Shrewsbury hairdresser Liz muscles in on world of bodybuilding
For many of her clients, she is know as Liz the hairdresser – but this Shrewsbury woman is hiding a very impressive secret.
For Liz Richardson has just been crowned the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation's national winner at the Echo Arena in Liverpool
Just 18 months ago, Liz who lives in Harmer Hill, near Shrewsbury and runs Antonio's Barbers on Chester Street, was someone with an interest in fitness.
But after browsing her husband Bruce's muscle and fitness magazines she was spurred into action,
She joined the local gym and started to be coached by UK renowned bodybuilder Michelle Brannan, who runs Show Girls Fitness. Now she works out five days a week and her hard work has paid off.
Following her success earlier this month, she has now made her way through to the European heats of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness competition which will take place in Spain and which will see her pitch herself against female bodybuilders from all over Europe.
"I have always been into keeping fit," said Liz, aged 36. "But the turning point was when I saw an article in a magazine and thought 'I wouldn't mind looking like that'. I started training and I did eight competitions last year and came second in the British Finals. Now I have set my target on winning it this year."
"I joined Michelle's coaching programme in July last year to prepare me for the The Arnold Classic Europe competition which was held in Madrid. I came seventh so I just missed out on the placings. Then I was in the UK BFF finals and I came second. I then did one in Ireland called the Nathalia Melo Classic which I won."
And the love of bodybuilding is not just confined to Liz, who is mum to Sam aged five. Bruce is also a keen competitor in event competitions across Europe.
"My body has changed in the last 18 months but anyone looking at me would never guess that I am a bodybuilder," she said.
"Without clothes on I look very different but dressed for work in the barber's I look the same."
And what of plans for future competitions? "I would like to do well in the internationals and I would like to win the British Final," said Liz.
"I do not know what to expect but someone has got to win it and that someone could be me.
"They hold these competitions all over the world and I do not know what might come from this."
