Beauty in the muscles - Bikini fitness enthusiast urges women to take care of their bodies

Iesha Crooks, once known for her grace and charm in pageantry, has made a bold transition to the demanding sport of bodybuilding.

Crooks showcased her physical strength and disciplined lifestyle at the 2024 Mayberry Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA) National Senior Championships. The event, which was held at the AC Hotel in Kingston, saw participants competing in several categories, including bodybuilding, bikini fitness, women's and men's physique and body fitness.

Reflecting on her journey, Crooks shared insights into her shift from the traditionally feminine world of pageantry to the physically demanding realm of bodybuilding.

"I've always been a disciplined person," she explained. "Even as a child, I was very active. At the age of 10, I remember waking up my neighbours to run with me from Highgate to Cromberland [in St Mary]. I thought I was just doing it because I liked it, but I realise now it was more than that."

Her passion for fitness blossomed during her college years while in Trinidad and Tobago, where she first encountered bodybuilding. After watching a bikini competition her aunt's company sponsored, Crooks was inspired.

"I saw how the competitors ate, trained, and posed. That was the first time I thought, 'I want to try this', but my aunt, who knew I was in law school, discouraged it. Now, two years later, here I am, placing second."

The transition from 'soft girl' pageantry to the world of bodybuilding wasn't without its challenges.

"Some people think women shouldn't have muscles or lift weights," she said, reflecting on societal pressures.

"They've even compared it to being a stripper because we show off our bodies on stage. But they don't understand the art of it. We're showcasing the hard work we've put into sculpting our bodies. In my category, bikini wellness, it's all about balancing a toned upper body with a muscular lower body. We still wear heels, make-up, and accessories, so it's like a beauty pageant, but the beauty is in the muscles."

Beyond the physical demands, Crooks admitted that the mental aspect of the sport is equally challenging.

"The hardest part is the diet," she shared. "When I started prepping, I weighed 190 pounds, and, by the time of the competition, I was down to 158 pounds. I didn't eat carbs for weeks leading up to the competition because my body holds on to water with too many carbs. It was just fish, vegetables, and egg whites for months."

Despite moments of doubt, Crooks remained steadfast. "There were times in the gym when I looked in the mirror and wondered, 'Why are you doing this to yourself?' But, after I finish, I always feel accomplished and ready to do it again."

Crooks earned second place in the bikini fitness category. When she was called to the stage to accept her prize, she felt her hard work had paid off.

"The head judge told me I had the complete package for the category," she said, adding that she has received feedback about the areas she needs to sharpen as she looks to move forward.

"Building a physique for the international stage takes time, but I'm committed. My coach, Richardo Daniels, has been a huge part of my journey. He had six athletes in this competition and all of them placed, including the overall winner. I couldn't ask for a better coach," she said.

For Crooks, bodybuilding is not just a sport but a lifestyle. To young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, she offers this advice: "We, as women, are going to be judged anyway, so you might as well do what makes you happy. Being born a female, you are automatically feminine, and having muscles doesn't affect that. Build muscles, stay fit and, most importantly, feel good about yourself. When you look in the mirror, you should feel as good as you look."