SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — When reflecting on the past 10 years in competitive bodybuilding, 36-year-old Jess Friesen can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible community that she has become a part of.

“As athletes in this sport we are often very misunderstood, so to be around others who understand the grind and the struggles we face gives you a sense of belonging and isn’t as lonely feeling, despite it being an individual sport.”

While the league she competes within allows for the use of performance enhancing drugs, her personal choice as an athlete is to remain natural.  As a woman, it is difficult to gain substantial amounts of lean muscle tissue, so to stand next to athletes who make different personal choices that allow for greater gains and leaner body composition can be very intimidating for an athlete taking on the natural approach.

“I manage this by accepting that my choices are different from others and that I will bring my best regardless.  I don’t compare myself to others as their story is very different than mine and I have to respect and honour that.” says Jess, adding “I love the personal growth one obtains through this sport.  You learn a lot about yourself and your capabilities because it’s you against you every single day.”

Jess has become very methodical about her approach to training, noting that visualization is a key strategy when preparing for competitions and shows.  “I visualize everything about the moment – from presentation to the way I feel being on stage.  I put my headphones on and listen to music to get into the zone.  I breathe and put myself in a place of gratitude for making it, for being able to do what I do and that I didn’t give up.  Once you know you gave it your all and didn’t give up – the rest is just fun and you need to take a moment to ENJOY it.”

A new lesson is learned at every show she enters.  “I’ve never not made a mistake!” Jess laughs.  “I did not practice my posing and stage presence enough during my first few years. I lacked confidence on stage so I was determined to overcome that, even if it meant entering a show last minute in order to gain more practice in front of an audience.”

Jess notes that her goals are focused around aesthetics with strength and functionality also being very important.  The ultimate dream in this sport is to obtain a Pro Card and become a professional athlete within the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness.  For anyone considering this sport, it is important to understand as much as you can before committing.  Jess recommends speaking to a coach and other athletes.

“To the outside world it may seem glamorous but there are a lot of unhealthy practices that take place and you need to be aware of these things.  You also need to be in a good place mentally and financially before you decide to compete.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.