PROVING bodybuilding is about more than fake tan and sparkly bikinis, two Mandurah women have taken on the best of the best and come out on top.
Now Tara Yates and Bridget Jones want to share the passion they have for the sport which they say is often misunderstood.
The dynamic duo took part in their first bodybuilding competition earlier this month and say the gruelling preparation and backstage nerves were worth it.
“People think it’s all about being skinny,” Yates said.
“It isn’t at all.
“It’s about building muscles to give shape.
“It’s a complete package.”
Yates, a personal trainer, and Jones, a massage therapist, took part in the International Natural Bodybuilding Association’s (INBA) September 6 competition in Perth.
The event showcased the dedication and hard work the local mums put in during an intensive 10-week training regimen which included weight training, cardio and lots and lots of food.
“People think we don’t eat,” Yates said.
“But during training we eat more than ever.
“It’s just that our food is really clean; lots of salads, smoothies and protein and heaps of fruit and vegies.”
Yates and Jones said a huge public misconception about bodybuilding was that it was unhealthy.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, according to Jones who said her body thrived on clean and healthy food.
“Anyone can do it,” she said.
“It’s just about having a healthy mind and a healthy body.”
Being able to walk in sky-high heels doesn’t hurt either, with both women admitting to wearing their competition stilettos while doing the dishes to practice getting their balance right.
Coupled with posing lessons and hair, make-up and tanning on competition day, the sport is as much about having a good time as it is about health, according to the women.
“We have a laugh,” Jones said.
“It’s not easy; it’s really hard, but it’s also lots of fun.”
The training partners are now eyeing off their next competition which will be held in April, 2015.
