Cindy Sanchez: Up & Coming IPL Bikini Athlete
“I wanted more people to see that they are capable of reaching for what they think they cant. Just try! Go for it! I did!”
I WAS THRILLED TO BE ON STAGE. SO MANY EMOTIONS THAT DAY…RIGHT AFTER THE SHOW I TOLD MY TEAM I CANNOT WAIT TO COMPETE AGAIN.
BEN YOSEF: Congratulations to you on the Arizona Championship! And on all the magazine features that have followed the show! How are you feeling about your first time ever competing?
CINDY SANCHEZ: Hi there! I was thrilled to be on stage. So many emotions that day. It was cool to connect with so many men and women at the show! Right after the show I told my team I cannot wait to compete again.
BEN: Love it! What originally made you want to compete and how did you find the IPL?
CINDY: Great question! Well, we were road tripping down here for our relocation. I thought to myself, what’s the next hobby I am going to get into. Well, I really wanted to get big and muscular. My family begged me not to get big like my brothers. So I looked a little bit more into it and figured why not compete in bikini to ease them into it.
I also am super amazed on what the human body can do. So I wanted to see what my body was capable of doing. I came across the IPL from my gym, Templo Fitness. A few of the girls had competed prior, so I said why not. Let’s give it a shot.
BEN: AWESOME! Great story! And I think you will be fine with your muscle building, as long as you stay “natural.” –smiles- So, Bikini was not your first division of interest?
CINDY: -smiles- Thank you. Originally no. Now I’m kind of hooked!
BEN: What divisions where you initially interested in?
CINDY: Bodybuilding and Figure.
BEN: Nice! You also competed in Inspiration and Evening Gown. What was it like for you in those classes, taking home awards in both? And do you plan on entering them again?
CINDY: We chose the Inspiration & Transformation division because being a mom to a teenager, in a new location, new in sobriety and diving into this new hobby…I wanted more people to see that they are capable of reaching for what they think they cant. Just try! Go for it! I did!
I loved the idea of dressing up in an evening gown because what women doesn’t want to find an excuse to dress up for a night. –smiles- Will I compete in these categories again? Absolutely! I have my awards where I can see them. To be honest, I did not think I would bring home any awards my first show.
BEN: Words of wisdom! And Bodybuilding and Figure? Do you still plan on going for those? Also, are there other divisions that you plan to enter?
CINDY: I plan to do Figure and definitely Bikini. Bodybuilding? Let’s work on the others first.
BEN: Nice! You have tons of potential, so I am sure you will do well in whichever divisions you pursue. And I am excited to see what’s next for you! Any final thoughts?
CINDY: I’m so grateful for all the people who have been with me through my journey. And all the new people I’ve been able to connect with. I look forward to what’s next! See you all very soon! NMI
About the interviewer:
Ben Yosef
Ben is the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of NATURALMAG and the President & Founder of the International Physique League.
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