IPL APEX VII Masters Bikini Model, Angels & Sports Model Champion Lesley Beck
“That’s when the emotion comes in as well…just that feeling of accomplishment. I still sit back and can’t believe I’m an IPL Pro.”
Lesley Beck is currently the most decorated IPL Pro on the circuit today, boasting an impressive nine Pro titles. In this exclusive interview Lesley shares her experience as a Pro Bikini Model Champion. Fitness Angels, her love for the glamour of the division, and her creative expression. Additionally, Lesley provides insights into her experiences in Pro Sports Model, candidly discussing victories, challenges, and maintaining a champion’s mindset. As she looks ahead to the 9th Annual IPL Arizona Championship, just just over 2 months away, Lesley hints at her ambitious goal of clinching a new Pro Card in Masters Swimsuit Model.
BEN YOSEF: Okay, here we go! For this interview I want to go into each of your APEX VII divisions. But first, major congratulations to you for bringing it once again! I know that APEX VII was a show that you weren’t planning on doing, but decided to enter at the last minute. What’s your overall take on hitting the APEX VII stage and how things played out?
LESLEY BECK: Thank you! You know, I just felt like I had to do it being that it’s the pinnacle end of the year show. Coming off a successful August show, I decided I wasn’t going to put as much pressure on myself and just have fun.
BEN: The evening before APEX, you would make your first appearance on IPL PRESS PASS, press conferences with the Pros. What was that experience like for you?
"THE QUESTIONS WERE GREAT, AND I LOVED KIND OF REMINISCING ON MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE IPL."
LESLEY: PRESS PASS was a lot of fun. The questions were great and I loved kind of reminiscing on my journey through the IPL.
BEN: So, let’s break down each of your divisions. First up for you was Pro Masters Bikini Model. There, you would face off with new Pro, Renee Curzie, who had just earned her Pro Qualification earlier in the show and decided to hop in and compete as a Pro. You would end up taking 1st in that class, adding another Pro title title to your collection. I’ve always been meaning to ask you this…throughout your 9 Pro wins there are times when you are announced as the 1st place winner, where you appear to get emotional, almost like the win was a surprise for you. What was it like competing against Renee in that class? And were you surprised that you walked away with that victory?
"THAT’S WHEN THE EMOTION COMES IN AS WELL...JUST THAT FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. I STILL SIT BACK AND CAN’T BELIEVE I’M AN IPL PRO."
LESLEY: As for being surprised and emotional when I win, I’m always surprised! That’s not to say I’m not confident, because I am. But the competition is always so on point. I can’t say that I’ve ever looked at another competitor and thought, “Oh yeah, I’ve got this for sure.” That’s when the emotion comes in as well…just that feeling of accomplishment. I still sit back and can’t believe I’m an IPL Pro.
BEN: Well, not only an IPL Pro, but currently the most winning IPL Pro on the circuit today. Nine Pro titles. What did you think about that new promo poster that went out with you at the top, with the most Pro wins?
LESLEY: Wow, I was stunned. I had no idea. Seeing that was definitely a new motivator for sure!
BEN: Next for you was Pro Masters Fitness Angels, where you would snag another Pro title. Taking your total IPL career victory count in this class to six. You have expressed that you are a big fan of this division. What is it about Fitness Angels that excites you? And what is it like basically being the queen of IPL Pro Masters Fitness Angels?
"THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT BEING ABLE TO BRING OUT YOUR INDIVIDUALITY AND JUST OWNING IT."
LESLEY: I’ve always loved the glamour that is Fitness Angels. I have so much fun picking out all of the accessories and being creative with it. There’s something special about being able to bring out your individuality and just owning it.
BEN: Finally, at APEX you would hit Pro Sports Model in both Masters and Open. Starting with Masters, you went up against Jiren Mosqueda who was making her Pro Debut. There you would walk away with the win and another Pro title. What was it like going up against Jiren? How were you feeling after snagging that win?
“…I ENDED UP LOVING MY LOOK AND ROUTINE. AGAIN, ANOTHER CATEGORY WHERE WE’RE ABLE TO SHOW CREATIVITY WHICH I LOVE.”
LESLEY: It was so much fun getting back into the Sports Model division after taking a break from it the past few competitions. I kind of made a last minute change with my theme, and I’m glad I did because I ended up loving my look and routine. Again, another category where we’re able to show creativity which I love. Jiren was a fierce competitor! It was not an easy win so I felt honored and humbled, as always.
