Bodybuilder Sarah Alexander, 34, recently won the International Federation of Bodybuilding Professional League Pro Qualifier Nationals.
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The victory will see Alexander elevated to professional status which allows the Bendigo-based athlete to compete on an international level.
Alexander first started competing in 2012, and after seeing the results of countless hours in the gym and following a rigorous diet, she immersed herself in the world of bodybuilding.
“I basically taught myself and undertook my own nutrition research and from there it was trial and error to figure out what did and didn’t work,” Alexander said.
“I want to be the best I can possibly be and a role model for other women in the sport.
“You can be feminine and still be made of muscle.”
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One of the challenges encountered on her journey to professional status was breaking the stereotype of the industry.
“People assume that all bodybuilders are egotistical. However, most of us get into it because of a lack of self-confidence,” Alexander said.
“This is my outlet.”
When Alexander takes to the competition stage, under the bright lights alongside glistening muscular tanned bodies, she takes on a new persona.
She becomes someone else, a method which allows her to break free out of her comfort zone.
For all of the endless work bodybuilders do, they have a very short time-frame on stage to make a lasting impression on the judges.
“You have got to be on the ball and ensure you’re able to get the judges’ attention from the moment you step onto the stage,” Alexander said.
Now that Alexander has professional status, she is ready to take her journey to the next level by going overseas to compete against the world’s best, which requires sponsorship.
“To make the most of this opportunity I plan to move to Melbourne and work as a personal trainer,” Alexander said.
“To succeed I need to be surrounded by like-minded people within the industry.”
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