Deirdre gets back to the discipline
Deirdre Playle is a stronger woman than most of us, and not just because of her muscles – her willpower is astonishing.
The 41-year-old Titahi Bay personal trainer and yoga instructor came third in her category a regional bodybuilding competition held in Lower Hutt. It was her first competition since 1995, when she took the national title in Auckland.
Despite travelling the world and having two children since then, stepping back into the training and strict diet was no trouble for Playle. While her family enjoyed salad dressings, sauces and even ketchup on their food – which she cooked – she ate plain fare.
‘‘ There’s no seconds, there’s no pudding. I thought I’d get really grumpy like I have in the past, but I ate well, I ate good food.’’
Having a flourishing garden full of delicious veges helped when the diet got tough. In the month leading up to the September 1 competition, Playle ate just 1400 calories a day, and exercised 90 minutes a day, seven days a week.
‘‘The training regime prior to the show is pretty full on.’’
Luckily Playle is a sucker for what some would call punishment, the gym.
‘‘The next day, that feeling of being sore – I love that,’’ she says. ‘‘I love being able to change your own physique, being in control of what you’re physique looks like.’’
Playle competed in the figure over 40 category, which emphasises body condition and symmetry more than sheer muscle. Competition was fierce.
‘‘It’s a really competitive category – as you get older you get better.’’
However, it’s not all about winning for Playle.
‘‘ The thing about bodybuilding is it’s something you do daily. It’s part of what you are. The competition is just a little flourish,’’ she says.
Showing off her hard work was fun, though.
‘‘ I love being on stage. Otherwise it would be very hard to teach yoga or group fitness,’’ she says. ‘‘It’s like getting married, getting my hair and makeup done.’’
Though Playle has qualified for the nationals this year, she cannot devote the time required for the October competition. She already has her eyes on next year’s nationals – she started her 2200- calorie diet the day after this year’s show and still visits the gym five days a week. ‘‘It’s a lifestyle,’’ she says. ‘‘I’m my own coach and I think I do a pretty good job too.’’