It’s mere minutes before hitting the stage at Worcester State University and Fiona Groves is a ball of nerves.
In her mind, she reviews the poses she must hit, the sculpted, tanned muscles that must impress judges at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation World Championships.
Her form fitting pink dress accentuates her chiseled biceps and back, which represent two year’s worth of gym and diet discipline. After a ninth-place finish in 2012, she’s showed up with a new physique and confidence she hopes will impress the judges. She even shows up with a new name, following her recent wedding. But the nerves still vibrate through her body.
“I thought my heart would burst out of my chest,” Groves said.
Her name is called and she summons a blinding smile. Her entire body shakes while the panel passes judgment on her every move, in search of the muscle definition, balance and symmetry of a world champion.
She flexes and pops in her pink gown, alone on stage for the model walk portion of the competition as she holds the mandatory poses. The model walks are relatively short compared to the time and effort put in to the event, but still physically demanding. Some judges make the competitors hold poses for 20 minutes, others for an hour.
After the final pose has been struck, the moment of truth is unveiled for the Banff personal trainer. She wanted a top five result – a number that would prove to her she had made significant gains. When the judges award her the bronze medal, she is estatic.
“Two weeks later, it still hasn’t sunk in yet. I went in with a goal of top five, but to come away with a bronze is amazing,” Groves said.
To win a world championship medal in natural bodybuilding is a huge accomplishment for Groves. She’s only been involved in the natural bodybuilding scene, which bans steroids and a long list of other supplements, since 2011.
“I’ve always been involved in sports. I played a lot as a kid and made the progression to the gym and in 2010 I decided to become a personal trainer,” Groves said.
She landed her dream job at the Fairmont Banff Springs as a trainer, as well as a job at the Sally Borden Centre. A bodybuilder in one of her courses encouraged her to try a competition and the decision changed her life.
“I did one show, won and was hooked on it. A lot of people think it’s hard work, and there is hard work, but I really enjoy every aspect of it. I love eating healthy, planning meals and meeting my body’s needs,” Groves said.
She did a second show and decided the world championships would be a good goal. Supported by her husband, she hired coach Mark Campbell from Edmonton to help her reach her goals and reach the right balance of muscle and body weight.
“You have to build the muscle, then start to lean out. It’s an art and a science. I don’t know how my coach knows how to achieve that balance, but it works,” Groves said. “The improvement in a year is outstanding. Now I can’t wait to see what I can do next year. Mark is my mentor and like family. I couldn’t do it without him.”
Attracted by the natural aspect of the competition, she likes the idea of a level playing field.
“It’s good to know you’re only competing against natural bodybuilders. You’re proving to yourself what you can accomplish through hard work, determination and a good coach,” said Groves.
The time commitment was sizable, but not out of the ordinary.
“I lift weights five times a week, for about an hour each time, and I do cardio three times a week. It’s not a lot of hours, really,” Groves said.
Her next goal is to make the next step and win world championships, and said her family – especially her husband – and friends have been extremely supportive through her journey.
“I’ll spend the next year building even more muscle and will compete in the fall next year. I will do world championships and I’d love to do a competition in Australia,” Groves said.
Armed with confidence in her step and a satisfied smile on her face, Groves knows she’s ready for the next challenge – even if it means facing her nerves again.
“After four shows, I wonder if there will ever be a time I don’t shake when on stage. You’re going on stage knowing it’s a judged sport. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the nerves,” she said.
