Bridget Foster : Raising The Bar
Carlisle make-up artist and fitness instructor, Bridget Foster has worked her way to the British Championships of the world’s largest bodybuilding federation.
Some of our regular readers may recognize Bridget Foster; she is a regular contributor to the Guide, sharing the secrets she has acquired as a professional make-up artist. When she is not making people look beautiful or teaching children how to do a forward roll, Bridget is challenging herself to be the best that she can be. For the last two years she has been competing in Bodybuilding events and recently came first in the Bikini Fitness category of the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (UKBFF) North West Championships.
Having always had an interest in fitness, Bridget became a Gymnastics Coach and fitness instructor alongside her make up business. It was while teaching Les Mills Bodypump in Carlisle that she began to notice the benefits of weight training.
Bridget said: “I started to see how lifting weights could change your body shape. I started to read articles and make up my own workouts and started to really enjoy the positive results.
“I went to Body Power in Birmingham, where people were competing in various shows. I watched the bikini contest and knew I had the potential to do it.”
At the age of 30, in 2015, Bridget entered her first show and has now qualified for the British Finals, which will take place in October.
As far as hobbies go, bodybuilding is no walk in the park. It is involves intensive training and commitment. Even off season, Bridget tracks her diet and measures and prepares all her meals and the next workout is never far from the forefront of her mind. As her body type struggles to hold the weight, she rarely does cardio, but her regime still involves weight training five or six days a week.
She explained: “Making small changes over time means things become a habit instead of a chore. My calorie intake will change depending on when a show is, but my diet is flexible so I do still socialise.
“I check in with my Coach Michelle Brenan once a week and her feedback and support has been amazing. She really motivates me.”
Now Bridget is completely comfortable in her own skin. Competing has helped her understand how her body reacts to different foods and while it seems like a fiercely competitive community to be a part of, yet Bridget insists that the atmosphere at shows is actually very friendly.
She said: “You have nothing but respect for someone who can get up on that stage and go through a similar journey to yourself. Yes, you want to win but you have no idea how anyone will look on stage.”
As competitors are judged on their overall look, just as much effort goes into getting the tan and make-up perfect and a bikini can cost up to a month’s rent. Bridget has even started applying her skills as a make-up artist, learning the new techniques of show hair and make-up.
While participants must be dedicated and passionate, not everyone is always so supportive of the sport.
Bridget said: “Some people may not approve of competing and that can be very hard to accept. However, in time I have learnt that it’s a lack of understanding and knowledge for majority. For some, it’s not just about rubbing their ego.”
After all, it has had such a positive impact on her life that now she even has her sights on competing internationally. First though, she must get the UKBFF British Championships, later this year, under her belt.
She added: “It’s been the best thing I have done at this time of my life. I am generous with my time for other people as that’s the nature of my various lines of work, they are about confidence building and making other people feel good. It was time I did something for me.”
Follow Bridget’s fitness journey on Instagram @Bridgetjanefos
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