Hutt Valley body-builder Carolyn Mailo doesn’t let her age or arthritis become obstacles in her chosen sport.
She can look back on 2015 with satisfaction; she won all four competitions she entered.
It was an impressive feat for the 49-year-old, who is limited by arthritis in the exercise she can do before competitions.
She won physique class titles in both national and regional events across both the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) and International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) associations.
Mailo said that the physique class saw contestants having “the more bulky look”, with a more muscular appearance.
Although she dabbled in body-building when she was 18, Mailo first competed when she was 35.
“I had a year off when I had a child then [was] back on stage after that.”
Dieting ahead of competitions was “always a challenge” but over the years Mailo had learnt how to better manage the pre-competition process.
“It’s quite gruelling going through a 16 week diet,” she said.
“You’re pretty much removing sugar and fats from your diet and dropping the number of carbs and calories.”
That dieting went alongside 4-5 gym sessions a week.
“Usually two days on, one day off.”
On top of that, Mailo would go on 45-60 minute walks five or six times a week to get cardio exercise.
“You have to increase it as you get closer to competition day.”
Mailo said she walked rather than ran because of arthritis in her hip.
“Because of that I’m generally power walking or on the cycle.”
“I just get through it. I’ve found some good supplements to take too.
“I’m not going to let it stop me doing what I enjoy.”
Mailo said her interest in body-building was piqued when she was 18 after reading a book about Miss Olympia.
“She just had the most beautiful body, she was strong and very feminine,” Mailo said.
By competing in non-professional body-building events, Mailo was able to avoid steroids.
“To get into the professional side you have to get into the steroid regime hard which I would never want to do.”
With steroid use came ugly ugly consequences for women, she said.
“A lot of professional body-builders just change into men.
“I think it’s important to maintain a feminine appearance.”
Courtesy of: The Dominion Post