WBFF Diva Fitness Model Rachel Godwin
*Name, Bio and Stats: Rachel Godwin – Fitness Diva Division 5′ 5” 125lbs Age – 31 Part time Ballet, Modern and Zumba dance instructor Full time New Business Assoc for Lincoln Financial *Where do you live? Kansas City, MO
I am a first (but not last) time competitor. Dancer/Performer for the University of Iowa’s “Dancer’s in Company” Dancer/Performer for Philadelphia’s professional Dance Company, Philadanco: D2 *What or who inspires you to compete? My best friend, HITCH Fit trainer, and husband, Jim. He is my biggest inspiration. Without his guidance and support I would have never chased this dream. He competed in his first show at the WBFF Toronto last year. I am amazed and inspired by his will power, drive and passion. That was the first fitness show I had ever attended and after watching how much fun he had I wasn’t about to just sit in the audience this time around. I’m also inspired by so many of the other competitors I have met along the way. Seeing their results from the hard work and dedication makes me work that much harder. I know many of these people will be life long friends and I’m proud to be sharing the stage with them. Last but not least I am inspired by the little things in life that many times are unexpected or overlooked; such as a genuine thank you and sincere smile. *What excites you most about competing with the WBFF? Everything! No other organization offers and creates the opportunities that the WBFF does. What better way to launch a career in the fitness industry. And if you’re going to compete, don’t you want to be on stage with the best of the best? I know I do! *What are your future goals? My immediate goal is to place in the top 5 in the Kansas City show and then to win a pro card in Toronto later this year. I am also currently studying to take the ACE exam for personal training so I can help others reach their fitness goals. I love to cook and bake and I am constantly experimenting with making recipes into “clean eating”. I hope to someday write a weekly article for a major publication about clean eating tips and tricks to teach others how to do the same. Email me for my soon to be famous fruit and nut protein energy bar recipe! They are to die for and even picky eaters love them. :) *What obstacles have you overcome to achieve your goals (what’s your story?) I have been into athletics and dance for as long as I can remember. I tried every sport as a kid including golf, basketball and even Tae Kwon Do. I enjoyed them all but my true passion was ballet, even though I always had more of an “athletic build”. As you can probably guess, my ballet teachers always told me I needed to lose weight. Throughout my years of dancing I longed for the skinny ballet legs, which was further enhanced by me constantly comparing myself to other dancers. Fortunately, I had a good support system at home and never fell into the anorexia or bulimia trap that so many of my friends and fellow dancers did. I’m thrilled to finally now see my muscular legs as an asset. A major trauma for me was when I tore my ACL at age 16. It took a long time to be diagnosed correctly. Meanwhile, I tried to continue to dance with intense pain,and lead to even greater damage. Once it was repaired the physical therapy took over a year before I could dance again. Even to this day, I am limited in my strength in that knee and I know I lost out on many opportunities because of this. Nevertheless, I went on to study dance in college and then danced professionally for a few of years after graduation. The challenges of a professional dance career are like none other. The demanding physical and mental routine, with constant criticism and judgment was brutal. All that it entailed was a tremendous stress on me and at times I was ready to throw in the towel. For the first six months I went home crying almost every day. However, I discovered what a strong spirit I posses and refused to let it break me down. Out of six other dancers, I was the only one who refused to quit. I can occasionally be a little reserved, which I’ve never liked about myself, and therefore I am constantly looking to push myself to do things outside my comfort zone. Competing in the WBFF, being on stage in just a bikini, is a perfect opportunity to take myself to a whole new level. I’m so excited about this challenge and all of the opportunities it can create for me. I am overwhelmed by all of the support and people who have told me I’ve inspired them. That is what this journey is truely ABOUT and what keeps me going.
*How can people find out more about you? *Anyone you would like to thank who has been a part of your fitness journey? I would like to thank my husband Jim, whom I first met at the gym. He has given me the confidence to do something I never thought possible. I’m excited to share this journey and stage with him. My trainer, Diana Chaloux, from HitchFit Gym has been a true role model and mentor. Her advice, encouragement and determination to see how far I can be pushed has tested my will and made me stronger. Thank you for all you and Micah do. I’m honored to know you and feel incredibly blessed that our paths have crossed. I also must thank my dog and running buddy, Alex. He gets me through those tough hills, sometimes I think literally pulling me up them.
If you are competing in the WBFF US Central Championships and would like to be featured in our “Who’s Competing” section please read submission guidelines here: To register for the WBFF US Central Championships visit www.WBFFSHOWS.com
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About the Author: Diana Chaloux
Diana Chaloux-LaCerte is Co-CEO of Hitch Fit and founder of SoulSTRONG, the faith + fitness app for women 40+. A 2x World Champion and menopause-certified, trauma-informed transformation coach with 20+ years of experience, she has coached 10,000+ women to build strength that lasts.
She is RIPPED…how inspiring.