By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
FIT, focused and feeling fantastic, a group of local Noosa mums are taking on the national bodybuilding stage.
Earlier this month Jane Muir, Andrea Patterson and Tarnya Adams competed in the 2015 International Natural Bodybuilding Association’s (INBA) Novice Rising Star and Rookie of the Year Championships in Victoria.
This was the first of many competitions on the INBA schedule this year and for the little local crew it was a massive success.
Bikini Entrant Andrea Patterson, aged 34 and mum of two, received a first in the Bikini Mumma Division, second in Bikini 30-plus and fourth in Bikini Open.
On top of a fantastic result, due to Andrea coming first, coach Jane Muir received the champion trainer award for the same divsion.
Fitness Model Entrant Tarnya Adams, aged 46 and mum of two, went in as a first time novice and looked stunning on stage showing off an impressive transformation and received top seven in the Fitness 30-plus in what was a highly competitive line-up.
Jane Muir, aged 41 and mum of one, received a second in Figure 40-plus, fourth in Figure International and a second in the Figure Open Division.
Jane, who has worked 20 years in the industry, only became involved in body sculpture 12 months ago.
“There is this old-fashioned stigma that body building is surrounded with drugs and but the introduction of INDA is changing this,” Jane said.
“There is now a huge following in every state.
“In Queensland it is massive – there are close to 800 to 900 competitors each time.”
With women aged 20 through to 50 competing, the popularity of the sport is continuing to grow.
Jane said this was due to the health benefits and self-satisfaction surrounding the sport.
“At the end of the day the results speak for themselves and whether the judges like you or not, no score can take away the self-satisfaction of what you have achieved,” Jane said.
“No matter what happens, you walk off that stage in the best condition that you have ever been in.”
The mums go through 15 weeks of serious prep into competitions which are spread out across the year.
Jane said that while achieving a level of fitness to reach the stage was achievable for anyone, it is not an easy task and takes true dedication.
“It really helps if your whole family is on board, because it is a really disciplined lifestyle,” Jane said.
“It’s about clean eating and keeping a strong exercise routine and when you have the support of those around you it makes it that much more achievable.”