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Cover Story: Will IPL Pro Ariana Rae Stewart Dominate The IPL’s New Shape Division?

On the latest cover of NATURALMAG, we spotlight Ariana Rae Stewart, who has captivated the world of physique competitions with her remarkable journey, jaw-dropping bod, and recent triumph at the April 2024 IPL Virginia Championship. Having earned her IPL Pro Card in the Bikini Model Open class, Ariana’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Just 15 weeks before the competition, she was grappling with doubts and challenges, but her dedication paid off spectacularly. With impressive placements across multiple divisions and a powerful personal narrative, Ariana embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the IPL. As she transitions from overcoming significant personal hurdles to setting her sights on new goals within the IPL, her journey continues to inspire and motivate.

“…THE BIKINI MODEL DIVISION WAS A STRUGGLE BECAUSE THE POSING WAS NEW TO ME. IT WAS THE DIVISION I WAS MOST NERVOUS ABOUT. THEN BOOM, PRO CARD!”

NATURALMAG: Congratulations on earning your IPL Pro Card in the Bikini Model Open class at the Virginia Championship! How did you feel when you heard your name announced as a Pro?
ARIANA RAE STEWART: I felt overwhelmed! But in a good way. All I could think about was 15 weeks prior to this show I doubted I was going to make it through prep, let alone become a Pro! On top of that, the Bikini Model division was a struggle because the posing was new to me. It was the division I was most nervous about. Then boom, PRO CARD!
NATURALMAG: You competed in multiple divisions at the Virginia Championship, placing impressively in each. How did it feel doing so well at this show? And which division was your favorite?
ARIANA: It felt like a dream come true. It felt like I had overcome a mountain. I had struggled with binge eating for a year prior to this competition, and gained over 75 lbs, weighing a total of 240 lbs. In December 2023, Samantha Rae talked to me about competing. I told her there was no way I would be on anyone’s stage by April 2024. The fact that I made it was a WIN on its own. Then doing exceedingly well exceeded my expectations! My favorite division was definitely Bikini Model.

"...I LEARNED FOR MYSELF THAT THE IPL HAD SO MUCH TO OFFER. FROM A PLETHORA OF DIVISIONS TO CHOOSE FROM, TO MAGAZINES, TO PODCASTS…I WAS FULLY TUNED IN."

NATURALMAG: What initially drew you to the world of physique competitions?
ARIANA: The desire to want to look like a superhero.
NATURALMAG: Can you share a bit about your journey into the IPL?
ARIANA: I competed in my first show in Winter of 2022 with an organization outside of the IPL. After that show I had a hard fall. I struggled with reverse-dieting and I fell into binge eating. I felt alone, overlooked, embarrassed, and defeated. I had made a decision that I did not want to compete in another physique competition.
     Samantha Rae, IPL Pro, reached out to me about the IPL. I told her I was not interested because of my history with competing. She told me the IPL was completely different. She shared with me the different divisions and the endless opportunities the IPL offered. Plus, Sam was someone I looked up to, and trusted, so I took her word for it. I finally did my research and spent two hours scoping the IPL page and YouTube channel. Then I learned for myself that the IPL had so much to offer, from a plethora of divisions to choose from, to magazines, to podcasts…I was fully tuned in.

“…IT FEELS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE. NOW IN 2024, THAT DREAM IS MY REALITY!”

NATURALMAG: Being on the cover of NATURALMAG is a significant milestone. How does it feel to be recognized for your achievements in such a prominent way?
ARIANA: I hate to sound redundant, but it feels like a dream come true. Prior to this opportunity, I remember creating my first vision board in 2015. After that, I consistently made vision boards yearly. On every vision board I put that I wanted to be a sports model on a magazine cover. NOW in 2024, that dream is my reality!
NATURALMAG: How do you maintain balance between your personal life, work, and the rigorous demands of training and preparing for competitions?
ARIANA: That is something I am currently working on. As a full-time personal trainer and competitor, I am in the gym at least 12 hours a day, 6 times a week which takes a toll on my personal life. I have learned to create a block schedule throughout the year. For example, if I know I am going to prep for 4 months, those 4 months are dedicated to prep. Then after those 4 months I will spend time catching up with family, pulling back from training just a little bit, and making more time for myself, until it’s time to go back into another prep.

“THE DAY BEFORE MY FIRST IPL COMPETITION THE SHAPE DIVISION WAS ANNOUNCED. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, ‘THIS IS ME!’”

NATURALMAG: The IPL’s new “Shape” division is generating a lot of buzz, and you’ve expressed interest in competing there. For those unfamiliar, how would you describe this division and what unique qualities do you believe will set it apart from other divisions?
ARIANA: The day before my first IPL competition the “Shape” division was announced. I thought to myself, “this is me!” I would describe the division as what my mom would call, “thick and fit”. For individuals who have an athletic appearance, with the evidence of a fuller, hourglass figure.
NATURALMAG: What aspects of your training and physique do you feel align particularly well with the requirements and judging criteria of the Shape division?
ARIANA: When I train, I target all parts of the body. I train my lower body 2-3x a week, and upper body 2-3x a week. I train both with the same intensity, although legs take a little bit more out of me. The requirement for shape is to have symmetry, in the upper and lower body. In addition to my training, growing up I was always considered the “fuller” girl. This is something I used to dread and now it is something I love and fully embrace. And aligns perfectly with the newly added IPL Shape division.

“I AM KNOWN FOR HAVING HUGE LEGS AND A GREAT BACK. BUT I PLAN ON BRINGING MORE MASS IN MY UPPER AND LOWER BODY AND ADDING MORE INTENTIONALITY IN MY WEAKER AREAS.”

NATURALMAG: How do you plan to differentiate yourself in the Shape division compared to your approach in other divisions like Bikini Model and Fitness Angels? What elements of your presentation or physique do you believe will resonate most with judges and fans?
ARIANA: Usually during the off season, I may take a break. But I am working with my coach to spend this time and to be strategic. I am known for having huge legs and a great back. But I plan on bringing more mass in my upper and lower body and adding more intentionality in my weaker areas. I may even have a four pack. That’s the goal!

“I WANT TO BECOME AN IPL SHAPE PRO! I ALSO WANT TO USE MY EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION TO BECOME AN INSPIRATION FOR OTHER WOMEN LIKE ME WHO WANT TO COMPETE, BUT MAY FEEL LIKE THERE IS ‘NO PLACE’ FOR THEM.”

NATURALMAG: Looking ahead, what are your goals within the IPL and beyond? Are there specific achievements or milestones you’re aiming for in your career with the league?
ARIANA: I want to become an IPL SHAPE PRO! I also want to use my experience within the organization to become an inspiration for other women like me who want to compete, but may feel like there is “no place” for them. Since I have become part of the organization, I share the organization with aspiring and professional bodybuilders who I feel need to have the all-encompassing IPL experience! NMI

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