Muscle mum Blanka Harvey became a UK champion bodybuilder just three years after joining a gym. And later this month, she will compete against bodybuilders from across the globe at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Championships.
It's a far cry from her previous unhealthy lifestyle when she loved tucking into McDonald's takeaways, doughnuts and chocolate. Following the birth of her two children, Blanka Harvey piled on the pounds.
After reaching 13 stone and feeling unhealthy and unhappy, she decided to join a gym. And within a matter of months, Blanka had become a qualified fitness instructor and Zumba teacher.
She lost an impressive 32kg and dropped four dress sizes in two years before turning her passion to bodybuilding in April last year. The 5ft 6ins fitness fanatic, who trains six times a week and now weighs eight stone, then began entering bodybuilding contests.
She went on to claim two British titles the same year that she took up the sport. And November 19, she will compete against 20 other bodybuilders from around the world at the finals in Los Angeles.
Blanka, who lives with her four-year-old daughter and three-year-old son in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, said: “I joined the gym six weeks after giving birth to my second. I was always very active and fit before the children and I gained a lot of weight during the second pregnancy.
"I wanted to join the gym to get back to the fitness levels that I had before my pregnancy to feel a bit better about myself. But I haven't stopped exercising since.
“During lockdown I taught from home and I completed my level two fitness instructor license. I tried to use lockdown to my benefit.
“Before I was in a management role in hospitality, there was so much stress and long working hours. Now I get to laugh and dance and giggle with the Zumba ladies.
“My family were really proud of me. My dad thinks I’m a bit too thin, they joke around with me, but they are very supportive.
"I work now as a personal trainer, I coach about 25 ladies as well as the Zumba classes which people are welcome to come and join my classes. And I still manage to fit the school run in every day."
"I came out of lockdown with an entirely new career," added the 31-year-old. "Then I've got into bodybuilding and I happened to be a successful at it.
"I wanted to take my physique to the next level. I also wanted to set an example for my clients and to be someone to look up to."
Blanka started her bodybuilding training last April 2021 before winning her first show in September that year and then winning the WNBF British Finals the same year. And she loves getting done up for the occasion.
"I have the glam and the tan and the beautiful makeup," she said. “I used to live in high heels so I loved competing in it - walking in high heels is natural to me.
“It might sound a little bit cheesy but I do love the attention. I'm working in the gym 24/7 and I'm sweaty and worn out and it’s so lovely that I can showcase what I'm working for.
“For the world championship I’m trying my real best to get the training in but I’m just really excited about the whole experience and being part of Team GB."
Blanka's diet before
Breakfast: Full English breakfast.
Lunch: Sandwiches with snacks of chocolate, crisps
Dinner: Curry, fish and chips
Blanka's diet now
Breakfast: Three eggs, wholegrain toast, raw salad
Lunch: Chicken breast, rice, roast vegetables, protein shake
Dinner: Fish/beef/chicken with potato and vegetables
