Famous singer-songwriter and actress, Stephanie Benson recently shared her fitness journey with fans, disclosing her motivation to maintain a toned physique reminiscent of Jane Fonda’s.
Starting at the age of 22, she committed 15-20 minutes daily to exercise, driven by her aspiration to shine on stage, impress her partner, and keep up with her kids’ energy.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Benson shared throwback photos, emphasizing the importance of self-care and gradual progress through workouts. She recounted enrolling her son in martial arts, eventually joining him and igniting her fitness journey.
After giving birth to her fifth child, Benson’s trainer urged her to compete in bodybuilding, resulting in her remarkable triumph as Miss Figure SE in 2001 and securing the 2nd place in the UK. Her victory highlighted the fruits of perseverance and dedication.
Reflecting on her path, Benson emphasized that fitness is a gradual journey with enduring rewards. Now in her late 50s, she attributes her current physique to consistent effort and self-nurture. Her message resonates, advocating for self-love as the cornerstone of personal development and well-being.
Read the full post below:
“I started exercising for 15-20 mins a day before my first child Alex, at 8months old, would wake up. I was 22. How that journey started will be revealed later.
At the time, I wanted to look like Jane Fonda. I giggle now, but it’s true. My goal was to look the best I possibly could for stage, my husband and to be energetic for my children. I wanted to be able to spend time playing football, rugby etc with my boys and running track, playing hockey, netball and basketball with my daughters.
I enrolled my 3rd child, my 7yr old son JJ, in a Taekwondo and Kickboxing class, but I enjoyed watching so much, I ended up training with him in the same class. That’s when my journey to real fitness started.
After my 5th child Cameron, my trainer encouraged me to participate in a Bodybuilding competition, in the Ms Figure category.
I was a complete novice, but I do not fear challenges. A little late to enrol and 8 weeks to train, I ate rice, potato, tuna with cayenne pepper, boiled eggs, grilled chicken and sweetcorn 5 times a day for 8 weeks. Lord, It was a gruesome diet, but a temporary discomfort for achieving the body you see in that picture. Especially after 5 children.
2001, I won Ms Figure SE, and placed 2nd in UK. My 5th child Cameron was only 1 year old.
Investing in yourself through exercise, didn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that has its benefits in the long term. At 56, going on 57, the benefits is the body you see everyday in my posts.
Love yourself first, and the rest will follow.”
