Alexis Richens Excited For Bahamas Show
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Alexis Richens has always felt at home on stage and credits her dance background for giving her the tools needed to navigate the challenges of bodybuilding.
The 31-year-old made her competition debut last summer at the NPC Worldwide Royal Grand Prix Bermuda, held at CedarBridge Academy, where she claimed the overall bikini class title.
She is preparing to compete on an even larger stage next month: the NPC Worldwide Royal Grand Prix Bahamas Pro Qualifier in Nassau, where nine prestigious pro cards will be up for grabs.
“There will be a lot more competition in Bahamas [than Bermuda], and I’m excited about that,” Richens told Bernews.
“My feedback from the Bermuda show was to get even leaner. I was told I had good muscle size.
“It will be great to receive the Bahamas judges’ feedback to help me make further improvements.
“I’ve zero expectations, but you always have a standard in your head.”
Richens said she was immediately drawn to the performance aspect of bodybuilding.
“I wanted to get my feet back on the stage in one form or another,” said Richens, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Jacksonville University, and a Business Management degree with a minor in marketing.
“I also wanted a mental challenge. I’d heard how challenging this sport could be; that’s definitely been the case!”
While she does not have specific long-term goals in bodybuilding, Richens is focused on making the most of her opportunities.
“Everything’s on the line in the Bahamas,” said Richens, who trains at Elite Fitness on Woodlands Road.
“I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’ll take it as far as possible!”
A co-owner of Jackson’s School of Performing Arts in Hamilton, Richens teaches a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and salsa.
She believes her extensive dance experience has been an enormous asset in bodybuilding.
“There’s a tremendous amount of crossover from dance,” said Richens, who started dancing as a four-year-old and has been teaching for more than a decade.
“I doubt I’d have done as well in the Bermuda show without my dance background – the posing wouldn’t have felt as natural.”
Richens, who is coached by Miami-based Alex Ramirez and Rosemary Jennings, added: “Ross Caesar helped me with my posing for the Bermuda show. The main piece of feedback I received from him was to slow it down!
“The judges’ wife stopped me after the show to say she couldn’t believe it was my first show because my posing was so good. That gave me a huge boost of confidence.”
You go girl!
Congratulations to you. And best wishes on your next round.
Please when you attend this event keep up your strength, stay healthy, and wellness. If you should get sick or need medical attention, one thing you don’t want to do is go to either of their hospitals. Get out of there fast!
My families experience and story is coming soon.