BEN: Then, in Pro Open Sports Model, you would go up against Shelby Anthony, also making her Pro Debut. You had to settle for 2nd place there, as Shelby took the win. What was it like competing against Shelby? And did you have a feeling at any point that she might be getting the upper hand?
LESLEY: Shelby brought such a fantastic all-around package with her theme and routine. It fit her so well and her win was more than deserved. With that being said, I don’t know if I went in thinking she had the upper hand. I try not to think about that because I never want to get in my own head. But I wasn’t surprised with the outcome, nor was I disappointed.
BEN: Really great perspective. Love the champion mindset. At this point in your IPL career and your success at the Pro level you are one of our Pros who is basically competing for free because you keep placing in the money at all of your shows. I don’t think I’ve asked anyone this question in an interview yet, but what is it like for you basically competing for free?
“IT’S A BLESSING. BUT IF I DIDN’T DO IT FOR FREE, I WOULD STILL COMPETE WITHOUT A DOUBT BECAUSE OF MY LOVE FOR THE SPORT.”
LESLEY: Well, I’m certainly not going to complain! It’s a blessing. But if I didn’t do it for free, I would still compete without a doubt because of my love for the sport.
BEN: Being 41-years-young qualifies you to compete in the Masters classes, where you have earned several Pro Qualifications and Pro titles. You are also Pro Qualified in divisions within Pro Open. Yet, you normally do not enter the Pro Open classes. Many of us, including myself, think you would do damage in Pro Open as well. Why have you not made it a habit of entering Pro Open?
LESLEY: Well, I certainly appreciate the compliment! As empowering as this sport is, I can still acknowledge that I often struggle with self-doubt and insecurity at times. I’m sure there is a part of me subconsciously that thinks I can’t hang with someone in their 20’s or 30’s. But look, at the end of the day I’m proud to represent the Masters category. As someone who used to dread aging, that used to think it was all downhill after 40, that never imagined I’d have two magazine covers under my belt approaching 42, you better believe I wear it as a badge of honor! I would absolutely love to see more and more representation of women that are 40+ competing.
BEN: Love it. Finally, at this time you are registered to return to the stage this spring at the 9th Annual IPL Arizona Championship. What can we expect you to bring at that contest?
LESLEY: As for my next competition…as always, a “W” in every category is always the goal! And I’m beyond stoked to be going for a new Pro Card in Master’s Swimsuit Model! NMI
About the interviewer:
Ben Yosef
Ben is the Publisher of NATURALMAG and the President & Founder of the International Physique League.
More Lesley Beck
NATURALMAG Cover Story – Making History! Lesley Beck Becomes The IPL’s First Ever Bikini Model Pro!
“I really hope that this division is able to grow with more athletes bringing their creativity and flare to it. And have as much fun as I did! I love being able to be onstage in something that I would wear in everyday life, like on vacation or to the beach.”
VIGOROUS Magazine: MORE! 11X IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck
“…I’m in better shape and have more confidence at 42 than I did at 22. It’s never too late.”
NATURALMAG – IPL APEX VII Masters Bikini Model, Angels & Sports Model Champion Lesley Beck
“That’s when the emotion comes in as well…just that feeling of accomplishment. I still sit back and can’t believe I’m an IPL Pro.”
SEAM Magazine Cover Story – Lesley Beck: Forties Are The New Twenties
“In my 20’s it was more of something to check off a list like, ok I went to the gym today. Now, I have a clear plan each and every day that’s aligned with my goals.”
Natural GAINZ Magazine: The GAINZ-Worthy Progression Of IPL Pro Lesley Beck’s Physique
“I wanted that IPL Pro Card, that 1st place finish, those accolades everyone else but me were getting.”
Natural Bikini Magazine – No Gym? No Problem.
“I love incorporating booty bands when working lower body. They add resistance to your own body weight to offer that extra boost.”
VIGOROUS Magazine – IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck Heats Up Arizona
“‘Pose’ by Yo Gotti always gets me going for obvious reasons!”
NATURALMAG: Lesley Beck – The IPL’s First Masters Shape Pro!
“Well, having a new Pro Card and being the first ever Shape Masters Pro made it a beyond amazing experience to say the least!”
