PHOTO CREDITS : SHANE WATKINS
“ Competing had consumed me , I didn ’ t know who I was anymore and I wanted to live my life ,” she confesses . “ I felt scared , lost and lonely with the prospect of walking away from the structured life that gave me comfort and security , but I knew it was no longer meant for me .
“ I know some may think I ’ m making a big mistake by walking away , but when you want something so badly and you put all of your energy into it , you often forget about everything else . I even forgot about my friends , family and relationships ,” she says .
“ Bodybuilding taught me that a lot and helped me find myself , but ironically I also lost myself towards the end .
“ No one tells you about how this lifestyle will make you feel or how it can affect your everyday life . We only ever see the glamorous side of the sport , not what it takes to get there .”
Carly stresses that this doesn ’ t happen to everyone , but this was how it eventually made her feel , and knows there may be others who can relate to this .
Positive Note On the flip side , Carly has gained a lot from her journey as an athlete in the fitness world . It taught her discipline , structure and determination . She now has a powerful drive
that she never had before .
“ With all the qualities that training has taught me , I now know I can apply this to anything ,” says Carly . “ If I want something , I just go for it . I use my energy and determination like I did when I was competing ,
TRAINING
and I always accomplish it ,” she says . “ For once in my life , I ’ m FREE .” Carly now trains to feel good all of the time , she loves the freedom of being able to go out when she wants to and says she feels sexy again .
“ When I competed , I was never truly happy with my body , because I was always trying to improve . Now I love my curves , I absolutely LOVE the Brazilian look , I mean who doesn ’ t ? If you don ’ t , then you are mad ,” she jokes .
Carly also has her own fitness clothing range called Gluteywear , and stocks scrunch butt leggings to enhance womanly curves .
Carly now focuses on business and supporting those who are going through similar challenges in life , like she used to .
Instagram carlythornton _ ifbbpro
Gluteywear www . gluteywear . co . uk / shop
Email ifbbprocarlythornton @ gmail . com
In general , Carly trains her upper body twice a week and lower body 3-4 times depending on how she feels , especially now she isn ’ t forced to train .
Day 1 Lower Body Day 2 Upper Body and Boxing Day 3 Lower Day 4 Upper or a rest day Day 5 Lower
MARCH 2018 | FLEX 93