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Mike Debenham is an IFBB professional bodybuilder from NZ.

Born July 11, 1974 Mike resides in Christchurch, New Zealand where he works as a personal trainer. He first started competing in 1993 and was awarded his IFBB pro card in  2008 by virtue of his overall New Zealand win.

Mike is the South Island event promoter for the New Zealand Federation of Body Builders, a regional, national and Australasian qualified judge, and has judged many shows including the 2007 NFPC/IFBB Australasian in Sydney, Australia.

• 1993 NZFBB South Island Junior, 1^st
• 1994 NZFBB South Island Junior, 1^st
• 1994 NZFBB Mr New Zealand, junior, 3^rd                      
• 1995 Mr New Zealand, junior, 3rd      
• 1997 NZFBB South Island, Novice and overall,1^st       
• 1997 NZFBB Mr New Zealand, novice, over 80kg 1^st
• 1998 NZFBB Pan Pacific, novice, over 80kg 1^st
• 1998 NZFBB South Island, open and over 80kg, 1^st
• 1998 NZFBB Mr New Zealand, open and under 90kg, 1^st      
• 1999 NZFBB Open Mr Taranki, over 80kg, 1^st
• 2000 NZFBB Overall Mr New Zealand, over 90kg, 1^st
• 2003 NABBA Pro-am, 2^nd
• 2003 NABBA Universe, 6^th
• 2005 Southern Classic and Auckland International
• 2005 NABBA Mr World , 5^th
• 2007 NZFBB Overall Mr New Zealand, under 90kg, 1^st [IFBB Pro Card]

Yes this is true, last yr (2008) I was meant to compete at the IFBB worlds, but while on my honeymoon me and my wife decided that I should follow my dream of competing as a Pro Bodybuilder, which was my original goal back in 1999/2000. It was a decision thought about long and hard as the sacrifices made to be a Professional bodybuilder compared to representing NZ in the IFBB Worlds are both myself and my wife Gretchen had to be willing to make.

I am currently preparing for the Tampa Bay Pro, Florida and then a week later the Europa Super Show in Dallas Texas. These are held on the 2nd and 3rd week of August. It will be very exciting as I will be the 1st Male South Islander from New Zealand to compete in the USA as a Pro and I believe the 1st New Zealander to compete in these States. Originally I was going to wait till the 2010 Ironman but a conversation late last yr with Moe made me reconsider steeping up to the plate a bit earlier.

[Mike 17 weeks out of pro debut]

After the Tampa and Dallas show I am aiming to do the 2010 Ironman, definitely the 2010 Australian Show (really looking forward to that as have a big group of supporters keen to come over and watch) the NZ pro if that happens again, and then the New York Pro. It will be a busy 12 months, but what an exciting one!! like any Pro I'd love to have the chance of competing at the Arnold, and hey who know maybe the O lol but lets get show #1 out the way 1st!!!!

Normally I do all my own preparation but this year I have employed the services of Dave Palumbo, he helped out Toney Freeman for the Arnold this year. He is taking control of my nutrition and supplement plan. I am using a very high Protein/high Fat and very low carb diet plan. I have started this 20 weeks out which is much longer than I would normally diet.

Training wise I train 6 days per week however the below training split will change at 12 weeks out as I step up to 2 workouts per day on some days

• 1. Chest
  
• 2. Back/Abs
  
• 3. Rest
  
• 4. Quads
  
• 5. Shoulders/Abs
  
• 6. Arms
  
• 7. Hamstrings/Calves/Adductors
  
• Cardio is building up and will eventually be everyday 40min low intensity, normally I do up to 2 hrs per day in the last few weeks but with my new nutrition plan we will see what Dave P has in store for me, and will depend largely on my condition.

I’m hoping to be around the 100kg [220lb] mark, I have competed a number of times at this weight (2000 over Mr. NZ titles, 2003 Universe 6th and the 2005 Worlds 5th), however the condition needs to be another step up if I wish to attain my goals in the US. My goals are to place between 10th and 16th but this will obviously depend on who shows up, but I'm basing my place on previous yrs results.

[Mike in 2005]

I have a number of training partners but do train a lot by myself. My 2 main training partners both come from strength training back grounds and have both been successful in Strong Man shows here in NZ; Eddie DeHass and Jason Brown. I have another couple of guys Speedy and an up and coming young gun Steve (watch this space). I train out of Profitness Moorhouse Ave Christchurch; this is where I run my PT Business from [www.debenhamfitness.co.nz]

I'd rather not get into this to deeply, as I am involved with the NZFBB as an Event Organizer, but I think the disadvantage comes into play for those wishing to move onto the international Pro circuit. I personally would like to see those wanting to compete in a Drug free Environment have a place within the IFBB not just the NZFBB where they know that the legitimately are competing with other clean and tested athletes. On the other hand I would like to see athletes who have “bigger” aspirations some way of letting that happen. Current testing procedures and protocols in NZ are being worked on to co inside with IFBB requirements and be fair on our NZFBB athletes. As a side note our current Overall Mr. NZ Dan Hibbs is a great example to all of someone who being life time Natural can be competitive and win over non natural athletes.

If I could I would really like to thank a couple of people Terry from Metaphysics and Tracy and Glenda from Bodybuildingbikinis.com they both have sponsored me pretty much from day dot. My best mate Jazz Alistair and Adam who always support me even if I’m not around much and of course my daughter Brooke and my wife Gretchen it makes me proud to make them proud onstage!

You can also see recent photos and video interview with Mike from Gofigure here, and also below

A profile of Mike that appeared in the Australia version of Flex magazine