The (REAL) bodies exhibition

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Lorraine Handley competes in the MABBA bodybuilding provincials at the Pantages Playhouse. At right, Handley before beginning her training.

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Did you go to see the bodies exhibition and were astounded by the human body and all of its muscles? There is even a better way to see the marvels of the human body... by going to see a live bodybuilding competition. After listening to a colleague talk for two months about a competition his wife was entering, I had to go and find out for myself what this was all about. It is rare that you meet someone who can inspire you to realize anything's possible. The more I listened, the more fascinated I became and the more myths I'd learned about bodybuilding became debunked. Let me introduce you to Lorraine Handley.

It was 2005 and Handley attended a gala dinner to receive the Employer of the Year Award from LifeWorks, an organization that helps adults with intellectual disabilities work in the community. Looking at the pictures from the evening, she couldn't believe how out of shape the person in the picture was she had become. She decided something had to be done and this had to change. So Handley started to work out.

After enjoying the success of getting into shape, Handley branched into more serious bodybuilding training three years ago. Her goal was to be a fit, fabulous 50-year-old. From her start in 2005, her 5-foot-4 frame went from 218 lbs. to 137 lbs. In March this year, at age 47, she entered into her first competition and placed first in both the categories she showed: Master Women and Heavyweight Women. That earned her an invite to compete in the MABBA bodybuilding provincials on Saturday, where she weighed in at 126 lbs. Saturday night, Handley won first in both categories again (if 126 lbs. is heavyweight, I don't want to see what category I'd be in). An incredible feat in her first year of competing.

Bodybuilding myth No. 1: I used to think bodybuilders just ate a lot of protein and did not have a balanced diet. In fact, the body can only absorb so much protein, so after a certain point it doesn't make sense to eat any more. And in order to build muscle, your diet must contain at least 25 per cent fat. Your body needs the nutrients from all the food groups to be able to function at a high athletic level. So no, body builders do not just eat protein.

Bodybuilding myth No. 2: I thought bodybuilders did no cardio and only cared about lifting weights. Handley can put probably 95 per cent of our population to shame -- OK, maybe per cent when it comes to cardio. As part of her training, she does two hours of cardio a day including running up the steep grassy portion of Westview Park (affectionately known to Winnipeggers as garbage hill) 20 times. Most people look at that steep incline in fear and say 'no thanks.'

Bodybuilding myth No. 3: I thought bodybuilding was a very unhealthy lifestyle. Handley is living proof that it isn't. She is in the best shape of her life, is active, balances weights with cross-training and a healthy diet. And you can't wipe that genuine smile off her face.

Competitors overcome various things through bodybuilding: time pressures; family & work pressures; self-doubt. Bodybuilding rebuilds more than the body. It teaches you self-discipline, the importance of proper care for yourself (inside and out), the feeling of accomplishment, realizing you can succeed and the importance of the support of family and friends. The hard work makes you a stronger, dedicated person, compassionate and thankful to be able to achieve your personal goals.

Not only is it amazing what the human body is capable of but what a success story for someone who decided it was time to make to make a change and get in shape. So wherever you are at, whatever age you are, it is never too late to get into shape. It is amazing how the body can reshape itself. Start now, start small and build it up to wherever it takes you. Find whatever sport that works for you and get out there.

You never know, you may be in for the surprise of your life.

And, Lorraine Handley, are the nationals next?

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 5, 2011 A8