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Natural
Athlete Ruth Bush
My name is Ruth Bush
and I am a 54 year old natural bodybuilder. Yes, you
read that right; I am 54 and still successfully
bodybuilding. I am from Stroudsburg, Pa. and I am a
preschool teacher of many years at The Pocono YMCA
where I am known as Miss Ruth. I just signed up to
your forum and read some of the Athlete Profiles. I
would love the chance to be part of this section and
hopefully be an inspiration to women who would like
to enter bodybuilding especially women 40+(or in my
case,40+++). I will start by answering the profile
questions.
1.I have been in a
weight room since the late 70’s when women with
weights were truly the minority. Rachel McLlish was
a huge inspiration to me. After watching her in
Pumping Iron; The Women, I knew that’s how I wanted
to look and live my life! I admire her
physique-strong but still very feminine. I competed
in a few shows and even though I did well, I never
really understood what a comp. diet was. I was
always very dedicated to training until a couple of
years ago when my mother died and then 6mo. later my
brother died. Emotionally it took its toll on me and
I slipped into what I called, a silent depression.
Then one day, call it divine intervention or just a
wakeup call, but I decided to attend Jen
Hendershott’s Phat Camp in Atl.! I caught her
contagious motivation and competed that spring 2007
in The USBF York comp. I won the novice, masters and
overall which qualified me to compete as a Natural
Pro! This year I took 3rd in my first Pro
comp.! |
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2. Presently I am
trying an Anabolic Diet which seems to be working
well with my body. I am very eager to try something
new because I have complete faith in my nutritionist
and trainer. I am the type of person who needs a
specific diet plan or I will eat and eat. Funny how
I can resist temptation as long as I have a plan.
When preparing for a comp. I usually start contest
prep 17 weeks out. It’s a love/hate relationship
from there on. I always say though, I’d go through
all the craziness for that 10-15 min. on that stage!
It is still so amazing to me how a natural athlete
can transform their body!
3.As far as a
philosophy, I guess mine is that of “old school”. Go
in to train as if preparing for battle. Go in with a
plan, attack it and go home .Working out can be fun,
but Bodybuilding is a 24/7 job!
4.In general, my role
models are those who constantly reinvent themselves.
Those who are strong enough to rise above adversity
and those who have passion for whatever they do. My
specific role model would be Rachel McLish; such a
great example of the original natural bodybuilder! |
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5.I guess my advice
would be ..Don’t accept defeat but let it humble you
enough to learn what you need to do to win next
time. Most of all Stay Hungry! Next, Train hard
.Train smart and do it as a Natural Athlete! If you
take care of your body, you will be pleasantly
surprised at my age!
I am looking for
sponsors to help me continue my journey of
bodybuilding. If anyone has been inspired by my
profile and would like to assist me please contact
me at teacherpump@yahoo.com |
