When a friend nagged Stephany Delatour to join her for a gym session, little did she know that it would be an experience that would change her whole outlook on life.
Delatour was in relatively good shape, and when she went for her first gym session, it led to her becoming a bikini fitness bodybuilder.
She has won seven medals in her category in the past year.
“Before I joined the gym in Malanshof I was a very shy person and I didn’t have a lot of confidence but that has all changed now since entering bodybuilding competitions,” she said.
The gym session encouraged her to keep fit and healthy and this led to her completely changing her lifestyle and even her diet.
“I don’t drink alcohol anymore because it has so much sugar, and I maintain better eating habits than I did before – especially when I could see the results as my body began changing,” Delatour said.
She came sixth in her first competition in April last year, a mere two months after joining the gym.
“When I came sixth at nationals last year, this allowed me to qualify to go to this year’s Arnold’s Classic Africa which is an international stage for bodybuilders in Africa,” she added.
The competition will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in May, and Delatour said she was already working towards the competition.
“I am a little bit nervous but I am more excited because I never saw myself doing something like this.”
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Running her own business allows her to work flexible hours. She said she was at the gym early every morning and was back home before 7am.
“Going to the gym has given me the passion to live a fit and healthy lifestyle, and helps me to be focused and disciplined.”
Delatour expressed gratitude to her coach Dewald Barendse who she said had helped her through her metamorphosis.
“It’s very important for someone who will be going to gym to have a support structure in terms of encouragement and good advice along the way.
Anyone can become a healthier person if they are determined,” she said.
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