Sharon's Successes 07

Leading up to Counties, Sharon changed her training from 07 and found her training was easier especially in the weight training department. Instead of training heavy and doing too intense cardio like jogging she changed down a gear. " I trained 5 days a week splitting my bodyparts and usually did 4 sets of 10-12 reps. My cardio was usually between 30-45min 6 times a week which was mainly fast walking" she said.

Sharon was also feeling good mentally and one of the reasons she said was due to the change in gyms where she trains at World Gym in Manukau. 'World Gym has given me amazing support. Gareth, the owner, has sponsored my membership and also helped me with supplements and helped me with my airfare to Melbourne!". "The gym here is very laid back and has great atmosphere". She said she also had great support from her husband Arvi and son Brendan.

Sharon with World Gym owner Gareth

Dietwise, Sharon was alot more focused this year. She had the typical diet of oats, protein powder, flax oil, heaps of water and lots of chicken! the main difference in her diet was that she was in the mindset to do it. "As I said before, my goal this year was to get lean so I just say to myself if I was going to eat something not on the diet 'do I want to win or just place - its up to me". On stage Sharon was 50kg compared to 52.8kg last year but she looked fuller and leaner which she credited to her diet.

She said the judging was fair and they were looking for symmetry, fullness and those who done the work". "The girls there are real 'dollybirds' and glammed up to the max" Sharon said. "They really emphasise the presentation but their posing was bad, great comment coming from me eh Lisa?!".

After winning Counties, Sharon was on a high going into the INBA Women's show in Melbourne. She was 'over the moon' when they said she'd won the Novice Figure Short class. "I didn't think I got it as thought they'd give it to their own (Aussie). One of the judges said you have awesome glutes, shredded to smitherines. I was chuffed with that" she said. "The whole experience of the show was awesome. The competitors were really friendly and helpful and all the girls just mucked in. There were over 50 competitors and there was 8 in my class". "Being in the overalls was awesome and even got into the Top 5 which I was rapt with".

Sharon also made more effort in her presentation this year and glamming her image up. "I'm usually girlie but the change of gyms has made me feel girlie too". On stage she glammed herself with hairpiece, jewellery that helped her feel more girlie. So what now for Sharon? There's no more contests on the horizon for this girl, "I'm chilling out" she said. " I'm going to eat. I pigged out on pizza, chocolate cake and enjoying my flat whites! I'm going to enjoy my workouts too".

But alas this is the last we'll see of Sharon on stage as she's off to live on the Gold Coast next year. "I'm going to miss the NZ crowd and all the girls here" she said. But no doubt Sharon won't be too far from the Aussie stage as her ultimate goal is to win the Overall Figure at INBA Women's Classic, and with her determination, I'm sure she'll give the Aussies a good scare. Good luck Sharon!!