I used to be a skinny mum who’d never competed at body-building in my life – now I’m taking on world champions
A BODY-BUILDING mum has revealed how she went from never competing to being crowned as a champion.
Michelle Fredua-Mensah, 30, from Haggerston, London, never thought she’d be competing in a bodybuilding competition let alone win.
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproMichelle Fredua-Mensah, 30, won first place against 250 other bodybuilders at the Pure Elite World Championship[/caption]
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproThe Haggerston local is set to compete in the Fitness UK category this weekend at the Arnold Classic UK[/caption]
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproThe gymnast got first place in “Mums Who Lift”[/caption]
Yet, dotted around her house sits a large silver trophy, sparkling tiara and more gold and silver medals than you could count on one hand.
The gymnastics instructor was inspired to start competing after she heard other people’s success stories.
The 30-year-old only started taking it seriously seven months ago and did her first competition in September last year.
Michelle told Hackney Gazette: “I think these competitions allow us to be confident.
“To say – ‘This is our body, we are happy with it, we’re proud of it, we like to show it off.’”
Michelle said she has received numerous messages from women who are inspired to follow in her footsteps.
Last November marked Michelle’s fourth competition, where 25-0 other athletes entered the Pure Elite World Championship.
She won the overall title, taking first place in “Mums Who Lift” and second in the “International Model” and “Fitness” categories.
Michelle hopes the industry will inspire more women, especially mums, to love their bodies.
The body-building mum is now set to compete in the 2024 Arnold Classic UK this weekend (March 15-17), at the NEC in Birmingham, England.
Michelle will compete in the Fitness International UK category and will be up against some of the best bodybuilders from across the globe.
To achieve this, she is training five days a week at Legends Gym in Dalston.
With the help of coach, Lucy Chase and a detailed plan, Michelle does rigorous weight training, more than 20,000 steps a day, posing 15 minutes a day, a macro diet and mindset training.
What the gymnastic instructor eats leading up to the competition can make all the difference.
Michelle’s bulking diet consists of six egg whites and beacon medallions for breakfast; pre-workout oatmeal; a post-workout protein shake; turkey with potatoes and salad for lunch; and lean mice with vegetables for dinner.
The mum from Haggerston is looking for another first-place medal and is looking forward to competing against the best in the world.
“I started this journey,” she said.
“I may as well continue and see where it leads.”
Arnold Sports Festival 2024
TODAY marks the launch of the 2024 Arnold Sports Festival in Birmingham and the legendary strongman himself is set to be in attendance.
What is the Arnold Classic?
One of the most famous events in bodybuilding is the legendary Arnold Classic.
There were only two competitions in the first Arnold Classic: the Arnold Classic for professional men’s bodybuilding and Ms. International for professional women’s bodybuilding.
There were a total of 30 competitors in the events.
Since then, the Arnold Sports Festival has hosted several different competitions, including the Arnold Classic.
This weekend, thousands will descend on Birmingham for the iconic event as Arnold crowns the world’s best bodybuilder.
When will Arnold make his appearance?
Arnold Schwarzenegger will be in Birmingham this weekend for the Sports Festival.
Tomorrow the star will hold a Q&A on his journey from bodybuilder to Holywood superstar.
Are tickets still available?
Tickets for today’s events are currently sold out but you can still attend Sunday’s proceedings by following this link.
If you can’t attend, you can follow the official livestream here
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproThe bodybuilding champion is doing more than 20,000 steps a day in preparation for the event[/caption]
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproMichelle hopes the industry will inspire more mums to love their body[/caption]
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproIt took just seven months for Michelle starting to train to winning gold at bodybuilding competitions[/caption]
instagram/@shellyfit_ifbbproThe mum from London is hoping to repeat her success on the international stage[/caption]
