Tanya (42) shares how the birth of her daughter took her on a 20-year fitness journey
Tanya Skelton (42) took home the awards for best transformation and biggest weight loss award at the NIFMA Ireland Fitness Model Championships in Newry.
It all started for Tanya more than 20 years ago after the birth of her daughter.
She explained: I decided when I was at my max, 21 stone 9 pounds, that I had to do something or I was going to die.
I felt like something just clicked in my head and I kept thinking it was for my daughter.
I always struggled with my weight, ate crap, just fried foods washed down with Coke.
Struggling at first, she attempted diet programs like Weight Watchers, but the only form of exercise she was capable of was walking.
I was so heavy, I couldn’t do anything else, she said.
I also kept an eye on what I was eating and just tried to eat much healthier. I ended up actually losing quite a bit of weight to begin with.
Weight Watchers has been good for me because I needed someone to be accountable to, I need that check in so I have something to aim for every week.
Happy to be on the right track health-wise, she started to get much fitter physically.
It was only a couple of years ago that I started transforming. My whole face, shape and body changed with the help of my personal trainer Vinny McCormick, who works at Gyn An-Trim. He didn’t just change my life, he saved it. He has been so supportive and encouraging and I would be lost without him.
He was actually the one who inspired me to get into shows.
Even though her body was transformed, she still had insecurities about her safety.
When he first mentioned the NIFMA Ireland Fitness Model Championships, I immediately thought no. I’d never worn a bikini until recently, let alone stand on a stage in front of hundreds of people in one, she explained.
Tanya previously weighed more than 21 stone before deciding to change her life for the sake of her daughter
Founded by bodybuilder and fitness model Martin Spence, the organization encourages elite fitness.
Competitions are hosted in hotels across the island with a range of categories.
Tanya added: After some consideration and encouragement from Vinny, I figured why not?
It was brilliant. I loved every single second of it.
Tanya with personal trainer Vinny McCormick, to whom she credits much of her success
In preparation for the event she took specialized posing classes alongside her three weight classes and several more fitness classes a week to make sure her shape and figure was showcased in the best possible way.
If you had asked me a couple of years ago to do a show like this, with all that involved, I would have immediately said I’ve never been this shy, she laughed.
This was completely out of my comfort zone.
I thought I was going to fuck myself but there was a great vibe.
Everyone was lovely. I was buzzing to win categories.
It’s something I never thought I’d do, so it’s a ticked box for me.
Just the other day I was having a photo shoot at my gym so it just shows the confidence I have gained.
I wore baggy clothes and hid and now I am.
My daughter, now in her 20s, is so proud and supportive, as are my friends, who are so happy for me.
When asked about any concerns about the fitness modeling world, which is often criticized for perpetrating an unhealthy or unnatural lifestyle and body image, Tanya said: No, there was no such thing, and it wasn’t at all so for me.
We were all backstage and everyone was supporting each other.
I think it’s great that women are so involved now. I’m all about girl power!
#Antrim #transforms #bodybuilder #losing #stone
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