While the world pushes an increasingly narrow norm for body beauty, some women are pushing back hard with their ripped quads, delts and abs.
Ten ripped women gathered to compete in the Sport Expo Model Physique Contest on Friday, and we were there to meet them. Despite facing media ideals of women as anorexic, cartoon teens, more women in Thailand have embraced physiques crafted by bodybuilding, a practice once considered a Western curiosity.Competitions for women began about eight years ago. Think of the national pastime of beauty pageants focused only on figure and form. And the only talent contest is decided by how much work you put into toning your physique.
These aren’t the stereotypical butch-men presented by the media for shock value. It’s not just about power and bulk, as there are different types of contests. Power and sexuality infuse their femininity in physique contests which look for women with the best symmetry and shape, muscle tone, poise and beauty.
Most of these women hold normal jobs, where their incredibly fit and toned bodies may go unnoticed.
Text by Todd Ruiz & Watsamon Tri-yasakda
Original Post on Coconuts Bangkok
Original Post on Coconuts Bangkok
Elena Vorobyeva, 30, works in a travel agency on Koh Samet. She’s only been training about three months, she said.
“This is my second competition. Although I work as a fitness trainer on Koh Samet, I’m here to have a great time,” said third-place winner Ekaterina Ivankova, 30. “It feels great to be on stage with clothes we sewed.”
“I’m just an ordinary office lady who enjoys sport and exercise,” said Natthiya Tangaram, 43. “I didn’t prepare much for this contest, as I had short notice, but I’m here to have a great time.”
“I’m a housewife with one kid, but that doesn’t stop me from exercising to have this great body,” said second-place winner Anuchsara Roobpare, 30.
“I used to be a fat girl,” said Jureephan Raksaaj, 28. “Weightlifting is part of my exercise routine that makes me proud of my body.”
From left: Anuchsara Roobpare (second place), Hanna Kopka (first place), Ekaterina Ivankova (third place), Duangrat Jairuen (fifth place), Phuong Huynh (fourth place).
