I’m often asked how and why I got my start with bodybuilding. To tell the truth, it’s not the most interesting or heartstring-tugging story, like a diagnosis or the end of a relationship that made me overhaul my lifestyle. I simply started bodybuilding because I wanted to. I joined a tiny little rec center weight room that only cost $75…PER YEAR (#dealofthecentury), and started picking up weights (and then putting them back down, natch). I changed my diet – I’d been vegetarian for years but I started eating meat again. And my body started to change rapidly.
Besides the obvious aesthetic changes, the benefits of bodybuilding are many.
I’ve become an early bird. My whole life I’d been a night owl, but there is something that feels so productive about getting the day off to an early start. (Even if the first thing you have to do is hell-cardio.)
Ailments like high cholesterol and high blood pressure run in my family. I don’t worry so much anymore about whether I will succumb to them because I know I’m taking care of my body as best I can. Plus, weight lifting is proven to help improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis. (source)
Bone gainz
My lifestyle overall has become healthier. Like many of us, there were a couple years during which I partied. I mean PAR-TAYED. Like it was 1999. I was drinking often and eating bar food whenever I felt like it. Today, while I enjoy beer, wine, and the occasional cocktail, I don’t partake often because the sluggishness that follows interferes with my training, which is more important to me. Again, priorities.
(Angrily?) enjoying a cocktail with a friend last summer
My body image has greatly improved. I’ve struggled with body image issues my whole life (and of course, I still do sometimes) but since I’ve begun bodybuilding, I feel stronger, sexier, and more confident than ever.
I am more organized now. I am forced to be organized in order to get all my meals, lifting, and cardio in while still having a career and maintaining relationships. When your health isn’t quite a hobby yet, it feels like you don’t have time to make it one. But there’s always time – it’s just a matter of priorities.
Prep your food, beast your week.
I was having a conversation recently with a new friend about how productive I feel when I wake up early, do cardio, and then get started at kicking ass for the day.
I thought about the other ways that participating in this sport has changed my life for the better and decided to write about it. Partly just to share, and partly to inspire others to follow their passions. Because I don’t think that these improvements to my lifestyle are exclusively benefits of bodybuilding; it could be another sport or it could be a new hobby that makes you reassess your priorities and make a positive change.
Whether you’re a bodybuilder or not, get out there and do some badass shit!
Here’s my latest progress comparison. Despite holding some water (that time of the month) and being 4 lbs. heavier according to the scale, this week I look a little leaner and my shoulders are fuller. ONLY A MONTH TO GO, HOLY MOLY!
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Starla says
I absolutely love reading about your progress and all of your blog posts. I am not a bodybuilder but I am trying to lose some fat and tone up since I absolutely hate my body now. You’re a huge inspiration! xoxo
Attachment Mummy says
Sounds like it is working really well for you. My friend loves to body build too.
Erin Kennedy says
Wow! You look fab! It takes so much work and dedication to do and look like this! Good luck in the competition!
Jessica Simms says
Wow congrats you look amazing! Keep up the good work!
Tara | C&CO. says
Wow, congrats! I definitely couldn’t do something like this
Nikka Shae says
You look so amazing!!! Congrats on everything!!!
Melissa Bernardo says
You look great! Keep up the motivation!
Terri Beavers says
I admire your determination and you look amazing so keep it up. I should do more work on my own body but I’m a wuss, when my back is aching, I tend to baby my injuries and body and slack instead of work out.
suchi says
you are so fit and i adore your hard work! i really want to start going to the gym and start getting back to being more fiT! MEAL PLANNING part is a great idea! motivating post!
Emily Rose says
Wow your body is incredible! Are you ever worried that bodybuilding can become too extreme? I worry about what it would do to my body xxx
Alisha Lecroy says
I noticed you shop at Aldi and that is a great place to save money on healthy food!
Clo Nevaeh says
Wow! You look great. You can really see what one week does. I’ll have to push to eat healthier.
