On Saturday at the Egyptian Theater commenced the OCB Midwest States bodybuilding show.

Competitors from all over the Midwest took the stage and displayed the physiques they had been slaving over, while their friends and family cheered on from the stands.

The show included four classes: Women’s Figure, Women’s Bikini, Men’s Physique and Men’s Bodybuilding, each featuring subclasses of Masters, Novice and Open groups.

Chad Forrester won the Masters Men’s Bodybuilding, and discussed with Daily Chronicle the personal transformation that the competition prep induced:

“I was a little bigger around the middle and started working out in the gym,” he said. “Soon, some friends said I should try for a show. I trained for 18 weeks.”

He said that competition didn’t come as naturally as the gym training:

“Competing was weird and scary at first. I was nervous with the lights in my face, but I couldn’t see the audience. This competition is the culmination of everything I did in a year. All my eggs were in one basket, because you only get one shot.”

These bodybuilders can spend up to 26 weeks intensely training while following a strict diet. Slade Pierce explained the competitive mentality:

“It’s not a vain thing, but to see what they’re capable of. It’s a push to limits, see what they’re made of. There aren’t body image issues; it’s a mental accomplishment.”

A women’s competitor, Brenda McCutchin, said getting into bodybuilding was a transformative experience for her too.

“I was an empty-nester and needed something to do. Bodybuilding was on my bucket list, so I went for it. My husband and kids were all supportive. Since March, I spent five days a week at the gym training. You have to be really committed and follow through to the end.

“Competing is fun, and everyone is so friendly. We’re like a big family. We have to encourage, support one another and have a good time.

“When Brenda needed help, we pushed her,” said her husband Rick. “When she needed support, we picked her up. I’ve seen a huge difference in her self-confidence, her mind and her personality. If anyone wants to give competing a try, be strong and go for it.”

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