She’s the ultimate bodybuilder
Local personal trainer says she is proud of her body and that it's okay to have muscle.
Who says bodybuilding is only for men?
Jacqueline Groenewald, a 30-year-old bodybuilder, personal trainer and mother, argues that women also can be successful in the widely misunderstood sport.
“Muscles always have fascinated me. I used to page through biology books and study where different muscles grow and how they work.”
She started competing in bodybuilding competitions three years ago and last month (July) Jacqueline reached her biggest goal.
She took the Miss Figure title at the Welkom Classic Bodybuilding Regional Competition.
With her pink blouse, stilettos and manicured nails, Jacqueline admits she is one of the most feminine women you will meet. She said when she shops for clothes, she too must keep in mind what suits her body.
She said, “My body does not look like the mannequins in the shop,” – a feeling many women know too well.
“But this is why I am so passionate about what I do. If you are different, rather be happy and different.”
Jacqueline trains three hours a day, six days a week.
“Yes, people stare and say that women should not have muscles like me, but I am happy. That is all that matters.”
Izak, Jacqueline’s husband is also a bodybuilder and trains with her. The couple motivates one another, especially when it comes to their diet.
“It can be very difficult to maintain your body if your lifestyle does not support it,” Jacqueline explained.
She said bodybuilding has a negative connotation as a sport in which contestants build muscle unnaturally.
“People misunderstand it because they do not have enough knowledge about it. The sport is all about naturally keeping fit and healthy.”
Jacqueline wakes up at 2.30am every morning and strives to keep her family healthy. And yes, every now and then she challenges Izak to the odd arm wrestling game.
“Izak is very strong, for his age,” Jacqueline laughed.
To view more photos of Jacqueline, click here.
