Inspiring others through transformative training.

Former elementary school teacher Alicia Roark, age 32, had her world turned upside down, when she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hypoglycemia.

While combating the conditions, Roark experienced drastic weight gain, which initially interested her in taking control of her diet. She told News Journal:

“The journey was very slow, and very painful. I started out just trying to get my diet right. Then I got into running, and eventually weight training. It sort of materialized unexpectedly. I didn’t expect to become a competitor. At first I thought it would help build up my self-esteem after gaining all the weight, but then I started setting goals for myself. One thing led to another, and now I’ve nationally qualified 4-5 times, competing in the figure and bikini divisions.”

As a wife and mother of two, Roark often struggled with the selfishness of bodybuilding competition. But she is comforted about the fact that her pursuits can inspire others with serious health issues. Her children are also old enough that she can bring them to the gym, and begin building their comfort with the culture and environment.

“A big goal for me was to inspire people, even if they’ve have had issues and problems with their health in the past, to take control and do something about it. You have to be determined enough to do that, and I want to encourage others to make those changes.”

This weekend, Roark placed sixth in Open Figure at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Fitness Competition in Louisville.

She said that this competition in particular has been a strong goal for her. Despite the high placing, she said she was not at her best during the show, having to cut 20 pounds between January and April in order to qualify and having her normal training schedule disrupted.

“Considering everything that was going on, I was pretty pleased. It wasn’t a national qualifying finish, but I still got an award.”

Roark has qualified for national shows on several different occasions but declines the opportunity.

“I am content with what I have achieved. I’ve done so much more, and went so much further than I ever expected I would. This was mostly something that I’ve done for myself. I have surpassed my goals, and am content to leave it where it’s at. With my health diagnosis, and the lengths that I would have to go to in order to achieve any success at nationals, I just don’t think that it would be the best decision health-wise for me.”

For now she will continue her work as a mother and a student, pursuing a a Master’s degree in health and human performance from the University of the Cumberlands.

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