t’s not your normal career path.
For years Chelsea Dyson was a keen ballet dancer, and harboured ambitions of becoming a professional.
When she accepted that wouldn’t happen, she switched her sights in a drastically different direction – and became a bodybuilder.
And the 21-year-old, who works at the University of Huddersfield’s sports centre, has hit the ground running after swapping pirouettes for pumping iron.
She only began competing last year, but recently came third in the bikini fitness category in a national bodybuilding competition, and also took part in the Arnold Classic in Madrid, where she was in the top 15 in a contest which attracts entrants from around the world.
Chelsea, who has a 23-inch waist, said the decision to switch from ballet was very tough, as she had danced since she was seven. But as she had got older she had moved more into teaching ballet than performing, and wanted to move on.
“There is no doubt that my background in ballet was a big help, as it gave me a lot of confidence and body strength.”
She trains five or six days a week, and steps up her regime to include both weights and cardio workouts each day ahead of competitions.
She is helped by her boyfriend Sukhi Singh, who is a professional trainer in Barnsley, where she lives.
“He helps with the nutrition and the diet, as well as the training. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am now. We do it together and it’s a team effort.”
She finished dancing at 18, took a break and then moved into bodybuilding two years ago.
“I have that competitive spirit in me.
“I love working at the sports centre as everyone is of a similar mindset. I used to work in marketing, but this is more me. I love the environment.”
Courtesy of: Heddersfield Daily Examiner