I used to cry in the gym because it made me so anxious – now I’m a bodybuilding champion at 52

A woman whose fear once left her in tears at the gym is now celebrating becoming a champion after winning a bikini modeling competition at the age of 52.

Jane Woodhead, from Parkgate in Wirral, has lost more than a stone and added muscle all over her body by overhauling her diet and fitness regime for 12 weeks.

After transforming her body composition, her coach said she was ready to compete in a bikini athlete competition.

Although she lacked self-confidence, Jane “put her trust” in her coach and pushed herself to complete five grueling weightlifting sessions every week.

At one point she found herself crying in her car at the gym because she didn't feel good enough and “just wanted to give it all up” – but her hard work has certainly paid off after she was crowned British Bikini Athlete Champion in the over 50s category at the UK Ultimate Physiques British Championships in York.

Proud Jane, who praised her coach Emily Olivia for helping her overcome her fears, said: 'I literally couldn't stop crying.

'When I was crowned British champion and got my professional card, the photographer asked me to put down my trophy for a photo and I said there is no way I can put this trophy down.

“And there's no way I'm letting this golden pro card go from my hand!” I was completely overwhelmed – I never thought I could achieve something like this!

“And to think, at the beginning of this, I had the worst gym anxiety ever. I sat in the gym parking lot crying.

“I remembered calling Emily and telling her I was quitting. I had always been fit, but this was just another level. And I didn't think I could do it.

'Emily spent a whole morning on the phone trying to convince me that I had what it took and that I could do it – and she was right!

'I owe absolutely everything to Emily – she has been my rock, by my side every step of the way – through all the incredible highs and bringing me back to reality every time I started to doubt myself !'

Despite not believing it, she “put her trust” in her coach and pushed herself with five grueling weightlifting sessions a week

Jane lost more than a stone and added muscle all over her body by overhauling her diet and fitness regime for 12 weeks (pictured whilst on holiday in July 2022)

She was crowned British Bikini Athlete Champion in the over 50 category at the UK Ultimate Physiques British Championships in York. With a win, Jane also received a professional athlete card

Jane celebrates with her trophy at the British Bikini Athlete Champion in the over-50s category

Jane committed herself to a specialized training program designed by her coach, which included five weightlifting sessions a week, the grueling stair master and up to 15,000 steps a day.

After waking up at 5.30am to do gym sessions before her busy job as a PR director for the UK consumer market, she did sets of all the exercises to failure, meaning she could no longer complete any reps.

She then practiced posing in different positions to check her physique, while Emily continually adjusted her training program and diet to ensure Jane was in top form on stage.

Jane initially set herself the challenge of getting into the best shape of her life in just twelve weeks.

And she says she feels better than she did in her 20s, and that the stunning win has given her a huge boost of confidence.

Jane dedicated herself to a specialized training program designed by her coach, which included five weightlifting sessions a week, the grueling stair master and up to 15,000 steps a day

Jane is competing in the UK Ultimate Physiques British Championships in York

Jane caused a storm on stage after twelve weeks of hard work in the gym

Jane, who trains at Meritor Fitness in North Wales, added: 'Being a bodybuilder is tough but for me it's the best lifestyle ever and I wouldn't change a thing.

'It gives you an incredible amount of confidence – a level of confidence I've never felt before.

'And I have to say it's the most incredibly supportive sport I've ever been involved in in my life!

“The camaraderie and support among fellow competitors is surreal. We all high-fived each other as we went on stage.

“We all have so much respect for each other because we know what it takes to get on stage!”

Jane has now entered the off-season 'building phase' and has her sights set on qualifying to compete abroad as a professional bikini athlete in 2024.