An NHS worker who’d never step foot in a gym lifted a 17 stone skip after seven months of training.
Elisha described herself as “weak” and felt too awkward to go to the gym.
The 25-year-old pushed herself to go to a HIIT class in the hope of getting fit, and the gym teacher spotted potential in Elisha.
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He encouraged her to start training for the Strongman and Strongwoman competition.
After just seven months of hard work, Elisha has shed 10kg (1.5 stone) and can lift up to 110kg (17 stone).
“I feel amazing, like a strong woman,” Elisha from Leeds, West Yorks, told What’s the Jam.
“I was weak. I never went to the gym.
“The first time I stepped into the gym, I felt so awkward, and I didn’t want to lift my head up because I felt so uncomfortable, but everyone is there to work on themselves and improve themselves.
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“I went to a HIIT class and the trainer said he thought I looked strong.
“He suggested I compete, and I’d never heard of it, but I decided to give it a go. I’m up for trying anything. I absolutely love it.
“I’ve got loads of muscle and I’m strong, but I still look ladylike.
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“My friends and family think it’s amazing.
“Life is so different, mentally and physically.
“I used to struggle with my mental health; I had anxiety and depression, and this has helped massively.
“It’s given me a massive confidence boost.”
Elisha trains alone four times a week and joins a personal trainer once a week.
The neighbourhood clinical assistant says she doesn’t follow a strict diet plan but “eats well”.
Elisha came fourth in a Strongwoman competition after lifting a 40kg log 10 times in 60 seconds and a 110kg skip.
Elisha’s next goal is to deadlift a 150kg car and she hopes to one day compete in Strongwoman Leeds.
She said: “I’ve built up my strength and muscles in seven months to get to this point.
“It was hard work.
“I eat when I’m hungry. I eat lots of protein, carbs and drink lots of fluids.
“I eat well, I don’t eat rubbish.”
Elisha says that when she started training she was surprised to find lots of other women taking part in the competition.
She added, “It feels like a man’s sport, so I didn’t even know women were doing it, but I’ve made supportive female friends.
“Anyone can do it if they put their mind to it. It takes motivation
“I would tell anyone to put yourself out there and just do it.
“It changes you mentally and physically, and it’s amazing.”
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