Yvette Geary's Winners Journey

LA Muscle athlete Yvette Geary discusses her winning journey

Having trained and worked in the fitness industry for many years, deciding to enter the world of competing has been one of the toughest, yet rewarding challenges I've faced. It's not just about training, it's the whole aspect and approach. It becomes your lifestyle and each part of training and diet is as important as each other.

I often refer to it as a science in itself. You need to understand your body and your mind. You need to learn how to control your thoughts and how you manage your mind in relation to your training and diet.

This year, I decided to compete with Pure Elite, fitness model o35 category. What an amazing federation. Very well organised and friendly. I enjoyed the whole day and even backstage the atmosphere was so positive.

A strong line up in my category. Amazing athletes and placing first came as a shock. To earn my pro card was fantastic I felt very proud. When you are a fitness athlete often you focus on the areas you need to improve. I think this helps us to strive to be better and push our goalposts, taking on new challenges. Therefore I don't look and think yes I'm a winner, I observe myself and what I need to improve.

Earning a pro card is a higher standard of athletes. We compete in the pro shows that offer bigger and better prizes. There is access to extras e.g. photo shoots, access to a wealth of knowledge from the event organiser who wants to push his athletes to have a career in fitness if they need his help, and generally much more recognition and opportunity.

So what's next for me? Well there are several more events at Pure Elite before the finals in November at the O2 Arena. This is where I will compete against the other Pro Athletes and aim to win and be awarded the World Champion of my category for Pure Elite federation.