A woman who battled a crippling eating disorder has spoken out about how she freed herself from the clutches of bulimia and turned from a 110-pound girl into a bodybuilding champion.
In 2001, Pennsylvania native Theresa Ivancik, now 39, felt her life falling apart; she was deep in an eating disorder and under house arrest for a drunk driving.
However, she did not let any obstacle get in her way. She broke through the barrier and became an International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness pro.
Now the star athlete has revealed how she pulled herself from the depths of an eating disorder to bodybuilding glory.
Pennsylvania native Theresa Ivancik used the power of real determination and perseverance to free herself from the grip of bulimia and became a bodybuilding champion
She transformed from a 100-pound girl with an eating disorder (pictured left) into a bodybuilding star (pictured right)
In 2001, Pennsylvania native Theresa Ivancik felt her life falling apart; she was deep in an eating disorder and under house arrest for a drunk driving
Throughout her life, Theresa has struggled to build a good relationship with food.
Every day she pushed herself to the brink of exhaustion, working out for four hours a day, doing excessive cardio, lifting weights and sweating through Tae Bo workouts.
In 2001 she reached a low point. Theresa was sentenced to 155 days under house arrest for drunk driving.
It was at this time that she came across an old Joe Weider bodybuilding system in her parents’ basement.
While flipping through an Oxygen magazine, she noticed the sculpted bodies of female bodybuilders and saw herself on one of the pages.
She got a job at a local gym, started dipping her toes into bodybuilding, and finally decided to get involved.
Despite the warnings of her coach, Jeff Harlan – who was concerned about Theresa’s eating disorder and how it would affect her in the fiercely competitive world of bodybuilding – she persevered, determined to make a name for herself.
While still under house arrest, she dug into whatever resources she could find and trained relentlessly for her first competition.
“I felt like I had nothing to lose,” Theresa recalls.
However, she did not let any obstacle get in her way. She broke through the barrier and became an International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness pro
Now the star athlete (pictured as she struggled with bulimia) has revealed how she pulled herself from the depths of an eating disorder to the glory of bodybuilding
While flipping through an Oxygen magazine, she saw the sculpted bodies of female bodybuilders and saw herself on one of the pages
She added, “It was a tough time in my life, but I knew if I didn’t take control and do something positive with my time, I would never forgive myself.”
Theresa began training relentlessly six days a week and prioritizing eating more.
“In addition to working out six days a week, I’ve also focused on gaining weight—eating more carbs and protein. I gained 59 pounds and took my weight from 120 to 180 pounds,” she explained.
Although her very first show was a success, it wasn’t until she won her first major title that she felt the adrenaline rush that pushed her to succeed even further.
When she landed a major title, her 83-year-old grandfather was by her side.
Watching his face light up with pride and admiration was a moment Theresa would never forget, and it fueled her drive to achieve bodybuilding stardom.
“That day changed his life dramatically and brought out a different side of his personality that I had never seen before,” she shared.
She got a job at a local gym and started tinkering with bodybuilding, eventually deciding to join
Despite the warnings of her coach, Jeff Harlan – who was concerned about Theresa’s eating disorder – she persevered, determined to make a name for herself.
Theresa (pictured as a child) started exercising six days a week and prioritized eating more
“We were both able to share the stage for our first bodybuilding competition. My grandfather continued to pump and train with weights until the end of his life.’
Despite the passing of her beloved grandfather, Theresa continued to pursue her dreams and eventually teamed up with Jeff again.
With Jeff’s help, Theresa achieved her ultimate goal of becoming an IFBB professional female bodybuilder, winning multiple titles and competing at the highest level of the sport.
And the long training days eventually lead to romance.
“Jeff is still my trainer, but now also my boyfriend and fiancee,” Theresa revealed with a laugh.
“I got a personal training job with him after he helped me with my certification, which then led to us having our own gym.
“My next journey starts here, now with a new goal: to be the best in the world one day.”
With Jeff’s help, Theresa achieved her ultimate goal of becoming an IFBB professional female bodybuilder
Since becoming a professional bodybuilder, Theresa has continued to push herself to new heights
Theresa hopes her story of success and determination will help others struggling to build a healthy relationship with food
Theresa hopes her story of success and determination will help others who are struggling to build a healthy relationship with food.
“Passion is an unparalleled fuel… add happiness, and you have a great formula for good health,” she exclaimed.
Since becoming a professional bodybuilder, Theresa has continued to push herself to new heights.
“Every day is another chance to push yourself and see what you’re capable of,” she gushed.
“There are always new challenges to overcome and new goals to achieve. That keeps me motivated and hungry for more.’
Now the bodybuilder can proudly say that her story of dedication to her craft has inspired others to take control of their health.