Pearl Dobson
PEARL DOBSON
Pearl joined the team towards the end of 2023 after having completed a very successful first season on stage. She was looking for a different approach going into her 2nd season, and for what she told me would be her final time on stage. The goal posts had now shifted toward competing within the IFBB 50+ ranks internationally which was something she had never experienced before, but wanted to do before her 60th birthday.
We got to work and quickly pushed her calories up to fuelling her sessions and support recovery. She never had an issue training hard as that was taken care of by Lance who put her through all her sessions. I work with Lance also, so this offered a great dynamic where it certainly became a team effort to get Pearl looking her best.
After a successful gaining phase she entered prep and seamlessly made her way to the end without any hiccups along the way. She grabbed her first win internationally in Metz, France and then went on to place top 5 in the NPC Euromasters. I thought that would be it for Pearl but she surprised us once again when she said she wanted to compete in Brazil at the Arnold sports festival. She went on to take 2nd in the 50+, our greatest success to date, and another 2 x 3rd in the 40+ and 45+ respectively.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of both Pearl and Lance’s journey and am fortunate enough to call them my friends. Remove one piece from the puzzle and I know for certain the results wouldn’t have been the same. An amazing team effort and one I’m proud to be part of.
As a team, Pearl has collected:
1 x 1st
2 x 2nd
2 x 3rd
1 x 5th
Here is what Pearl and Lance had to say about their journey:
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Vaughan Wilson, founder of Prep Coach UK, for the past two years, and I can honestly say he has been a transformative force in both my life and my training partner Pearl Dobson’s. We are both incredibly grateful to have him as our coach. Vaughan’s vast technical knowledge, unwavering patience, honesty, integrity, respect, and continuous support make him stand out not only as a coach but as someone we both now consider a true friend. His impact has been nothing short of life-changing for us.
Pearl, who is 60 years old, and I, at 62, began training with Vaughan around the same time, and from the outset, it was clear that his approach was different. He is not just a coach who gives orders or dictates routines, but one who listens, adapts, and customizes everything to suit each individual’s needs. Whether you’re training for your first competition or looking to take your physique to the next level, Vaughan’s focus on tailored plans and his attention to detail makes all the difference.
Pearl’s journey has been extraordinary. When she first started working with Vaughan, she was already an accomplished female master bodybuilder in our local community. However, Vaughan took her training to new heights, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. Under his guidance, Pearl went from being a well-respected local athlete to an international competitor. Her incredible transformation culminated in a runner-up position at the prestigious Arnold Sports Festival here in Brazil, a result that was unimaginable when she first started with Vaughan. This achievement speaks volumes about his coaching ability—his technical advice, strategic planning, and meticulous attention to her conditioning gave Pearl the edge she needed to compete with the best in the world.
As for me, I’ve been out of competition for over 30 years, and the idea of getting back on stage seemed like a distant dream. But Vaughan’s ability to design a program that not only suited my body but also took into account my age and unique challenges gave me the confidence to step back into the sport I love. He has transformed my body, but more importantly, he’s transformed my mindset. His consistent support, guidance, and encouragement made me believe in myself again. In just a short period, Vaughan has provided me with the technical advice I needed, 24/7 support, and the encouragement I never knew I needed to push through my limits. Now, after years of being away from competition, I’m preparing to compete again, something I never thought was possible.
What truly sets Vaughan apart from other coaches in the industry is his holistic approach. He doesn’t just give you a workout plan and leave you to figure out the rest. He’s deeply involved in every aspect of our journey—training, nutrition, mindset, and recovery. His ability to break down complex concepts into easily digestible advice has made an enormous difference in both Pearl’s and my training. He also ensures that we are always learning and evolving, which has empowered us to take ownership of our progress.
Vaughan’s integrity is another quality that makes him stand out in an industry where, unfortunately, not all coaches maintain the same values. In a field that can sometimes prioritize profit over people, Vaughan always puts his athletes first. He is transparent about what will work, what won’t, and what it will take to reach our goals. There’s no false promise of quick results or shortcuts—just honest, hard work, and a clear plan. This authenticity is something that Pearl and I both deeply respect.
His patience is also remarkable. Training is never a linear journey, and Vaughan is always there with words of encouragement when things get tough. Whether it’s dealing with a plateau or the mental challenges that can come with intense training, Vaughan remains steady, guiding us through each obstacle with a calm, focused approach. He’s a true mentor, teaching not only the technical aspects of bodybuilding but also life lessons that extend beyond the gym.
In a world where many coaches seem more concerned with their own brand than their athletes, Vaughan Wilson’s approach stands out. His commitment to excellence, his dedication to our success, and his genuine care for our well-being have made him an indispensable part of our lives. We don’t just consider Vaughan our coach—we consider him a trusted friend. His support, both in and out of the gym, has been unwavering, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the role he plays in our fitness journeys.
As Pearl and I continue on our bodybuilding paths, we know we are in the best possible hands. Vaughan is not only a coach but a mentor who instills values that extend far beyond just lifting weights or getting ready for a competition. He has given us the confidence, skills, and mindset to challenge ourselves, achieve our goals, and grow as athletes—and as individuals.
For anyone looking for a coach who not only knows his stuff but also truly cares, Vaughan Wilson is the one. He is a rare gem in an industry often lacking in integrity and heart. We are both grateful for everything Vaughan has done for us, and we’re excited to continue learning from him as we pursue new milestones in our bodybuilding careers.”