A pro-card has been a long-awaited achievement for the Batemans Bay personal trainer by day and pizza cook by night.

"It was unbelievable, indescribable really, to have won my division and receive a pro-card," he said. Patrizi has featured in 15 competitions on stages in Batemans Bay, Canberra, Sydney, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

On stage, he loves to express the hard work and time spent on his physique.

"People aren't used to the whole concept of bodybuilding; if people are informed and more enlightened they might understand the sacrifice that goes into it."

Bodybuilding has become a lifestyle rather than a sport for Patrizi, with regimented times to eat, sleep and train.

"Balance is everything," he said.

"You get frustrated because you have to make sacrifices; but I don't have any regrets.

"If you want to achieve something, the sacrifices will come. It's only temporary though, and that's what I had to keep telling myself."

Patrizi began training at the gym aged 18. Now 23, he is thankful he found an outlet to help with teenage depression and anxiety.

"It was therapy," he said.

When Patrizi left school, his brother Dominic became his inspiration and helped him through difficult times.

"I didn't have any mates who went to the gym, so I went with my brother," he said.

"My brother has been a massive part of my journey.

"Even though he is my younger brother, I have looked up to him the most in my life," he said.

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For those who feel intimidated or judged at a gym, Patrizi has encouraging words: "People's opinions don't matter." He recommends anyone struggling with mental health issues to give it a go.

"It creates structure and discipline and dilutes your thoughts," he said.

"You find like-minded people who have the same drive, not necessarily with body building, but just being in an uplifting, positive fitness environment."

Patrizi hopes to inspire others, especially in a shire such as the Eurobodalla, which has more than double the national average of people aged over 65 years (almost 30 per cent).

"That's a retirement village in a sense," he laughed.

"There are more than five different gyms in this low-density area, we have plenty of resources.

"The youth need to utilise that and make a change.

"Bodybuilding is a very low key sport.

"Not many do it; I would love to bring it to the Bay and enhance it.

"You don't have to do it professionally, but you can set a goal and tick something off your bucket list, enter a show and enjoy yourself," Patrizi said.