A 43-YEAR-OLD bodybuilder is taking part in her first bikini competition after sculpting her body at Surbiton YMCA gym.

Pamela David will compete in the UK Body Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s bikini class in Birmingham in September.

The former human resources manager and croupier decided to develop her muscles after she started volunteering at YMCA Surbiton. She then trained to become a personal trainer.

Ms David said: “I’m 43, I’ve worked hard and I want to challenge myself. I’m facing one of my biggest challenges ever – getting on stage in a bikini.

“Victor, one of the personal trainers here, introduced me to it, and he helped me to start the training. He knew that I had the dedication and drive to stick to the discipline to get the right physique.”

The mother of two says she has always been dedicated to looking good, training hard and keeping healthy. She studied Sports Science at the University of East London but was unable to get a job in the fitness industry when she graduated.

Ms David does admit that she finds the strict bodybuilder diet hard to main.

In readiness for her competition Ms David is on a high maintenance protein diet and must drastically reduce her water intake a week before she takes to the stage in her bikini and heels.

She said: “The hardest part is sticking to the diet. I’ll need to reduce my water intake so that my muscles pop. My bikini alone cost me £100 and I have to wear high heels.

“I’ve been to watch a few competitions and you expect it to be bitchy but it’s not like that at all. The competitors are very supportive and give each other advice.”