A PILATES teacher from Paignton has been crowned a world champion in natural bodybuilding at a competition in Miami, USA.

Kelley McCourt, 47, who has been following a strict diet, exercise and weight training regime for more than 20 years, hopes to inspire others to achieve their goals through hard work and dedication.

Kelley, who has her own fitness studio in Palace Avenue, has been competing for five years, in the masters figure class for the over 40s, and has won 10 trophies, two cups and two medals.

She came second at the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation finals in September and was invited to represent Great Britain at the world finals in Miami in October.

She is not sponsored and has to fund everything herself, but it all became worthwhile after she won and became the masters figure world champion.

“”I am over the moon,”” said Kelley. “”To be the world champion is amazing.

“”It’s all done naturally, by diet and exercise. You don’t have to starve yourself. It’s not about cutting fats or carbs out of your diet, it’s about being sensible. It’s a lot of hard work.

“”I saw myself as someone who didn’t look good and was a bit fat. I started training and I loved the feeling of working my muscles. I never thought I’d get into a bikini, let alone on stage, but it has all been very rewarding.

“”I hope to inspire other people to achieve their goals through hard work and dedication. It’s been a long journey but if you put the effort in, you’ll get there.””

Source: www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/natural-bodybuilding-world-champion-from-paignton-hopes-to-inspire-others/story-29891583-detail/story.html
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