From The Pros: Sandy Arave - Center Stage Competition Jewels
FROM THE PROS: It's Never Too Late
In this From the Pros feature, Sandy Arave shares lessons learned through competition, perseverance, and pursuing goals later in life, offering encouragement for athletes at every stage of their journey.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN YOUR BODYBUILDING JOURNEY, AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COMPETE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
In 2022, David, my late boyfriend encouraged me to compete. I thought he had lost his mind but I followed his lead and did my first show in May of 2022. I fell in love with the sport and I am still going strong 4 years later.
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YOU BEGAN COMPETING LATER IN LIFE THAN MANY ATHLETES. WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT PURSUING NEW GOALS AND CHALLENGES?
Beginning later in life was life changing for me. It taught me that no matter how hard things get, I can go them. It taught me to not worry about what other people thought of what I was doing and I focused on meeting the goals that made me happy. It has also taught me that you can find some amazing friends along the way!
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR, WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF BEYOND PLACINGS, TITLES, OR AWARDS?
I am most proud of sticking to my plan even after suffering the loss of my boyfriend. Prep gave me focus to get out of bed, to eat and to take care of myself. Continuing through the grief helped me heal and it gave me a reason to get out of bed. The wins don’t compare to the journey or the friends I’ve made.
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WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN WHILE PURSUING YOUR IFBB PRO CARD THAT STILL GUIDE YOU TODAY?
In pursuing my IFBB Pro card I learned I had to be laser focused on my goals. I had to push myself beyond what I thought possible both physically and mentally. I made sure I had a team of people who believed in me and supported me. That discipline is a huge part of my daily life to this day. However, I have learned that I can be laser focused and still live a very balanced and amazing life while chasing my physique goals.
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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN OVER 50 WHO MAY BE CONSIDERING A FITNESS JOURNEY, LIFESTYLE CHANGE, OR STEPPING ON STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
GO FOR IT! You will never become your best self without taking a risk. We all suck at first and we are all scared to try new things but you will never know if you don’t just take the first step. Even if you fall flat on your face, you still went for it! And that’s what matters most.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE STRENGTH TODAY?
Strength to me is showing up for yourself every single day regardless of the struggles you may be facing. You are the only one responsible for your own happiness and growth. Putting yourself first is not selfish, it actually shows everyone else that when you take care of yourself your goals are endless.
WHAT CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE YOU TO COMPETE AND GROW AS AN ATHLETE?
I just love the challenge of pushing my body but recently I have been more focused on how I can inspire other women to take risks and put their health and fitness first.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Even when life feels impossible, if you just take it one day at a time, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
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