Swell Digs: Ria Ward

A week of some of what has been rocking my boat so far in 2013 kicks off with Ria Ward, a British figure competitor who, despite my tireless research into the British NABBA scene, only really came to my attention very recently when I saw a preview of her new video from the ever-excellent Fit Vids.




The blurb accompanying her video on their website says, Not often are we blown away here at fitvids... but really and truly we certainly have been by Ria Ward. Now, I'm not sure if that's true for them - after all these are the same people who have filmed Kim Perez at her most massive, were responsible for filming a ripped Heidi Vuorela doing curls in pink hotpants, and even have a clip in which Tina Chandler grows before your very eyes. Like I say, ever-excellent. But nevertheless, the description will serve very nicely for Ria's effect on Swell. Blown away sums it up very well!



And not least because I could not believe I'd never even heard of Ria before. This may be a sad reflection of the lack of publicity female bodybuilders receive here in the UK, but it may equally well may be a sad reflection on my own ability to keep up with what's happening on the British female muscle scene. No doubt it's a bit of both, but whatever the reason, Ria is well and truly on the Slave radar now.



Ria's story is just what a guy like me wants to hear, a guy who takes their training seriously enough to make it a habit and who is partly motivated by the hope that their partner will one day join them in the weights room and find they like it more than zumba. Until 2008 I had never stepped foot in a gym, I hated P.E. in school, I had terrible eating habits and lived on junk food and sweets. I smoked and drank alcohol most weekends. I was unhealthy, unfit and unhappy. I didn’t know the first thing about eating healthy or what foods were good for you. My husband on the other hand regularly attended the gym and often tried to get me to come along. I one day agreed and didn’t like it but went along as I used to feel good once it was over with. That's how it began. Well done Mr Ward!



Mr Ward's reward came fast. Just imagine this happening to you, dear reader. Within a few weeks I had got into a routine. I was attending the gym 3 times a week, joined a few classes and started weight training with my husband. Within weeks the changes were amazing. My body was looking great and I felt fantastic and I loved the changes! I started taking such a keen interest that I started reading all about health and fitness and changed my lifestyle. I just wanted to get fitter, healthier, and learn as much as I could in the process. I attended a bodybuilding show and after seeing the beautiful Toned Figure ladies I decided that’s what I want I wanted, to become a figure competitor.



And within a year, Mr Ward found himself married to a Miss NABBA UK. This was my goal. I got myself a personal trainer/figure competitor who knew just what I needed to do to get me on that stage and I had my first ever competition in October 2009. It was NABBA UK and I won! Just one year after I started going to the gym! In one year I completely turned my life around and was up on stage winning my first competition. I doubt he ever stops smiling.



Now 31, Ria is a personal trainer and nutrition specialist who can turn your life around, even running her own ladies bootcamp in her native Rochdale. (And by the way, Rochdale. Home not only of Ria Ward, but also of one of our most successful UK female bodybuilders, Linda Gartside. Once again, Swell is left wondering whether California and Florida are all they're cracked up to be and whether perhaps Greater Manchester and the North of England generally might be a better place for female muscle heads to seek the women of their dreams...)



But enough of my geographical theories of female muscle. Back to Ria! Details of her training programmes and bootcamp, as well as more bio can be found on her website, Fit 4 Life.



And here's the Fit Vids clip that I mentioned at the start. Have a watch and see if you don't start chastising yourself for not knowing about Ria Ward as much as I have been.



Enjoy! More of what Swell digs tomorrow.