“When I opened up my social media Sunday morning and saw myself on the cover of INSPIRE Magazine I was in total shock! Minutes before I saw the cover, I had received and read a message from a college-aged girl that I used to work out with. She was thanking me, out of the blue, for being a positive influence and for impacting her life. I mean, WOW, what in the world? How is this happening and what is the Universe trying to tell me? I was and am a complete ball of emotions and it’s difficult to put into words my gratitude for my entire journey. I get so choked up when I think about it. When I started back at the gym in 2020, I honestly never would have imagined that at a month shy of 50 I’d see myself on the cover of a fitness inspiration magazine or that anyone would want to hear my story of how I got here. In the beginning, getting to the gym and walking through the door every afternoon was one of the most difficult things to do, but I kept showing up. When I embarked on the journey to the stage this past year, I really didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t know much about the IPL. But today I am blown away with the incredible experience I had prepping for the Sunshine Classic. Seeing the physical and mental changes, pushing through all the negative thoughts and self-doubt. The whole experience of that weekend will be one I will always cherish. The entire IPL community has been so welcoming from the tanning process with Danielle, the day of the competition with all the other athletes, my photoshoot with Ben the following day, and these months after. Everyone is so down to earth and encouraging. I was honored to have been asked to represent the IPL as one of their Contracted Athletes and feel extremely grateful for the experience to tell my story. I think that so many times people have a preconceived idea about this sport and athletes that participate in it. I love that the IPL digs deeper than only showcasing the final package and examines and celebrates all the things that make these athletes human, relatable and an inspiration to those they come in contact with. I look forward to my future growth and I can’t wait for my next time on stage with the IPL!”

Deanna Faulkner - IPL Figure Pro