Personal trainer Becky Wright is the reigning queen of the itsy-bitsy (blue) bikini.

After being named the winner in last month’s Muscle Beach National Bikini Competition in California for the second year in a row, Ms Wright went on to win first place in her category at the Mr & Ms Muscle Beach Competition on July 4th.

A trainer with Alchemy Fitness, located on Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, she said winning both competitions was a “really cool” experience and a stepping stone in her career.

“Doing well at these events gives you more credibility in the field and gets you interest from supplement companies, sponsors and photographers,” she explained.

“It also means I am eligible to compete in the Muscle Beach National Competition grand finale in September, which I’m hoping to make it to.”

Ms Wright said her ultimate goal was to one day compete in the Natural Olympia, a competition designed for natural athletes.

It gives all its contestants drug testing to show they aren’t using any steroids or other drugs. The best part is participants can perform on an international stage with natural athletes from around the world.

Always an sporty person, Ms Wright said she got more serious about going to the gym and training while at university in the UK.

Her personal trainer at that time was really encouraging and motivating, so after graduating with a Fine Arts degree (where she studied everything from sculpting, film and photography) she decided to change course and venture into a career sculpting bodies instead.

One of her favourite jobs was serving as personal trainer to a Saudi Arabian princess. “So I can officially say I have trained royalty,” Ms Wright told The Royal Gazette. “I was recommended for that job by the same guy who trained me to become a personal trainer.

“I started training the princess in 2011 and worked with her for 18 months. We travelled all around the world.”

After that whirlwind experience she took three months off to train in muay thai boxing in Thailand.

The intense workout regime helped her to get ready for her first fitness competition — the Miami Pro World Championships 2013 in London.

She signed up with zero expectations, yet ended up placing first in the Muscle Model category.

“I was quite naive about the world of competing and body building and I went into it with no expectations at all,” she said. “And really that was just the beginning for me.

“I really enjoyed the experience of being on stage and was inspired to continue with it. The great thing about competitions is it allows you to see how you can improve your body with each one.”

But looking her best on the stage in her swimwear isn’t as easy as waving a magical wand.

Throughout the training season, Ms Wright has to chart the changes to her body by taking progress photos, “or selfies” as some might call it.

Around 12 to 16 weeks out from a competition she has to modify her training schedule and typically exercises five or six days a week for an hour each day.

Sometimes she might even increase that to two sessions a day, including an hour of weightlifting and 30 to 45 minutes of cardio activity.

Her diet includes a lot of broccoli and chicken, however, she’s also known to indulge in the occasional scoop of coconut ice cream.

“I definitely don’t believe in crazy low calorie diets or doing the dehydration that most of these body builders do,” she explained. “I’m a completely natural athlete and I believe it’s the best way to do it for your long term health.”

She said the “worst side effects” of the job are the times when her energy is too low and she has to cancel on plans with friends.

However she counts herself “very lucky” to have friends who understand and support her.

“Ultimately I do this because I really enjoy the sport and the process of training for it,” Ms Wright said. “And although it involves some sacrifices I love to eat healthy and the lifestyle makes me feel really good. “I also love the fact that I am able to inspire people with the way I look and the way I live my life.

“The more people I can inspire and motivate to get into shape, even if it’s small changes that help them to feel better, that’s what makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.”

Ms Wright encourage people to visit her Facebook page: Becky Wright — RAW Fitness Facebook.com/GetRAWFitness. It’s a useful resource for anyone looking to get details on her upcoming classes and personal training schedule.

Useful website: www.alchemy.bm