Mar says
Your shoulders look awesome! I love seeing all the different parts of bodybuilding 🙂
Charlotte says
I am so unfit! I could do with taking a leaf out of your book!
Lisa Rios says
You look in great shape & I can see it is a lot of hard work behind which has been routine to the perfection. Bodybuilding definitely has lots of benefits, if done with dedication & you are an inspiration to many
nicol says
ive been doing a lot of food prep these days and hitting the gym. it definitely makes me feel good about myself
Heather lawrence says
You mentioned that you have to get your meals organized. Do you pre-make all your meals for the week?
We have started making overnight oatmeal and that has helped us be more effective but I am not sure how I can pre-make dinners for 5 for a week and make sure we actually eat it.
Jessica says
Great work! I always adore disciplined people like you in terms of bodybuilding. You’re an inspiration!
Rebecca Smith says
I always love to read your bodybuilding posts, you are so inspiring!
Charli Bruce says
I love reading your posts, you’re looking great and you’re so inspiring! Also I always look angry while drinking cocktails haha!
Tiffany says
Seems like you are doing bodybuilding the right way. I have a friend who partied and then decided to stop and be a bodybuilder, but he eats like six cheeseburgers and a pack of oreos on his cheat days.
Dawn McAlexander says
Bodybuilding certainly has its benefits. I have heard many people say that it is a great way to let stress or other things like that out. I agree that starting the day off early makes me feel much more productive for the rest of the day.
Nancy @ whispered inspirations says
You’re such an inspiration! Keep up the good work & good luck with the competition!
Stacy Kripas says
I like this, it makes some people more inspired for their working out.
Caroline Barnes says
You look amazing! It totally worth the sacrifices. Continue the great work! You made me want to start to train!
Brittany says
This great motivation! Keep up the work! You look amazing. Keep inspiring others 🙂
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
I love reading about your progress. It’s very inspiring!
Chantal says
This is a great read, it all starts somewhere . I am slowly changing my lifestyle and getting to my badass point!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to try prepping my food for the week. I have been trying to eat healthier this year. Meal planning and prep would help me a lot.
Melanie Edjourian says
Wow gym membership here is much more than that!
Tori Gabriel says
I love it. I was expecting some detailed story about why you started bodybuilding and I laughed when you said “because I wanted to”. As good a reason as any, I guess. Good on you.
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
It is amazing that bodybuilding helped you in so many more ways than just your appearance! And I can’t believe your gym only cost $75 A YEAR! Seriously #dealofthecentury!
Nikki says
Such a great experience you shared. Thanks for that! I’m sure you will inspire some.
Nicole Escat says
Body building is really important! It’s so nice to shared your experience. Thanks!
Alexandrea says
Its good to see someone who has a goal and is working towards it. You’re doing great
🙂
Tanya Brannan says
You sound so passionate about your body building! It is great when you find something that fills your life so fully x
Bonnie @wemake7 says
You are amazing and look amazing. Your very passionate in what you do. I may get into bodybuilding some day too.
houssem says
Ohh that body <3 ! i would like to practice sport but study take all my times
Lily says
My friend is a bodybuilder. She enters Miami pro every year. It’s so hard. She’s dedicated her whole life to it. I could never do it. Good for you.
Fashion and Style Police says
Great tips here. Thanking for sharing them. You look fab x
Bee says
Wow. You look stunning and your abs are incredible. I now have to go through your blog to see and read more.
Raijean says
Thanks for the tips, I’m just trying to get some tips on gaining more muscles. Love this!
Heather says
Wow! That’s amazing! It’s great that you have found your thing and are pretty much an expert at what you do. You will inspire so many even if you don’t have a back story to it, just the fact that you have done it, is enough.
Jeni Hawkins says
You totally inspire me! I love watching your progress and seeing your lifestyle when you post! It’s amazing to me, and so intriguing!
Susan Smith says
You look great! It’s a good day for me when I take a walk. I do try to eat a high protein, low carb diet and I cut out the junk.
