BODY SCULPTING DOCTOR
"The exhilaration is hard to explain, the feeling you get when your body looks a certain way you never thought you could achieve."
Farah Deobhakta
It was a major car crash 17 years ago that sparked Farah Deobhakta’s passion for bodybuilding.
After being seriously injured she attended the old Grunter’s Gym in Ha¯ wera for rehabilitation and strength training to get moving again.
During her recovery, it was suggested Deobhakta take up body sculpting and she’s been at it ever since.
Last weekend she competed in the National Amateur Body Building Association (NABBA) Taranaki Championships - her 70th show.
Before suffering a crushed ankle in the crash, Deobhakta, 55, was a medium distance runner and swimmer.
After taking up bodybuilding, it took her four years to find the courage to get on stage.
‘‘The exhilaration is hard to explain, the feeling you get when your body looks a certain way you never thought you could achieve,’’ she said
‘‘I’ve stuck with it for so long because each year I think, that body part needs a bit of work and this body part need a bit of work. You want to improve each year on what you’ve achieved and build on it.’’
Deobhakta, who works as a doctor, believes bodybuilding is a lifestyle choice.
Understanding the stigma and knowing that bodybuilding gets a bad rap, she still sees the benefits of the sport.
‘‘Bodybuilding can be a great way to maintain health and fitness, develop mental discipline and provide the opportunity for personal success and satisfaction with goals achieved.’’
Like other sports, some people do things that are illegal, but amateurs are generally clean.
‘‘As a medical professional I promote that as much as I can because I can see the benefits.
‘‘I am the healthiest, strongest and happiest that I have ever been.’’
She describes her career highlights as being a five-time New Zealand Senior Figure Champion and three-time South Pacific Overall Figure Champion amongst other achievements.
NABBA Taranaki organiser Anne Russell recognised her achievement with a presentation at this year’s event, celebrating Deobhakta’s 70th show.
‘‘We had a wonderful night, it was really fabulous,’’ Russell said
‘‘Taranaki people are wonderful with their support.
‘‘They were all so vocal and motivating with every athlete’’
NABBA Taranaki Championships Results: Ms Taranaki Figure - Amber Brine, Manawatu/Whanganui; Ms Taranaki Shape - Theresa Gale-Mancer, Taranaki; Mr Physique Men - Kurt Lightfoot, Taranaki; Mr Taranaki Athletic Men Matt Hickford, Taranaki; Mr Taranaki Body Boardshorts - Jatinder Singh, Auckland; Top Gym in Taranaki - Rampage Fitness, New Plymouth