Susan Simons Excited About Upcoming Contest
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian physique athlete Susan Simons has set her sights on a top-two finish at the NPC Worldwide Royal Grand Prix Bermuda Regional at the Ruth Seaton James Centre in Devonshire on Saturday [September 9].
Simons, who will compete in the wellness masters and wellness open divisions, returned to training in January in preparation for the event after taking a year off last year.
She must secure a top-two finish to remain nationally qualified for contests in the United States as she continues her goal of winning a pro card.
The 40-year-old believes she is well-suited to the wellness class, which focuses on symmetry, proportions, general appearance and the overall package.
“I’m excited about the show, and it’s great to showcase our local bodybuilders,” Simons told Bernews.
“I’m not sure how many competitors I’ll be up against in my classes, so it’s a case of turning up with your best self and seeing how it goes.”
The mother-of-one, who trains under Matt Weitz of Pro Physique, has been competing for four years and has a busy schedule of overseas events planned for next year as she continues her quest to earn a pro card.
“The plan is to remain nationally qualified, take a diet break, and then have a building [muscle] phase,” said Simons, who trains at the Ultimate Fitness Club in Devonshire.
“I probably won’t step on stage again until March [after the Grand Prix]. I have about three shows lined up in the US next year. I want to turn pro in the States – that’s my goal.”
A friendly bet led to Simons becoming a bodybuilder, admitting she had “never picked up a weight in her life” until five years ago.
She stepped on stage for the first time at the Bermuda Bodybuilding Fitness Federation Night of Champions in 2018, coming last in her class, but the experience inspired her to immerse herself in the sport.
“I’d always gone to watch the show and cheer on my friends competing,” said Simons, who won two classes – the wellness masters and figure masters – at the IFBB Pro League Caribbean Grand Prix Bermuda Pro Qualifier in March last year. “At the start of the year, my friend Ed Daniels bet me I couldn’t get ready for the show.
“I’m pretty competitive, so I took the bet, and Ed trained me for three months. I stepped on stage in August and came dead last, but it lit a fire under me.
“I realised I love this sport. I’ve never come last again!”
All the best Susan you can do it
You’ve got this Susan ❤️❤️❤️