(All photos: Dale Dong)
While making her first foray into bodybuilding, Dr. Theresa Beyerle has learned some of the quirks to the sport. “Most bodybuilders have really strange ideas about what a healthy bodybuilding diet is,” says Beyerle, who will compete in the upcoming Gay Games 9. “Plus I’m a vegetarian, which makes it more difficult, because we’re supposed to have a lot of protein to build muscle.”
Beyerle, 52, has increased her workout routine to an hour a day, which pushes a busy schedule into even busier territory. “I work full time, I do a lot of volunteer work, I have a lot of evening meetings. It is tough,” says Beyerle, who runs the service learning program at The University of Akron, which connects students with local nonprofits and community organizations.
The Highland Square resident says she’s also exercised her university connections to partner up with a nutritionist, who has helped in her journey to bring her body into peak shape.
It also helps that Beyerle was already in great shape when she decided to compete in the Gay Games. “I don’t expect to be a star bodybuilder but I’m extremely strong, extremely healthy.”
This is Beyerle’s first foray into competitive bodybuilding, and although she’s pleased with the health outcomes, it will likely be her last foray into this unique subculture of athletes. “I’m 52. My elbows hurt all the time,” says Beyerle, who notes that bodybuilding may be best suited for people in their 20s.
Judges of the bodybuilding competition will rate symmetry, muscularity and presentation (free posing). Gay Games 9 will take place Aug. 9 through16 in the Akron-Cleveland area and is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors from around the globe. The bodybuilding competition takes place Aug. 12 at Public Music Hall, 500 Lakeside Ave., in Cleveland.
To purchase tickets and find out about all the events, visit www.gg9cle.com.