Fatima says
O wow! That’s very inspiring. I am too lazy, I don’t even exercise but my baby makes sure I stay fit as he lines up so much work for me.
Jeanine says
You look so incredible. I wish I had that much dedication for ANYTHING at this point!!! So wonderful and inspiring as always.
Cindy Ingalls says
You look amazing. I think what you are doing for your health and self-image are great. Being strong is sexy.
Maureen @ A Debt Free Mess Free Life says
I can see a difference between the 5th week photo and the 4th week. You look amazing.
Kimberly says
Fantastic effort! It really is amazing how different you can feel by just working out. This reminds me I need to get back into it.
Elizabeth O. says
It’s amazing what a lifestyle change can do to you, not just your body but everything else. I am sure you’re also loving the perks that came along with being healthy, like being organized, getting to sleep right, stuff like that. I had no idea it all started as simple as that awesome gym deal!
Sarah Bailey says
Wow you look amazing – it is crazy how just a week can make such a huge difference. x
Mariesbeauties says
Wow you look great, got to start getting into shape myself! Great post. X
David says
Im so proud of you that you stay healthy and fit. Some of us really needs a change in their lifestyle. You look great!
Eloise says
I love that you are strong willed and know who you are! keep working hard : )
Tammilee Tips says
You are making amazing progress!! It is amazing how many different benefits of working out there are.
Janeane Davis says
I like your advice that no matter what you do, you need to show and do great work.
IamVagabond says
Way to go.. Confidence is everything. Keep up the good work
Bella B (xoxoBella) says
Wow! Good luck with your competitions. My bother has done some physiquie competitions so I know how much dedication it takes.
Life as Mum says
Oh wow. How fantastic. You should be so proud of yourself. What a fantastic achievement
Ana De- Jesus says
You should be so proud of what you have achieved so far and I think that it is wonderful that you literally transformed your whole life just by taking up fitness.
Sarah Bailey says
I totally have to agree with this – every time you post, you amaze me. Love keeping up with your progress. x
Tami says
Wow, body building! I’d like to lift weights to build my strength. It would take a lot of organization for you to master all you’re doing. Great job!
Paula Schuck says
I’ve always thought body builders had insane self control. You get to the gym, you eat what you should, and the cutting. Oh man, I can’t even imagine the cutting phase.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
You are looking better and better! Your shoulders do look a little fuller, and I can see even more definition in your quads.
mel says
Your dedication is so commendable. I love how you have become so disciplined- that is a hard thing to do.
Congrats to you and your mom on your new site as well! 🙂
Carrie says
I wish I could make it to gym like I want to… However lately it seems one of the kids is always sick and if its not them it me. Hopefully soon I can make it back in although Im just trying to lose the leftovers from having two babies.
Amy Scott says
You look so good! I don’t lift but I really want to get into it. I hate the attitude of “ew, you’ll look like a guy”. I have many girl friends who are into body building. They’re not masculine but sure as hell are fitter than the nay-sayers!
Pam says
I’m glad that bodybuilding has helped you so much! I had no idea it can help prevent osteoporosis. That runs in my family as well.
Sahar says
Oh my days, yes! You are the woman I’m looking for. This is the exact blog I need to be following as I go on my weight gain, body building journey. It’s so difficult looking for information from women instead of men! Keep up the good work!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Sounds like bodybuilding has been good to you! I do always feel good when I’m working out regularly, if only because I feel so productive! 🙂
Pam says
I agree, exercising regularly makes me feel much more productive. It’s really nice to be in a routine.
Catherine S says
You look amazing. Maybe if Istart getting up earlier I will stick to my routine better. I do good for a couple of days and the other days not so much.
Lisa Joy Thompson says
I’ve started exercising and lifting because I need to lose a lot of weight and I’m sleeping better and waking up earlier and being more productive. While I won’t ever be a pro body builder, I can see how many benefits it has!
Mariana says
Wow! I’ve really loved following along and seeing how you’ve progressed over the past year. Those arms! And those legs! 4 weeks will fly by!
