole rather than seeing it as a temporary challenge.
Brendan also points out that one of the most common missteps for newcomers is overcomplicating the process by absorbing too much external advice. Rather than getting bogged down with every opinion available online or from others, he emphasizes trusting your own experience:
“Probably the biggest mistake is people listening to too many other people or going online and getting advice then overthinking the process.”
Finding balance is key. His approach underscores the necessity of integrating rigorous training and strict nutrition with a fulfilling life outside the gym. He stresses that while maintaining discipline is essential, it should not come at the cost of personal happiness or relationships. In his own words:
“You need to find a way to balance everything—you need to appear normal in front of your family and friends, even though you are on a strict diet and training regime. Nobody cares that you have to eat chicken and rice at 3:00 PM, but they will care when you start to become a miserable person around them. If you can make this process enjoyable for yourself and your family, you really will do this long term and you’ll grow to love the sport and the lifestyle.”
Above all, Brendan credits relentless consistency as the cornerstone of lasting success. The mental fortitude to push through the most challenging moments—when progress seems to stall and doubts creep in—is what ultimately sets champions apart:
“Literally the only thing is being relentlessly consistent. A lot of people quit just before they start to lose that little bit of sudden body fat because it gets too hard but if you’re one of those people with the mindset to push through anything, you’ll achieve greatness because you’ll go further than most other people do. The main thing is consistency day in day out doing everything that needs to be done.”
In essence, this blueprint for success in natural bodybuilding is a blend of enjoying the journey, filtering out the noise, maintaining balance, and committing unwaveringly to the process day in and day out. These principles not only forge a powerful athletic transformation but also create a lifestyle that cultivates long-term fulfillment and strength.
Future Plans
Charting Tomorrow’s Course: Building a Legacy Through Passion and Leadership
Looking ahead, Brendan Simm’s ambitions are taking shape on multiple fronts. With his eyes set on the grand stage, he is currently putting in the work for several shows scheduled in May 2025, including a special guest posing event on May 31st. The ultimate goal, however, is the NatBod Pro show slated for November 2nd, 2025. As he explains:
“I will be prepping for the NatBod Pro show November 2nd, 2025 but I’m currently prepping for a couple of shows in May 2025 and then I will be doing a guest posing event at NatBod on 31st May.”
This carefully orchestrated competition calendar not only underscores his relentless drive to reach new heights but also demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Beyond his own competitive pursuits, Brendan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of athletes. Operating his own gym, he coaches and prepares a dedicated team of 4 to 7 competitors each season. He relishes the opportunity to guide others safely on stage, showing that natural bodybuilding isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s also about uplifting the community through shared knowledge and support.
Equally important to Brendan is his commitment to contributing to the growth of the NatBod federation. He values NatBod’s supportive, family-like environment and the clear focus on authentic competition. To further boost NatBod’s mission, he’s teaming up with Ryan to launch an Instagram Live series—an initiative that promises to evolve into weekly or fortnightly YouTube podcasts. In his own words:
“I support everything NatBod aligns with. Myself and Ryan will be starting an Instagram live soon, possibly it may have started before this article comes out, which we will evolve into a YouTube long form podcast on a weekly or fortnightly basis which is going to be fantastic.”
This innovative digital outreach not only extends the federation’s reach but also offers aspiring natural athletes a platform full of real-world insights and inspiration.
When it comes to legacy, Brendan remains refreshingly grounded. Rather than chasing abstract symbols of success, he is driven by a simple yet profound goal: to show his sons—and aspiring athletes everywhere—what is possible when one commits fully to a healthy, disciplined lifestyle. He sums it up succinctly:
“I don’t really have any answer for this. I just want to show my boys what you can do if you put your mind to it and how to leave a healthy lifestyle and stay away from things that may lead to an unhealthy lifestyle.”
Brendan’s future plans are not merely about collecting titles; they are about evolving as a competitor, mentoring new talent, and strengthening the community he loves. His journey forward serves as a living blueprint for legacy—a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the belief that natural bodybuilding is a lifelong pursuit.
Embrace the Legacy of NatBod Pro Brendan Simm
Brendan’s journey as a natural athlete is a powerful testament to what it means to commit fully to both the sport and a drug-free lifestyle. As NatBod Pro Brendan Simm continues to break barriers and set new standards of discipline, his story invites us all to celebrate not only the physical achievements but the mental fortitude underpinning this extraordinary way of life.
Connecting with Brendan means tapping into a community where passion and perseverance create a legacy of authenticity. Follow his daily training, insights, motivational moments and get an inside look at his fitness brand over at his Instagram SimmplyFit GolGol.
For those who believe in fostering a natural approach to bodybuilding, NatBod stands out as the premier federation that champions tradition, support, and a down-to-earth competitive spirit. Immerse yourself in the vibrant NatBod community by following NatBod on Instagram and joining the conversation within the NatBod Facebook Group.
Ready to transform your journey in natural bodybuilding? Discover event details and plan your next challenge by checking out the upcoming Contest Calendar. Embrace the challenge, carry forward the legacy, and let the story of NatBod Pro Brendan Simm inspire the champion within you.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Nithin from Gym & Glamour Photography, whose stunning images perfectly capture the essence of Brendan’s journey and elevate this story to a whole new level.