Holly Bennett, Teenage Figure

Bodybuilding attracts all sorts of people of different ages and backgrounds. And to be attracted to such a disciplined sport is the teenage schoolgirl Holly Bennett of Auckland. While many of her peers are indulging in all the fun things of life, Holly has been super focused on her comps this year. In this update we find more about this disciplined figure and how she coped with peer pressure from her friends. 1. how old are you? Seventeen (my birthday was the day after Sonny Schmidt)

2. how did you get into bodybuilding comp?
Through my Dad! He's trained since his teens himself, and he suggested the sport after I got into weight training mid 2006 (and after seeing a lady at the gym-Michelle-train and prep for comps!)

3. when was your first one? and how many have you competed in since? your placings?
My first competition was NZFBB Auckland champs in June, then NABBA Counties Manukau a week later. Then the Sonny Schmidt Classic recently. I placed 1^st in all, but had a lack of competitors in the first two shows.

4. have you had main support from someone to get you through? and how has she helped you?
My main support was Michelle Dixon. She was generous enough to help me through the whole process..all three times! And whilst juggling her own work, family and training commitments. Shes been the best mentor and friend ever! I'm extremely grateful for everything she's help me to achieve!
Also, my Mum and Dad are the best! They are very supportive, and probably undeservedly receive the least amount thanks, so thanks ma & pa!

Holly and her mentor Michelle

5. what do you friends think of you bodybuilding? do you feel the peer pressure from them to be social or eat the foods they do? My mates all new about my desire and plans to compete, and frankly nothing they did [e.g tempt me with chocolate biscuits grr...haha], could've detered me from my goal.

6. did you do other sport before bodybuilding?
I swam competitively for seven years, played club and school netball since primary and I love to wakeboard in the summer

7. do you actually 'diet'? or you mainly focus on your training regime. What do you do?
I suppose i do 'diet'-but now its more healthy eating than a 'diet'. Jacquie Dale helped me with this for Auckland Champs which involved 12 weeks dieting (and absolutely no cheating). I love to train and have a five day split (back, chest, shoulders, legs and arms) which I do myself, and do about 3 cardios (usually walks).

8. what do you enjoy about competing and being on stage?
Knowing that I get a great, big [deserved] feed after it!! ;)

9. do you think bodybuilding is something you'll do as you get older?
I know it is! I'm training for my next competition now...but i won't be on stage for a while.

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