IPL Bikini Model Pro Lesley Beck Lands Cover of NATURALMAG!
“Screaming!!! It’s such an honor and privilege to be on the cover of Natural Magazine! And extra special representing the IPL as the first ever Bikini Model Pro! It’s such an honor to be a part of the IPL! I am beyond happy, humbled, and motivated. Thank you so much!”
9X IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck Lands Cover Of SEAM Magazine
“It’s such an honor to be featured on yet another cover. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be my life, especially in my 40’s. It is moments like this that motivate me to keep getting better.”
SEAM Magazine Fashion & Modeling With IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck
“I think just to keep doing it and continue to step out of my comfort zone. I’m a firm believer that age shouldn’t stop you from living out your dreams. It’s so much fun.”
More From NATURALMAG Fall 2023 Issue
NATURALMAG – Rob Tenerowicz Snags IPL APEX VII Pro Masters Athletic Title
“…It feels great to be rewarded for putting in the work. And winning it for a second time makes it even more special.”
NATURALMAG Cover Story – IPL APEX VII Champ Steven Kendrick Is At The Top Of Pro Men’s Masters Bodybuilding
“…Being recognized for the countless hours and years that I’ve put into training and dieting have paid off. It is an amazing feeling. It’s not one that I even have the words to express.”
NATURALMAG – IPL APEX VII Masters Bikini Model, Angels & Sports Model Champion Lesley Beck
“That’s when the emotion comes in as well…just that feeling of accomplishment. I still sit back and can’t believe I’m an IPL Pro.”
New IPL APEX Pro Champ Steven Kendrick Lands Cover Of NATURALMAG
“Competing in the IPL has been a privilege and a great experience. Making the cover of NATURALMAG is a huge accomplishment that no one should take for granted. I love what the IPL is doing for the sport.”
More IPL Bikini Model
VIGOROUS Magazine – IPL Pro Bikini Champion Brianne Cruz – Beauty On The Beach
“It was my first time doing a photoshoot on the beach…It’s not something you can do where I live, in Alaska. It was everything and more!”
VIGOROUS Magazine – Lexi DeCristofaro: IPL Figure, Bikini Model, Fitness Angels, Sports Model & Evening Gown Pro
“Live every day like it’s your last.”
VIGOROUS Magazine: MORE! 11X IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck
“…I’m in better shape and have more confidence at 42 than I did at 22. It’s never too late.”
More IPL Fitness Angels
Natural Bikini Magazine – Brittney Truman: IPL Fitness Angels Pro Champion
“…Brittney made her IPL Pro Debut in Fitness Angels and was incredible…physique, presentation, colorful, unique, eye-catching wings/outfit…”
SEAM Magazine – Cover Story – New IPL Fitness Angels Pro Kelley Duncan Halford
“My superpower is my divine femininity…I cherish the sensual sensitivity only a woman can offer.”
NATURALMAG – Kelley Duncan Halford – New IPL Fitness Angels Pro
“Sacramento was a bucket list check off as a mom of three. But Maryland was the desire to become an IPL Pro Athlete and Cover Girl in the future.”
More IPL Women's Sports Model
SEAM Magazine – COVER STORY – Hiral Pancholi – Wife, Mother, Accountant, Pro Athlete
“I realized that this was not about losing weight anymore. It became a passion and desire to be the best I can be!”
Natural Bikini Magazine – Most Improved! Celia Kooistra
“Hard work and a lot of patience is what it took, along with relaxing and just having fun at the show.”
SEAM Magazine Q&A With IPL Pro Christina Wilson
“Go after your dreams, manifest what you want and truly believe that they will happen and they will come true.”
More From NATURALMAG
NATURALMAG – Katey Lara: APEX V Pro Women’s Athletic Winner
“I am pushing my training to new levels and working harder than ever…I’m looking forward to seeing the package I am able to bring to stage!”
NATURALMAG – Merrill Norrdin: IPL Pro Masters Evening Gown Champion
“As soon as I put on that dress, there was a total transformation for me! I felt strong and sexy! I knew I could bring it on stage too!”
NATURALMAG – Christyn Wright – New IPL Evening Gown Masters Pro
“The Evening Gown division is by far one of my favorites. I’m excited to compete again at the Pro level.”