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A local athlete and fitness instructor has recently secured second place in the wellness category of the UK’s largest sports and fitness showcase.
Vanessa Bouhaire – who works for the Government-funded sports club Active Jersey – recently took part in the Wellness Amateur Show at TRU Athlete International Sports and Fitness.
Vanessa's fitness journey began in 2017 when she started weight training at local gym, BodyRox.
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In 2020, she ventured into the world of bodybuilding, taking part in her first bikini competition in Birmingham at the Arnold Sports Festival the following year.
This year, Vanessa has entered two shows as a ‘Wellness Athlete’.
In an interview featured on the Active.je website, Vanessa shared her insights into the world of live bodybuilding events.
"Competing in a live bodybuilding event is an entirely different world backstage," she explained.
"As competitors, we go through an extensive preparation process, from applying spray tans to perfecting our makeup and hair.
"Backstage, it's a hive of activity, with athletes eating carefully planned meals, practising their posing, and using weights to pump up their muscles and achieve that perfect stage-ready look."
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She added: "It's a thrilling and nerve-wracking atmosphere, with a camaraderie among competitors that's truly special."
During the 'off-season', Vanessa remains dedicated to her training and meal preparation, with slightly more leniency with food choices.
Beyond her own bodybuilding journey, the fitness instructor also offers online coaching, helping individuals reach their fitness goals and increasing their confidence.
Vanessa offered her tips for aspiring bodybuilders, including attending live shows, ensuring a solid growth phase to build sufficient muscle, finding a knowledgeable coach, being prepared to make sacrifices and cultivating the right mindset.
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