From Fluffy mom at 35 to IFBB Physique Pro at 38. --w/ PICS :)

_bellator_

Hey guys, I'm Darla. Some of you may remember me from MFP days gone by...I started logging with MFP in 2012, (after having 2 babies back to back and being out of the gym for over 3 years) ...and have used this app almost every day since.

Last year, I qualified to compete nationally in Women's Physique...so I took a huge leap out of my comfort zone, and flew from Texas to New Jersey to compete in this year's NPC Universe, where I earned my IFBB Pro Card. (Some of you may have no idea what that means, but some of you will.

It took me about 4 years to transform my body. I haven't missed a single workout since I started back lifting...if I miss a workout, I make it up the next day, period. I'm 38 years young now, and I have never felt better, not even as a teenager...never. Weight training and competing is my way of life now, and I can't imagine any other way.

This journey has taught me many things over these years, but the things that I'm really grateful for are:

1. This isn't a diet, it's your LIFE. You are only accountable to yourself.
2. Less is not always better. Under-eating is just as destructive as over-eating.
3. Success comes from consistency, intensity, and time...not perfection.

But the MOST enduring things I learned are these 2 quotes, and I learned them well...

~~"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."
--Earl Nightingale

and

~~"Your biggest challenge isn't someone else; it's the ache in your lungs, the burning in your legs, & the voice inside you that yells, "I can't!" But you don't listen, you push harder. You hear the voice whisper "I Can"...and you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are." --unknown

I'll let my pictures tell the rest of my story.

This was where I started, in Jan 2012.



And this is my total transformation, which took almost 4 years...




Some contest shots...



















And a couple of me and my guy, just for fun...

DeterminedFee201426

Nice!!!

lilypippili

This is mind blowing, great job!!

WWnot

Hi Darla - thanks for posting! Your photos are fantastic (huge understatement here!!!) and show how hard you've worked and the success that you've achieved (and for that, a hale and hearty Congratulations!), but taken together with your words...the things that you've learned and the quotes that helped keep you moving forward...you've kept it real and that's the best inspiration i can think of. Again, thanks so much, and warm wishes for continued success.

zoeysasha37

You look fantastic!! You should be very proud of yourself.

p444cod41

Just wow!all
Yoir hard work
And dedication has paid off.

TnTWalter

great job.

_bellator_

Thanks ladies. it's been a fun journey. Never thought I'd get this far, but I guess you never know until you try.

dredremeg

Wow! You have done an amazing job. Your pictures are inspiring. I am going to continue my weight lifting. You ROCK!

suemcmurry

CRAZY!!!!! Good for you!

venicebeachbabe

Do you have a fitness instagram? I'd love to watch your journey especially if you're going to be doing ifbb shows! Thanks for the motivation. I use to lift and play with the idea of competing then life took a turn for the worst. I lost all my muscle mass and gained plenty of fat. After mentally pushing myself to fix my life I got back on track in late June. My muscles are coming back and my fat is coming off but I have to remember it takes time! Your post is so encouraging!

vlovell24

Omg, you look amazing.

StephaniHepburn

Wow, you look AMAZING! It's just shows what can be achieved with dedication and determination You are an ambassador for all women with the goal of being superfit, healthy, and beautiful! Xxx

itsmegina

Amazing, you look phenomenal!

mmnv79

Thanks for posting. Your pictures are amazing. Very well done!

Fiona031072

You are everything that sheer willpower and determination stand for. I think this is probably my favourite success story on here so far. I don't know you, but even I'm proud of you. You are both gorgeous and brilliant. Good for you girl. Xxx

Commander_Keen

Congradulations.
So what did you have to do, to make that change.

jcmeast0305

~~"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."
--Earl Nightingale

Love this quote. Thank you for it. Great job and congratulations.

lauractemple85

Wow! You look fantastic! I too, am on my journey to the stage. Working toward my very first competition in Bikini in October. It's the hardest thing I've ever done (as you know).

noclady1995

So inspiring! I don't want to compete in any competition, but something close to this is what I'm aiming for. Your legs...wow!!

Boobietrap1337

Wow. Your point about under eating being as harmful as over eating really spoke to me. I'm working hard to not get skinny, but to get strong but I have a tendency to shy away from the calories, even if they are good for me. Thank you for reassuring me to not be scared of the good calories!

griffinca2

Well done! And congrats on your IFBB Pro Card; I do know what that is and that it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to earn it. Only one comment on one of your three things; I believe under eating is probably worse then over eating because you increase the fact you may lose muscle along w/the weight. I totally agree that is is a "lifestyle" not a "diet" (w/an end date). Saw the following statement in a fitness mag: "It's a process, not a project."

ehuschka

Dang girl! You look fantastic!

subversive99

Remarkable. Congratulations on your achievements. And I love love love this: 'Success comes from consistency, intensity, and time...not perfection'.

acgeathers

You look great! Thank you for sharing! Truly an inspiration!

annaskiski

Congrats!

ninerbuff

Look totally awesome!!!! And to get into MD.....................that's tough to do so congrats!!! Any sponsors yet?

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

ninerbuff

Oh and did you do Master's or Open? Qualifiers are so hard to compete in.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Unknown

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ninerbuff

ISYMFS_GYM_KING wrote: »

wow, and the love in your fella's eyes for you is as inspiring to, amazing.

Dude looks like a power lifter for sure!

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

_bellator_

ninerbuff wrote: »

Oh and did you do Master's or Open? Qualifiers are so hard to compete in.

Thanks!! I competed in Open physique and Master's Over 35 at the NPC Universe. I don't have any sponsors yet, I'm terrible at marketing myself, and kind of prefer to make my own way anyway. I don't want anyone telling me what to do (authority problems much?) ;p

Oh and yeah my hubs is crazy strong. He used to compete in bodybuilding and Strongman comps. He's 52, and I'm trying to convince him to do a BB show, but he's not a fan of the diet, but who is?!? Gotta suck it up buttercup!! Lol!