Adina M says
Good for you that you are motivated to do this! I would not be able to get up early and become an early bird. I find it tough to even wake up for work lol
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
It sounds like bodybuilding has really benefitted you in so many ways. It’s not my thing, but that is the best thing about life I find, we all have to find that one “thing” that makes it work for us. I love that you have found yours! H x
Michele says
I am not into fitness but I do love reading–but lately I don’t even have the patience for that. I’m hoping it is because of the meds I was on (am now off mostly thankfully)–and that I will ultimately bounce back to my prior wide awake and mostly healthy self.
Chanelle says
Best wishes for more energy for reading! 🙂
Kristy @ Mommy Hates Cooking says
Ohmygoodness! You look amazing! I’ve noticed a lot of women jumping on the bodybuilding train, but I’ve never heard the benefits explained quite like this. Definitely inspirational!
Shirley Wood says
It sounds like body building has been great for all aspects of your life. I’ve pretty much always been an early bird and agree that I feel like I can get so much more done in a day when I start early.
Adelina Priddis says
LOVE that you are doing this simply because YOU want to! Not every good thing has to have an amazing crazy, heart string pulling story behind it. I love waking up early, and when I can I go for a run because that’s what I enjoy.
Chanelle says
I used to run too! Running in the morning is an awesome way to wake up.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Doing weights has changed my body for the better and I can’t believe I did just cardio for so long.
Jeni Hawkins says
Wow! I’m not into becoming a body builder, but I do want to lose weight. Your posts always motivate me! Keep it up!
Amanda says
Wow, just wow! I do not have the discipline to be a body builder but I have a cousin that does and she is very disciplined. Congrats on being in amazing shape!
Tammi Roy says
Bodybuilding has a lot more benefits then i realized. You look like you are in amazing shape. I do not think i have the discipline to do it.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I need to start meal planning. It would make meal time a lot easier and i would be more likely to stick to my diet. You look amazing in these photos.
Meagan says
Wow, you look amazing! Seriously, I’m impressed! I need that kind of motivation to get me off my butt!
Amanda says
Looks like you are making great progress!! I love the idea of prepping food for a week out- I’m sure that makes it much easier to stay on track!
Kathy says
You look great! Sounds like bodybuilding is working out great for you. That’s so great to hear. Great to hear about you achieving your goals. That’s always a great thing.
Lee says
I do love ground turkey and use it every chance I get. You look great!
Lee
Mama to 5 BLessings says
That is wonderful! Congrats on your accomplishments, takes a lot of work and dedication!
Shauna Torres says
Wow, you are incredible. I have loved following your journey and am so impressed with you. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn Lopez says
You look amazing! It’s so true that how you start your day sets the tone until you go to bed. If I’m productive right from the start I’m often amazed at how much more is accomplished.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
It’s totally true. I always know within 30 minutes how my day is going to go.
A Geek Daddy says
I never competed but I was serious about body building for a few years in my 30s. That experience really changed my life for the better. As much as I enjoy working out though I just haven’t been able to get into it as much since I became a dad with all its extra responsibilities. I know I could make the time if really wanted to but have been really lacking on the dedication aspect of making that happen. Good for you on making this part of your everyday life style.
Chanelle says
Totally understand – sometimes you have to rearrange your priorities for a while!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
You are amazing. You are one of the most inspirational people I know.
Jeanette says
Looks like you are achieving what you set out to do! I am in the beginning stages of doing that myself. I am learning a lot about nutrition.
GiGi Eats says
My eyes TOTALLY popped out of my head when I was checking out your thighs! SHIT SON – HAWWWTTT!
Chanelle says
Awww shucks 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Well it sure looks like you are achieving your goals, and I’m sure it is not easy either.
Melissa Lawler says
That’s very cool. I have a friend who is 68 years old and lifts. She holds the world record for her age in deadlifting. Pretty cool at any age!
Chanelle says
That’s incredible!!