One forum poster's reaction to seeing NPC Physique competitor Paige Sandgren for the first time is, I guess, a reaction shared by many, myself included. Having managed to stay under our collective radar for the best part of twelve months, Paige is suddenly everywhere, "The Female Hercules" (with girl-next-door looks), she reminds of Monica Mollica, Lauren Quinn, and (no higher praise, surely) Heather Policky "only hotter" (?!). She's "The Nerd Beast", and "the female muscle find of the year".
Where did she come from?
Well, geographically speaking, she's based in Chicago so I would guess if not there, then not far from. I've always been competitive and active in sports, she says, but the weight training only started a couple of years ago. In that time, she's put on 40lbs (just over 18kg) of muscle, which are the kind of numbers that impress some, and it shows, which is the kind of thing that impresses me. Most people who want to compete jump right in as soon as they start seeing results from weight training, says Paige. But I fell in love with the Physique division and I wanted to be realistic. Instead of jumping into another category, I waited until I had enough muscle. Mission accomplished!
So, she's competed?
Indeed she has. Last autumn in, I think, two NPC shows - Badger State, and the Midwest Gladiator Championships. Sadly, they were not covered by any websites with contest galleries (as far as I know) so we only have snaps Paige has posted on her Instagram. We do know, however, that she was runner-up in the Badger State show ("I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed," she confessed), which qualified her for national level shows, although she hasn't taken advantage of that privilege in 2017 as yet.
Isn't she ambitious to get into the IFBB pro ranks?
Absolutely. I plan to eventually obtain my IFBB pro card, I'm not sure which competitor wouldn't want this, she says. However, Paige is going to do it her way. This sport isn't a sprint, it's a marathon if you want to do it in a healthy way. I plan to take my time - working hard every day - until I have a package that the judges can't deny, no matter what. Note that I'm not doing it for them though, she adds.
The "empowerment" spiel is coming, isn't it?
Yes indeed! I'm doing this for me, she says. I'm doing this because weight training has helped me discover who I am and how vital consistent dedication and perseverance are in the real world. But I also want to popularize science along the way.
Eh?
"The Nerd Beast" remember? Paige is more than just a pretty face and killer body. Paige is a scientist - specialising in Body Composition and Fitness, which, I would imagine, comes in handy when you are trying to composition your body into "a package that the judges can't deny". Her true mission though, is this: I want girls specifically to EAT ENOUGH [her capitals] and not starve themselves year-round. Staying semi-lean in the process is definitely possible with a healthy metabolism. Her ambition, however, does not stop with the individual though. As a community, we should learn to value body composition instead of being slaves to a number on the scale, she says. I hope to lead by example and set some things straight with the power of science.
So cool.
Yes, really. And super dedicated in a delightfully nerdy way. Are you being as consistent as possible? How often do you binge drink alcohol or go over your daily allotted calories? Do you sleep enough? Are your hormones and bloodwork optimized? Are you truly lifting as much as possible? What is your cardio-to-lifting ratio, and how many times per week do you lift? If you're trying to grow, are you eating enough overall? How many ounces of water do you drink? What is your sodium to potassium ratio? How many grams of protein/carbs/fat do you eat everyday? What is your fiber intake?... (The list does go on, but you get the idea). Unsurprisingly, she's not often seen propping up the bar. I've lost friends because of my extinct desire to go out every weekend, she says, and I don't have much extra time for hobbies outside of athletics and working 50 hours per week. I've had family members ask me why I would put myself through this arduous lifestyle, but to me, it's more than worth it. It's what I love to do, and I don't foresee myself ever stopping.
I think I'm in love.
So, that's you, me, and just about every other head who's been turned on to Paige so far - 8,000+ IG followers and I'm guessing they are not all budding WPD competitors. Paige is currently counting down to her next competition - this weekend I believe.
Whatever the result, the process will continue. Science always wins in the end.
In case you were wondering what an additional 40lbs of muscle (red) looks like under my skin...
Left: 149lbs, 26% body fat. Right: 178lbs, 16% body fat. 2.5 year difference.
Paige Sandgren - @beefnuggette on Instagram. And pretty much all over the forums.
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