Name: Cath McGillivray
Birth Date: May 1960
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 118lbs on-season  136lbs off-season
From: Bribie Island, Queensland AUSTRALIA
 
 
CONTEST HISTORY
2009 ANBC/ANB Asia-Pacific International - 4th Place in Grand Masters Figure
2009 INBA Brisbane - 4th Place in Masters Figure
 
 
RFOS Q&A
 
How long have you been training?
Since 2008. Fat and disgusted with myself — weighing 83kg (183lbs) with 38% body fat — I was miserable and ashamed of how I looked. I would not go to the beach even though I lived just a two-minute walk from one. I also couldn't enjoy my Harley as I couldn't fit into my bike leathers.
 
I found the local gym and fell in love with the weights. With hard work and proper guidance, I reached a point where my next goal had to be to compete. Now I just love competing and training to improve all the time.
 
 
What would like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
I would love to see more plosive media coverage. There is far too much focus on the "big guys" and how they got that way. Figure and Fitness athletes need to be seen in more articles and advertising.
 

 
What would you like to share about your last contest?
I had a ball!! All the other competitors at the 2009 ANBC/ANB Asia-Pacific International were friendly and helpful. It was like a big party with extra heavy makeup! I find it interesting that at both competitions I have done the overall Figure trophy went to the winner of my class, both women were over 45 and won the overall trophy — us old gals are awesome!  
 
 
Do you get negative comments from people with regard to your muscles?
I don't get a lot of negative comments, but I do get a few jokes regarding how strong I am and how scary I am for having muscles. Most of the time these comments are from very overweight people. I do realise it is easier for them to joke than to admit the fear or jealousy on their part. I love having muscles: so much sexier than flab!  
 
 
Have you ever surprised yourself with you own strength? Like you forgot
you were THAT strong???
I didn't realise how strong I was until I was doing pullups at the gym and had just finished my 4th set of 8 unassisted and a 20-something man came and he could only do 2 pullups — not 2 sets, just 2. I loved it!!!
 

 
How have you used your physical strength outside the gym, when it has come in handy?
I use it everyday and don't really think about it: carrying extra loads without puffing or struggling. I ride my own Harley and never have to worry about how heavy she is as I have the leg strength to hold her up.
 
 
Any message for fans?
Become the best you can be. Don't use age as an excuse. Surround yourself with positive people, and you can do anything you put your mind to.
 

 
What is the best way to contact you?
Message me on my BodySpace page (link below).
 
 
Where can you be found on the web?
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Witchazel
 
http://48fitstrongfab.blogspot.com - my blog
 
Another profile:
http://bodybuilders.com/cath_mcgillivray.htm - Over 40 Bodybuilder of the Week!
 
  
What else you would like to share?
Being strong and healthy has improved my life in ways I would never have
expected. I have a whole new world of friends and contacts. I understand my body better and what it takes to keep me feeling wonderful. This lifestyle is just that — a LIFESTYLE not simply a means to competing.
 
I am very lucky to have an incredibly supportive husband, Andrew trains with me, diets with me, and even blings my competition suits!!! I could not have changed so radically without his help.  
 
I love that having this new and improved version of my body gives me the energy and health to play with my grandkids and to enjoy life full on.
 
Special thanks to my trainers Jo Stewart and Kelli Johnson: awesome woman who are positive leaders of this sport. Without their positive support and knowledge I would have had a far more difficult time getting ready for my competitions.
 

 
I also want to thank my husband Andrew for these fine pictures.