Every so often life’s dreams or goals fall into place and for me in early June this year during a conversation with Marty my dream commenced. I’d been a passionate participant of a healthy lifestyle for many years, but after over thirty years of disciplined exercise and healthy eating, I needed more, “More of what” Marty asked. I replied by telling him, “At the age of thirty circumstances of life and the responsibilities of raising my two young children I had to forego an opportunity to participate in a body building (sculpturing as it was known in those days) competition”

“You can achieve that Goal” Marty suggested, “Take on a Transformation package and see where it takes you” Where did it take me, and wow what a journey!

By early June I started a diet and weights programme designed by Marty and Di (who had recently joined Positive Fit and what an impact she has made!) The weights were similar to my normal routine but now it was more intense, more precise and with results that showed. It took quite a lot of discipline to maintain the eating plan, there’s no easy way out as you only disappoint yourself and after a couple of weeks it was all part of my daily life. Apart from the diet and exercise regime I had to learn the techniques of posing and performing a personal routine, which Di instructed me on. Thankfully, both Di and Marty assured me they would not allow me participate in the competition, unless they felt I was ready.

Over the months my body changed, becoming lithe and athletic, my goal to actually compete in a competition and achieve something I have always wanted was becoming a reality! Despite my age I’ve always taken pride in my body and fitness level so I thought maybe, just maybe, I can do this and not look silly.

Every day I trained, practised my routine for the competition, absorbed totally in realising my dream, encouraged and supported by the many friends I’d made through the gym was fantastic. Starting at 5AM every day, which was already part of my daily fitness routine except now I ate my breakfast after cardio, trained with weights then upstairs to practise my posing routine.

When the big day arrived I was nervous but elated, there was so much happening I didn’t have much time to think, painted up with brown suntan, wearing a beautiful “bling” bikini, Tui did a fabulous hairstyle for me, Carol did my makeup which looked so good, I was ready.

Marty and Di drove me to the competition venue, staying and encouraging me until suddenly I was on stage!!

I am still amazed at the journey I have taken, I have achieved a dream that’s taken thirty years to achieve, but I have done it. Without the talk with Marty that June morning this would never have happened. ”It’s never too late to fulfil your dream, and it is never too late to have the body image you want”.

Cheryl Delgado