MORE! 11X IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck
In the world of fitness modeling and physique competitions,11X IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck stands as a powerhouse. In this exclusive interview with VIGOROUS Magazine, Lesley reflects on her evolution and journey from hesitant beginnings to dominating stages. Offering insights on discipline, the impact of social media, the pivotal role of support in her career and commitment to personal growth and empowerment at any age.
Photos by Ben Yosef
...I decided for once in my life to get out of my comfort zone and the rest is history!
VIGOROUS MAGAZINE: Can you share with us how your journey into fitness modeling and physique competitions began?
LESLEY BECK: Doing a physique competition was something I had in the back of my mind for years, but I just never knew how to get started and honestly never had the courage or confidence. In early 2019 I met my friend Danielle Pela at CrossFit, and she was just signing up for her second competition. After talking to her for a bit, I decided for once in my life to get out of my comfort zone and the rest is history!
VM: What do you consider your greatest achievement in your fitness career so far?
LB: It has to be being the Pro with the most wins currently in the IPL. It’s really just surreal and so hard to believe that it’s something I have truly accomplished. When I first stepped on the stage in 2019 and didn’t come out with any wins I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I’m so grateful.
VM: What role does social media play when it comes to your fitness career?
LB: Well, I’m certainly not an influencer by any means! Despite this, I do love to use it as a tool to document my journey in hopes that it will inspire others. I do often get messages from people I know and don’t know who have questions about fitness or just send me a message saying how inspired they are by me. It truly means a lot to know I may have encouraged someone to change their life and become a healthier person.
I also utilize social media to connect with other fitness competitors for support and encouragement, especially during competition prep. I love to be able to reach out to other girls and talk about things we may be going through and kind of share some humor and encouragement along the way.
...I have still been able to maintain an active social life. I firmly believe in the importance of having fun and taking breaks so you don’t get burnt out.
VM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a fitness journey similar to yours?
LB: Discipline is key. The question I am asked most often by others is how do I stay motivated? Honestly, I’m very rarely motivated. Everything I’ve accomplished thus far is due to discipline. Getting up every morning to go work out when I’d rather lay in bed, prepping my healthy meals for the week when I’d rather be eating pizza, turning down social engagements because I know it’s going to interfere with my competition prep. These are just some of the things I’ve had to commit to in order to achieve my goals. It’s not for everyone and that’s OK. But if you truly want to change your life, you have to make yourself and your goals a priority. Even on the days when you may not want to.
VM: How has winning Pro titles impacted your career and personal life?
LB: I’m very blessed to have a supportive spouse and family. I don’t think I could’ve achieved Pro Status and continuing to win as a Pro without a partner who is by my side and 100% committed to my goals as much as I am. As previously mentioned, there have been times where I’ve had to maybe turn down a social engagement because I’m in the midst of prep, but I have still been able to maintain an active social life. I firmly believe in the importance of having fun and taking breaks so you don’t get burnt out.
VM: Can you share some of your favorite fitness routines or exercises?
LB: I know most people in bodybuilding dread cardio, and honestly that used to be me. But now I seem to have developed kind of a love-hate relationship with it. I use it as a time to kind of meditate and clear my mind. My favorite is either incline walking on the treadmill or when I get bored with that I’ll move over to the stair climber. For weightlifting I don’t try to do anything fancy. Just stick with the basics.
...I’m learning to embrace my thighs more and appreciate my lower body strength.
VM: With your physique, what would you say is your favorite body part or muscle group? And what about your least favorite?
LB: I really love how I’ve been able to develop my upper body over the past few years, especially my shoulders and back. As for my least favorite I would probably say my legs as I have always struggled with that area in particular. But I’m learning to embrace my thighs more and appreciate my lower body strength.
VM: What are some misconceptions people have about fitness modeling and physique competitions?
LB: I would say most people don’t realize how much the role of nutrition plays in prepping for a physique competition. You can literally spend hours in the gym, but if your nutrition is not on point you aren’t going to have any success.
VM: What do you enjoy most about being a fitness model and competitor?
LB: For me it’s a fun hobby. I absolutely love competing! Yes, there is anxiety and nerves that come along with every competition, but the excitement and anticipation outweighs these other emotions.
...I’m in better shape and have more confidence at 42 than I did at 22. It’s never too late.
VM: Are there any specific rituals or habits you follow before competitions?
LB: Nothing really specific per se. I certainly try to get a good nights sleep the night before competition, but I’m always anxious and excited so it’s challenging!
VM: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or goals you’re working towards?
LB: I am actually going for three new Pro Cards for the August 2024 show. I’m super excited to be throwing my hat in the new Shape division of the IPL! I’ll be competing in the Open and Masters groups in this division as well as going for my Pro Card in Masters Swimsuit Model. I am also hoping to maintain my Pro Champion status in my two favorite divisions, Fitness Angels Masters and Bikini Model Masters.
VM: Finally, how do you hope to inspire others through your journey?
LB: I hope I can just emphasize that age is nothing but a number. You can make a commitment to changing your life at any age, any stage in your life. As I tell people all the time, I’m in better shape and have more confidence at 42 than I did at 22. It’s never too late. VIGOROUS
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