Sport
11 October, 2023
Silver placings in bodybuilding debut
Lowood-based Sandi Constantine achieved medals in all four categories she entered in the annual I Compete Natural (ICN) Brisbane Classic, held at Sleeman Sports Complex late last month.
Sandi earned silver medals as she placed second in the Sports First Timer, Sports Model Mumma and Fitness Model First Timer categories, and she also gained bronze in Fitness Open.
Remarkably it was the first time she entered a bodybuilding event.
“I have always tried to live a healthy lifestyle and was inspired by a few women that had already competed in bodybuilding,” she said.
“This was my first competition and I absolutely loved it.”
Sandi said the only competition of a similar type which she had attended was Miss Fitness on the Gold Coast.
Not knowing what to expect at the ICN Brisbane Classic, Sandi said she was “so excited” and “could barely believe it” when she heard her placings.
“It was a very busy and fast paced day,” she said.
“I was just trying to concentrate on what I needed to do.”
Sandi said some competitors were very serious “but maybe more nervous than anything”.
“Some of us were chatting and wishing each other good luck when heading on stage,” she said.
“For me personally, I was nervous and absolutely buzzing.”
Sandi said the judges looked for something different in each category as the body was judged on shape symmetry and toned muscle while other important aspects were stage presence, confidence and posing.
The Lowood resident said her favourite pose was the back pose while coaching advice included “staying in your lane” and “learning to pose and practice, practice, practice”.
Sandi’s preparation involved training at least five days each week for 12 months, as well as adhering to an eating plan.
Her training involved weight training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio, while she followed a particular eating regime under the guidance of her coach Karen Plum from Performance Nutrition and Training.
“I wouldn’t look at it like a diet; it was a healthy lifestyle change,” Sandi said.
“I was eating more than I had ever eaten, and enjoyed the process very much.
“I have always had a passion for food and have learnt so many ways to enjoy healthy options.”
Sandi stressed that ICN competitors couldn’t take any banned substances, and that they had to be aware of what was in the products they consumed.
As for whether it was hard to maintain her rigid training and eating lifestyle, Sandi said, “I definitely had my moments when I struggled, but like anything new it just takes practice, time, and patience with yourself.
“It’s your choice. You have to make that decision and get up and get it done.”
Sandi treated herself to a burger with onion rings and chips after the conclusion of the event, and later quipped that she “paid for it that night”.
“It was still worth it,” she said with a chuckle.
Having loved her experience in the ICN Brisbane Classic, Sandi said she would work towards another competition next year and give it her “absolute best”.
Meanwhile, she is already gearing up to take part in another event, which will be Miss Fitness at the Gold Coast on Sunday.
Originally from the Victorian city of Geelong, Sandi moved to the Gold Coast in 2001 at the age of 17, before moving to Lowood in 2015.
Sandi worked as a pharmacy assistant and in customer service roles before changing direction, and now she works as a nutrition coach and a group fitness instructor while also being a qualified personal trainer.
“I have always enjoyed helping people, and three years ago I made the decision to change careers and study nutrition and fitness,” she said.
“I am happy I made the change.
“It is so rewarding to help others reach their fitness and nutrition goals.
“It was such a positive experience to commit this time to myself so I can better relate to others and help others on their journey.”
Sandi said bodybuilding had also become part of her everyday routine.
“It makes me feel strong, capable and empowered,” she said.
“It’s the best way to start the day!”
