More Than Muscle: What Bodybuilding Has Taught Me About Faith, Strength & Purpose

This has been a week of travel for me, and being in competition prep means travel looks a little different.

Not impossible. Not even particularly difficult. But definitely more strategic.

When I’m working bodybuilding shows and surrounded by other bodybuilders, meal prep containers, food scales, training schedules, and saying “no thank you” to certain foods make perfect sense. Outside of that world? I know some of it probably seems a little crazy. 😂

There are so many aspects of this lifestyle that the people I love may or may not fully understand—and so many reasons WHY I continue to do it that are completely different from what most people might assume.

Some may look at bodybuilding and see deprivation, restriction, self-absorption, or unrealistic expectations.

What they don’t see is the transformation that has absolutely nothing to do with what happens to my body.

No, my stage physique isn’t sustainable. That first shower begins washing away the tan and stage makeup. The medals and trophies eventually find their place on a shelf with the others.

But the woman who walks away from each prep?

SHE is different.

Every competition prep teaches me a little more about myself and what I’m capable of. It strengthens my faith and deepens my reliance on Jesus. It challenges me to practice patience, discipline, perseverance, gratitude, humility, and grace.

And THAT woman lasts.

What I learn during prep carries into how I coach and invest in my clients, how I love the people in my life, how I process both the good and the difficult seasons, and even how I approach growing older.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with THE Lenda Murray—8-time Ms. Olympia and one of my longtime sheros in this sport. ❤️

I asked her, “How will I know when it’s time to hang up my posing suit?”

Her answer was instant and brilliant:

“That’s easy, actually. When it isn’t fun anymore.”

I’ve thought about those words so many times since.

People may wonder why in the world—especially at 60 years old—I would put myself through “all of this” just to stand on a stage and have my physique critiqued.

My answer is almost as simple:

I LOVE discovering what I’m capable of.

Especially now.

Especially at 60.

And yes, it is still FUN.

It requires my best—and somehow, it continues to bring out my best.

My bodybuilding journey began more than 35 years ago, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without it. I am incredibly thankful for what this sport, combined with my faith, has taught me about myself.

My strength is in the Lord. This passion and purpose are gifts from Him.

And ironically, bodybuilding has helped teach me that my value has absolutely nothing to do with what someone sees when I walk onto a stage.

My value isn’t in my appearance.
It isn’t in a placing.
It isn’t in a trophy.
And it isn’t in who I know.

It’s in my character.
It’s in how I love.
How I lead.
How I serve.
How I treat people when no one is watching.
And in WHOSE I am. ❤️

Consistency and discipline have become second nature to me. The desire to become better and stronger in the gym mirrors my desire to become better and stronger in my faith.

And knowing I can always grow isn’t defeating to me—it’s ENCOURAGING!

There is always another goal.
Another lesson.
Another opportunity to grow.
Another reason to get back up.
Another chance to become a little stronger than I was yesterday.

And last—but definitely not least—bodybuilding has given me a circle of friends who have become family.

If you only knew this sport from the outside, you might assume the bodybuilding community would be judgmental, belittling, or cutthroat.

Yes, we compete.

But this community is also one of the most encouraging, supportive, and uplifting groups of people I’ve ever been blessed to know.

Because eventually you realize something:

The person standing beside you isn’t really your competition.

The real competition has always been within yourself.

And I don’t think that lesson belongs only to bodybuilding.

That’s true for every one of us—regardless of who we are, what we do, or what stage we’re standing on.

So, at 60, I’m not finished seeing what I’m capable of.

I’m still learning.
Still growing.
Still getting stronger.
Still having FUN.
And still incredibly grateful that God has allowed this sport to be part of my story.

The stage may showcase the physique.

But the journey reveals the woman. ❤️

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13