Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
09
Jul 2022
Harrogate chef aims to become Ms Universe
During the week, Lauren Kenworthy works as a chef at Bettys in Harrogate.
At the weekend she glams up in high heels and bikinis to compete in bodybuilding competitions.
She's rather good at it too — so far this year she's won four national titles and now has her eye on becoming Ms Universe.
Ms Kenworthy started going to the gym to increase her strength for mixed martial arts.
But Harrogate's bodybuilding barber Dave Steca noticed her potential and persuaded her to compete. She's been hooked ever since. She said:
Ms Kenworthy has won a string of titles since, but her highlight to date was winning the NABBA Ms Britain at St George's Hall in Bradford last month.
Female bodybuilding competitions have evolved to include various categories for women depending on the level of muscularity they aspire to.
Ms Kenworthy competed in the athletic figure category at the British finals, which is more about shape and balance than pure size.
Her next competition will be in September but the NABBA Universe in November is her main goal this year.
She is coached by professional bodybuilder Wendy McCready who looks after her training and diet. She said:
Ms Kenworthy, who trains at Coach Gym on Hornbeam Park, can leg press 320 kg at a body weight of 62kg, or 136 lbs. She said:
0