The world of competition fitness training is likely foreign to most of us. However, there are those that are all in. In fact this past weekend, an area group of six fitness athletes competed in the Indianapolis Natural Championship, a regional competition for fitness athletes.
As a regional qualifier there were competitors traveling from at least eight surrounding states. The six area athletes that entered trained at BAM Fitness with their coach, Charlie Murray.
The results: Sarah Grubbs won first place in Open Class Fitness and Overall Fitness Champion. Tracy Brown competed in women’s physique, and took second place in masters and second place overall. Monica Brown competed in women’s physique took first in masters, first in open and was also an Overall Fitness Champion. Molly Miller competed in Bikini competition taking 3rd in novice and 3rd in Open B. Franchesca Verzo competed in wellness and won 2nd in novice, 1st in juniors, 1st in open A, and was named overall wellness runner up. Larry Miller competed in men’s physique, winning 5th in novice and 2nd open A.
Of their accomplishments, their coach Charlie Murray emphasized, “These athletes work really hard. They diet and train for this for months! The youngest just turned 19 before the show and the oldest 2 are in their 50’s! Handling all aspects of life from families, kids, schooling, full time jobs…They deserve a spotlight and the whole spotlight.”
Tracy Brown started at her journey by joining the gym in just before February this year. By June, she decided she wanted to step up her training to do a competition. In late July, following a vacation, she was in the gym 6 days a week. At 13 weeks out, she had to ramp up her cardio to 7 days a week twice a day.
“The hardest part is working and trying to make sure you’re getting in 120 oz of water and trying to eat every three hours. Thankfully my family was supportive, and they understood that at the end of this I would be back to being there and present.” Tracy spoke about some of her bigger challenges on her mission.
Tracy shared how she came to the decision, “I turned 50 this year and have always wanted to do body building, but I seem to always have some excuse for the reason why I shouldn’t. This year was the year I was going to. In January, I was not fit, I had a lot of toning to do; and had work to do to get my nutrition right.”
Tracy continued, “I am very proud of what I have done, and I will do it again. I want to see just how far I can push myself now that I have done it. If I could advise others wanting to get into this would be to never doubt what your abilities are. You will do more than you believe you can, and your body does amazing things. Even when you do not see changes, others will.”
For Sarah Grubbs, her competition prep started in late April, deciding to compete the year she turned 45.
“I chose to compete in the Fitness division where, in addition to the workouts, the cardio, the meal plan, posing practice, etc., I also was required to choreograph a 2-minute routine that showcases strength, flexibility and overall athleticism.” Sarah explained her events particular added challenges.
Grubbs continued, “The hardest part of my training was finding the energy to practice all of those things in one day on top of teaching several yoga classes a week and navigating the rest of my daily responsibilities.”
“To anyone who is interested in getting involved in fitness training, whether you want to compete or just want to improve your health and get active, I highly suggest daily walking, joining a gym, working with an educated, professional trainer and getting your diet in check,” Grubbs said.
She plans to continue to train at BAM fitness. She plans to maintain her personalized meal plan created by my trainer, Charlie Murray, and continue participating in the group fitness classes led by Anisha Murray.
“As far as competition, I haven’t decided if I will compete again,” she said. “For now, I’ll take a break and consider my options for the 2026 season.”
link
