I used to be a skinny mom, now I’m competing against world bodybuilding champions
A BODY-BUILDING mum has revealed how she went from never entering a competition to being crowned a champion.
Michelle Fredua-Mensah, 30, from Haggerston, London, never thought she would enter, let alone win, a bodybuilding competition.
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Yet scattered around her house is a large silver trophy, a sparkling tiara, and more gold and silver medals than you can count on one hand.
The gymnastics instructor was inspired to start competing after hearing the success stories of others.
The 30-year-old only started taking it seriously seven months ago and competed in her first competition in September last year.
Michelle told me Hackney Gazette: “I think these games give us confidence.
“To say, ‘This is our body, we are happy with it, we are proud of it, we like to show it off.'”
Michelle said she has received countless messages from women who have been inspired to follow in her footsteps.
Last November was Michelle’s fourth competition, where 25-0 other athletes competed in the Pure Elite World Championship.
She won the overall title and took first place in “Mums Who Lift” and second in the “International Model” and “Fitness” categories.
Michelle hopes the industry will inspire more women, especially mothers, to love their bodies.
The bodybuilding mom will now compete in the Arnold Classic UK 2024 this weekend (March 15-17) at the NEC in Birmingham, England.
Michelle will compete in the Fitness International UK category and will be competing against some of the best bodybuilders from around the world.
To achieve this she trains five days a week at Legends Gym in Dalston.
With the help of coach Lucy Chase and a detailed plan, Michelle does rigorous strength training, over 20,000 steps per day, 15 minutes of posing per day, a macro diet and mindset training.
What the gymnastics instructor eats before the competition can make all the difference.
Michelle’s bulk diet consists of six egg whites and beacon medallions for breakfast; oatmeal before training; a protein shake after training; turkey with potatoes and salad for lunch; and skinny mice with vegetables for dinner.
The Haggerston mum is looking for another first place medal and is looking forward to competing against the best in the world.
“I started this journey,” she said.
“I might as well keep going and see where it leads.”
Arnold Sports Festival 2024
TODAY marks the launch of the 2024 Arnold Sports Festival in Birmingham and the legendary strongman himself will be in attendance.
- What is the Arnold classic?
One of the most famous events in bodybuilding is the legendary Arnold Classic.
There were only two competitions in the first Arnold Classic: the Arnold Classic for professional men’s bodybuilding and Ms. International for professional women’s bodybuilding.
There were a total of 30 participants in the events.
Since then, several competitions have been organized at the Arnold Sports Festival, including the Arnold Classic.
This weekend thousands of people will descend on Birmingham for the iconic event where Arnold will become the best bodybuilder in the world.
- When will Arnold make his appearance?
Arnold Schwarzenegger will be in Birmingham this weekend for the Sports Festival.
Tomorrow the star will host a Q&A about his journey from bodybuilder to Holywood superstar.
- Are there still tickets available?
Tickets for today’s events are currently sold out, but you can still attend Sunday’s events by following this this link.
If you can’t make it, you can follow the official live stream here
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