Hard work and dedication pays off for body-builder

Meticulous preparation produces big results for Meringandan body-builder

IN SHAPE: Two years of hard work have paid off for body-builder Tania Clark with a number of recent competition wins. Picture: Nev Madsen

BODYBUILDING: There is no questioning Tania Clark's dedication and determination.

Competing at a recent All Women's Natural Body-building Association event, the 48-year-old Meringandan body-builder won several major titles, the end result of two years of meticulous training and preparation.

"It feels very rewarding to see all your hard work pay off,” Clark said.

"Especially when you're competing in an all natural competition that you know regularly tests its competitors.”

Clark said despite some initial competition nerves she enjoyed the opportunity to prove herself on stage.

"After you've trained for so long you think it's over once you're at the competition,” Clark said.

"There's a lot of preparation the night before and the day of competing.

"You've got your spray tan, make-up, I have to eat at certain times and then you go out onto the stage trying to convince yourself you can walk and look natural in these giant heels.

"When you are up there though you have to try to collect your thoughts, show the package you've worked so hard on and sell yourself.

"The most important thing though is to make sure you enjoy yourself because if you're not enjoying yourself there is no point.”

Clark also had to deal with a different type of competition preparation this time round.

Having competed in body-building before, Clark decided to make the step up to a more demanding competition.

Working with experienced coach Joey Cantlin and training four days a week, Clark set about improving her body's symmetry - a vital factor to success in Figure competitions.

"It's all about symmetry,” Clark said.

"There are number of compulsory poses you have to go through - relaxed, side, back and then your other side.

"They (the judges) are looking for a nice line from your shoulders down to your waist and legs.

"A lot of my training was focused on my legs and glutes so I could develop that area and build that symmetry.”

Training at Snap Fitness Highfields, Clark's sessions mostly consisted of weight work and a little cardio closer to competition dates.

This weekend Clark will compete in a I Compete Natural competition.

"I'll be competing in Figure, Sport and Fitness model,” she said. "It's good timing because I've already done all the hard work so I thought what's another week or two.”

Originally published as Hard work and dedication pays off for body-builder