In the iconic age of muscle heroes, Norwegian bodybuilder David Hansen arrives at Venice Beach to pursue his American dream in the mid 1980’s. Stallone and Schwarzenegger are the heroes of Hollywood and a steady stream of young men with bulging muscles sign up for Gold’s Gym in the Mecca where sweat and iron are the building blocks of boundless ambition. David and former Marine Chris embark on a quest to conquer the Mr. America title with the help of Steve, former Mr. Universe - now Gold’s Gym caretaker. The naïve Norwegian struggles in a destructive relationship with aspiring musician and nighttime dancer Kim. Long nights and recreational drug use is a poor match for his intense training regime. Raging on steroids, David beats up a lap dance customer and goes to jail for two months where he reconnects with his core. It is not too late to get in shape for the Mr. America bout with heavyweight champion Goliath, but it would require an almost inhuman dedication. Chris gets shot in a drug house where he is pleading with Kim. David swears on his deathbed, whatever it takes, he will win that trophy for the both of them.