In less than one year, body builder Elizna Bouwer from Jeffreys Bay, has continued to work hard to achieve the fitness level she desires which has seen her recently being crowned as the Ms Universe Bangkok in the women’s athletic figure, while representing South Africa at the World Fitness Federation’s (WFF) World Championships.
Bouwer initially started exercising in August last year to get her body fit for her December holiday, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
The excitement she felt while exercising prompted her to participate in her first body building competition, Sport Model in Bloemfontein in November last year where she was placed sixth in the overall competition and second in the women’s athletics figure.
She said after her first competition she was hooked on the sport and in June this year she participated in the WFF provincial show where she achieved first place and was chosen to represent South Africa in Bangkok.
“The body building bug bit me and after my first competition I have just wanted to participate in other body building shows as well,” said Bouwer.
To her surprise, while representing her country at the world championships in July this year, she won the title of Ms Universe Bangkok in the women’s athletic figure.
“I did not expect to win the competition because there were at least 12 different countries that participated in the competition. When the announcement was made, I was knocked off my feet,” said Bouwer.
“Next year I plan to participate in the nationals again where I hope to achieve my pro card. Thereafter, I am hoping to take part in the world championships in Mexico in June next year,” said Bouwer.
To further her knowledge in the fitness and body building industry, she recently began an online course to become a personal trainer, which has enabled her to learn more about healthy diets and lifestyles.
In November, Bouwer will be joining Edge Fitness in Jeffreys Bay as a personal trainer and is excited to share the knowledge she has learnt thus far.
She said she is very proud of the hard work and discipline she has put in everyday and now she is looking forward to helping others achieve the fitness level they hope for.
“Fitness has become a part of who I am, and it is my life now,” said Bouwer.
“I want to encourage others to work towards their goals as well. Everything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
