Missing My Competition-Lean Body Fat, But Even More, the Self Who Gave It Her All
FITNESS
Whenever I look back at photos from my prep last year for the bikini competition, that period filled with sweat and challenges feels like it was just yesterday. The defined muscle lines, the extremely low body fat—they weren’t just numbers. They were proof of discipline, restraint, and belief.
At the beginning of the prep, controlling my diet was the hardest part. I said goodbye to the high-calorie foods I once loved—every meal was precisely calculated: protein, carbs, fats, even seasonings were kept simple. In the beginning, faced with social gatherings and dessert invitations, I hesitated and struggled. But gradually, this self-imposed discipline stopped feeling like a burden and became a promise I made to myself. I learned to appreciate the authentic taste of whole foods, and from this restraint, I unexpectedly found inner order and peace.
The training pushed my limits. Early morning weight sessions, evening cardio, failure sets that left me breathless, the burning muscles, and the next-day soreness became my most honest companions. There were moments I gasped for air in front of the squat rack and times I trembled and gave up during handstand push-ups. But every time I pushed for “one more rep,” I moved closer to the person I wanted to become.
And then, watching myself in the mirror day by day—seeing my body become tighter, stronger, and more defined—was incredibly rewarding. The competition wasn’t just about the title. It was a deep conversation with myself. It taught me what it means to give everything you have, with pure focus and dedication, for a single goal.
No matter the final result, I came away from it better, stronger, and more resilient. I’m proud of myself, and I’ll continue moving forward on this bodybuilding journey—not because I want to beat others, but because I truly love the person I become when I’m breaking my own limits.