07.31.2004: Female Bodybuilders in the News

From The Payson Roundup, Arizona:

"A combination of strength training, dedication and nutrition has earned a 32-year-old Payson mother of three a third-place finish at the 2004 National Physique Committee's Bodybuilding North championships.

Courtesy photo Rebecca Christenson earned a third-place medal in her first bodybuilding competition. The 32-year-old mother of three says she's ready to begin training for another event.

The competition was July 24 in Flagstaff.

To prepare herself for the challenging event, Rebecca Christenson began training almost a year ago under the watchful eye of National Council of Strength and Fitness certified trainer Don Ray at Club USA.

"She's an excellent student, willing to put in a lot of hard work," Ray said. "She dieted, trained and did everything to a T.

Christenson credits Ray with her success.

"He's a great trainer, I want to thank him for everything he did."

For Christenson, the dieting was the toughest part of her regimen.

"There were times I just wanted something like a candy bar to eat," she said.

Club USA managing partner Heather Slater, who also helped mold Christenson, praised her for the showing in the championships."