Matatā’s Emma Robinson thinks she may have the bodybuilding bug after her first time on stage at the NABBA North Island Championships at the weekend.

Robinson competed in the novice women’s figure tall class in Auckland on Saturday.

She describes the day as exhilarating, nerve-wracking and fun, all at the same time.

The decision to compete in the National Amateur Bodybuilders' Association competition was a pivot from her original plan to participate in a different competition next month.

It meant a more dramatic cut was required in the final lead up to Saturday, and Robinson had to step back from some of her other commitments.

“A few weeks out from the competition, I had to drop my calories to get to my stage weight, so of course I was fatigued and emotional.

“‘What am I doing’ and ‘Why am I doing this’ go through your mind a lot.”

Throughout her training, the mum-of-two had to prioritise her children’s needs, which sometimes meant skipping a session at the gym.

“It was all about trying to juggle everything and not quit,” Robinson said.

“And I didn’t quit; that was the main thing. I got onto that stage. I did it.”

Robinson said the women’s division was populated by tough competitors, including those who had never had children and one woman who owned a gym.

The inspiration to enter bodybuilding came from a desire to have a tangible fitness goal.

Robinson said she had always been physically fit and left school wanting to join the army.

It was suggested to her in her 20s that she should become a fitness model.

Some years ago, Robinson went to a show in Whakatāne and thought it was something she could have a go at doing.

Entering the figure competition, which places high regard on achieving a firm, toned, feminine physique, built on work Robinson had already done to lose weight after having children.

“After having kids, I gained loads of weight. I was 82kg and I was desperate to get back to my pre-baby weight.

“I was told that I couldn’t do it, that it was impossible.”

She said she was determined to show that she could get her weight down and keep it there.

“It was to prove to people that you can get your body back after all that. You've just got to eat healthily and work at it.

“It's an extra job that you have to incorporate into your lifestyle.”

Looking ahead in the sport, Robinson has her eyes set on taking the stage again in 2025, giving herself more time to build muscle and cut weight before competing.

She said she would have liked to have competed in the New Zealand NABBA nationals in October, but it was not feasible for her to travel to Invercargill for it.