Autumn Swansen is the proud owner of a sculpted and muscular physique that is now ranked among the top five in the world.
But she wants more.
The Decatur woman muscled her way into the top ranks of women’s physique bodybuilding by finishing fifth in the Olympia Women’s Physique Showdown held in Las Vegas in September.
Swansen was in a field of 30 competitors who, like her, had won their place in the invitation-only event based on their performance in other championships.
“When I say I got fifth, people go ‘Oh,’ ” said Swansen, 30. “But this is fifth out of 30 of the top people from all over the world. It’s a big deal.”
But not big enough for Swansen. Women’s physique bodybuilding is judged on bodies that are honed with highly developed, but not overly developed muscle, and Swansen says she has got room to improve and take another shot at Olympia.
“By finishing in the top five, I automatically requalify for 2016’s showdown,” added Swansen, a “Rehabcare” physical therapist who works at Hickory Point Christian Village. “And yes, I will be going back.”
Swansen’s husband, Brent, is also a competitive bodybuilder and helps her train and stick to a punishing diet regimen. They’ve analyzed videos of herself striking poses at the Olympia Showdown and determined her weak spot is her back musculature.
“Definitely, my back needs to get bigger,” she said. “So my main focus is going to be on training that more frequently.”
Both Swansens regularly work out with a group of bodybuilders called “Underground Athletes,” assisting each other to get better.
She said targeted training is the way to win: “We don’t just go the gym to get a good sweat going,” she added. “We are really focusing on what we need to do to fill the gaps in our physiques.”
Courtesy of: Herald & Review