SINCE 2012, the one faithful companion for Ara Baharudin has been the gym.
Weighing just 43kg, with a height of 159cm, she was determined to change the way she looked and under the steady guidance of her coach, she began her journey.
In 2019, she took her training a notch further and decided to enter the competitive world of bodybuilding.
"I knew the challenges ahead, but already loved the sport and decided it was time to take it to a higher level.
"I knew I had to train hard, eat well and go through a total lifestyle change ... but it was something I wanted and was determined to do," she said.
For her first competition, she competed under the 'Wellness' category.
After stringent preparations, she managed a top ten position in her first competition and recently clinched fourth spot in the Fifth Open Thailand Masters Games in Bangkok.
"Bodybuilding is a very expensive sport as it requires plenty of nutritious food, supplements and protein.
"Before I managed to get a sponsor, I would have to fork out between RM2,000 and RM2,500 monthly. But since I got a sponsor, it has been a huge relief," she said.
Ara also dismissed the notion that women who began lifting weights would look like the "Incredible Hulk".
"There is no such thing ... this is a misconception. Building a muscular structure is not an easy task.
"There are numerous benefits of lifting weights. It makes one look and feel better and much stronger," she added.
She encouraged more women to venture into bodybuilding as the sport becomes more recognised and is seeing much more competitors from the fairer sex. – February 26, 2025
