Wendy works that body!

The world of body-building is no longer a male preserve, and Wendy McCready is determined to succeed in this arena. Wendy, 24, from Middridge Village, County Durham, has also just completed the first year of a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise degree at the Middlesbrough-based University of Teesside. She first took up body- building four years ago.

Wendy said: “The training is very intensive, at the moment I’m up at six am and working out three times a day with weights and cardiovascular equipment, as my next competition is only 12 weeks off. I’m also on a high protein diet, it’s worth it as I love taking part in competitions.”

In 1995 Wendy left Darlington College of Technology with a BTEC in Sport Science. She worked in gyms for several years before deciding to return to education. “I wanted to gain more knowledge and understanding of how the body works, and I’ve certainly learned this in my first year. I want to use the degree alongside my body building career, as it will enhance my chances of pursuing other avenues, such as personal training and opening my own gym.” Wendy’s next competition is the English Federation of BodyBuilding (EFBB) British Championships, to be held in Nottingham in October, where she will compete in the heavyweight class. If Wendy is successful she will gain professional status, enabling her to take part in prestigious competitions.

Wendy added: “I want to pursue body-building for a living, and I’d like to thank my parents Jean and Mac and my sister Lynn, who are a great support to me. I’d also like to thank my two trainers Kimberley Anne Jones and Derek Browning, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am.”

For more information on BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise programmes at the University of Teesside please call 01642 342308, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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