Raw emotions fueling the passion for bodybuilding.

A few weeks ago, Ruby Beauty won first place in the second edition of the IFA Classic National Pro-AM Championship-Bodybuilding and Fitness, held in Guwahati. She spoke to TimesOfIndia about her introduction to bodybuilding, journey to the stage, and “addiction” to training.

Ruby told Times OF India that before she began her fitness journey she was an average school teacher.

“I was married and my life revolved around my family and work.”

However, a steady decline in her marriage provided the spark to change.

“After a point of time, my marriage was going south. When I confronted my husband, he said, he was not interested in me since I was fat. I would say it’s this body shaming that sowed the health seeds in my mind, and I began to look for fitness and health articles.”

All this happened in a whirlwind two years ago.

“Initially, I started walking to reduce weight and I used to walk 10 kms daily. The result was fantastic. In four months’ time, I reduced my weight from 75 kg to 50 kg. That motivated me to take up fitness seriously.”

At the gym she met Mr Karthik, who runs a nutrition factory in Arumbakkam, he helped her channel the emotional anguish into more than just fitness, showing her the world of competitive bodybuilding.

Ruby will be representing India at the NABBA Universe contest in Singapore this July. She says she is resting right now and readying for March, when the serious prep begins. Her only obstacle is that she is yet to get a sponsor.

“I have been funding my training, diet and nutrition, and competitions, all by myself. Sponsorship will really help me concentrate better and reach greater heights.”

Ruby quit her teaching job to train full time and work as a personal trainer. Despite the less conventional lifestyle, Ruby says she is living as she never has before. When asked what drives her forward, she replied,

“Happiness. I feel happy. I did not have a memorable childhood or teenage. My marriage, too, didn’t last…My mom, brother and family are happy for me. Earlier, they used to worry about me so much, especially when I started going through the rigours of dieting. But this medal has compensated all the suffering.”

She also believes that femald bodybuilding has massive potential to become mainstream in India.

“Yes, I want more women to get into bodybuilding. It’s very much achievable and will make them face life with confidence.”

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