Humpday Health: Bodybuilding and fitness competitions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Gold’s Classic Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness, Bikini & Physique Competition is this weekend right here in the Port City.

“Anybody of any age any stature can do it. You just have to get started,” said Sherri Gray a professional bodybuilder and physique competitor.

Fitness competitions come in all shapes and sizes and competitors come at all different levels from the pros to beginners.

“Well I’m 29 so I wanted to do something my last year in my 20’s. I have two kids so I wanted to just get out of my comfort zone a little bit,” said Bethany Noll who just started training for her first fitness competition.

Competitors said commitment is key to progress in the sport of fitness competition.

“Find a coach, listen to that coach and trust the process. A lot of people get defeated if they don’t see changes immediately and it is a time consuming activity,” said bikini competitor Stephanie Blasingame.

It’s important not to give up.

“Just take your time, be consistent, and find something that’s going to motivate you to want to stay in the gym,” said Michael Broadway the winner of the Mr. North Carolina Title.

Enter the trainers, the folks who help to motivate you when you feel like throwing in the towel.

“It’s pretty unrealistic to think that you’re going to win every time or that you’re going to win the first time. But I think for the most part most people want to just look like they belong,” said trainer Jolynn Shane.

Unlike some sports, fitness competitions have the additional component of having to perform on a stage.

“For me personally it’s just improving what I do each year. I don’t really fixate on whether I’m competing against this guy or that guy, I just want to improve what I’ve done previously,” said bodybuilder Don Varady.

Competitors said training your mind might be just as important as training your body.

“Just nerves. A lot of nerves because it is my first time stepping on stage so nerves, nerves, nerves. But on the other hand it’s been a fun process too,” said Ashley Elwood who will compete in her first competition this weekend.

The competitors we spoke with said anyone with a strong drive to reach their goals can take to the stage to compete.

“Just to see the changes in people when they go from square one to square two or they go from point A to point B. It’s just amazing to see how they transform not just in their bodies but in their spirit, in their minds, in their hearts,” said trainer Drew Dalton.

Competitors said the best part is there’s always a new goal to push for.