{Portraiture} Gym & Fitness photosession with Zia

I want to share the unique story of an amazing mommy and Fitness Bikini athlete (competing with a few month old baby)… I photographed her at the Body Guru Gym in Pretoria where she trains and we also did the photoshoot there…

ZIA’S STORY (in the words of her sister:)

“Competing in the IFBB Fitness Bikini competition takes lots of dedication and hard work.  Ask anyone who’s ever taken part.  This was one of Zia’s biggest dreams.  But like they say “Life happens when you are busy making other plans”.

In 2011 when Zia and Hugo decided to start a family, they had no idea what havoc this process (and for them it was a process) could reap on your body.  After 2 years with no results they realized that they needed some help.  The first doctor put her on hormone treatments, that only made her gain weight and feeling bloated.  After they requested the doctor to do a laparoscopy, they were told that she does not perform this and were referred to another doctor that had a six month waiting list.  They decided to go to Vita-Lab because they could get an appointment within a week.  After 3 months and some more tests the doctor informed them that he believes the only way forward would be to do IVF.  At that time Hugo did not believe that this was the way forward for them.  They then decided to put their dream on hold for a while.  About a month later Zia had to go for her annual check-up at her Gini.  After consulting with him, he was in disbelief of how long they have struggled to get pregnant.  He enquired if she had a laparoscopy, at which time she informed him that they were told that the IVF would bypass this, and that it would not be necessary for them to do if they do the IVF.  He felt strongly that Zia should have the laparoscopy, as he believed that this would sort out her problem.  Zia felt very emotional when sharing this news with Hugo and they decided together that they would give this one last thing a try.

The laparoscopy was performed 2 weeks later.  Zia still remembers being pushed out of theatre, still hazy with anaesthetic, the doctor excited coming to her and saying that it was only endometrioses level 2/3 and that he was able to remove 99% of it.  He was very positive and added that he believes that they would be pregnant within the next 6 months.
Zia continuously attended the competitions through all this and supported the other girls even though she could not take part herself.

Three months later they received a positive test.  When little Amory was born in Sep 2015 they were over the moon.  All the sacrifices Zia (and Hugo) made was completely overshadowed by the joy of having a little bundle of love in the house.

Zia decided in Oct to take part in the Novice competition in April 2016. She knew she had some hard work ahead.  Together with her trainer Hennie Kotze they set some goals for January to determine then if she would be ready for the competition.  She reached her goals in January and set some new tough ones for April.  Placing 3^rd in the IFBB Novice Competition was a complete shock.  She never thought she would do that well.  All she wanted to do was share it with her handsome hubby and cute little Amory.  Their unconditional support and love carried her through the days of hard training and cravings.  Boosting her and motivating her every step of the way.

Realising that she had some weak points, she worked very hard during the week to rectify this.  What the next Saturday had in store for her was even more amazing.  Not only did she qualify for the Arnold Classic Africa (an international competition), but she also won her division in the IFBB Millennium Gold Plate Competition held in Kempton Park.  Her family and friends are all so super proud of her, showing everyone that anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort.  She is working very hard and took part in the Arnold Classic Africa on 28 May 2016 at the Sandton Convention centre.”

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