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From Fat to Fit Mom: How I Became a Bikini Competitor – Twice – in June 2025

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From Fat to Fit Mom: How I Became a Bikini Competitor – Twice – in June 2025

By Sanjyot Unki | Bikini Athlete | Single Mom | Fitness Coach
#fattofitmom #momtobikiniathlet #icompetenatural

A Dream I Never Dared to Dream… Came True

I never thought I would say these words — “I am a bikini competitor.”
But in June 2025, I stepped onto the competition stage twice, competing in two prestigious bodybuilding events and returning with trophies, medals, and a heart full of gratitude.

It wasn’t about the glitter, the stage lights, the glamorous bikini, or the makeup. It was about something much deeper — discipline, self-acceptance, conquering fear, and proving to myself that I am more powerful than I ever imagined.

January 2025: It All Started with a Conversation

In mid-January 2025, during a regular check-in with my coach Sarina Pani, we discussed competition opportunities.

There were two shows in focus:
✔ Dynamo Sports Festival – A major show featuring enhanced athletes. I was nervous about being a natural athlete in that space.
✔ ICN Bangalore – A completely natural bodybuilding competition, one that aligns perfectly with my core values and clean journey.

Together, we decided to commit fully, not just to compete — but to compete with purpose.

From that moment, my lifestyle shifted into prep mode:

Nutrition became sharper and more calculated
Workouts intensified — progressive overload, hypertrophy, cardio
Posing practice became a new daily ritual (and my biggest challenge!)

My Life: Single Mom, Full-Time Professional, and Athlete in Training

Let me be honest — juggling everything was no joke.
I’m a single mom — responsible for raising a beautiful child, managing household chores, building my career, and now… training like a competitive athlete.

Some days I’d wake up before sunrise just to squeeze in cardio.
Other nights, I’d practice posing in heels after putting my child to sleep.
Weekends? They weren’t for rest. They were for grocery planning, meal prep, mobility drills, and mental resets.

There were days I was exhausted.
There were moments I questioned it all:

“Is this worth it?”
“Why am I doing this?”
“Is this even for someone like me?”

But then I’d look at my child and remember — I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it to show them what’s possible.

Training Was My Comfort Zone — Posing Was NOT

As someone who’s always loved being active, the training and nutrition part wasn’t as hard. I understood macros, training splits, progressive overload, and recovery.

But posing?
That was my Achilles’ heel.

To stand tall in 5-inch heels, flex the right muscles, hold grace, smile, and appear effortless — it took weeks of learning and daily practice.

Studied posing videos for hours
Practiced transitions repeatedly
Sent feedback videos to Coach Sarina
Scheduled live posing sessions
Walked across my room in heels till my feet ached

But you know what?
Day by day, my body language started to change.
My confidence grew.
I didn’t just learn to pose — I learned to own the space I stood in.

Show Day #1: Dynamo Sports Festival – A Test of Courage

The first show was at the Dynamo Sports Festival — a stage dominated by enhanced athletes. I was possibly the only natural (natty) athlete in my category.

Despite knowing the odds were stacked against me, I stayed true to my values and gave it my all.

🟣 Outcome:
🥉 3rd Place in the Bikini Title Fight
🏆 Trophy + Cash Prize

I walked off that stage with pride — not just because I placed, but because I showed up authentically and unapologetically me.

Show Day #2: ICN Bangalore – My Natural Victory

Just a week later, I participated in the ICN Bangalore natural bodybuilding competition. This was my arena. No shortcuts. No enhancements. Just dedication, grit, and clean prep.

And the results?

🏅 2 Gold Medals

Ms. Bikini Novice
Ms. Bikini Momma

🥈 1 Silver Medal

Ms. Bikini Open

🥉 2 Bronze Medals

Sports Fitness Momma
Sports Fitness Open

That day, I didn’t just win medals — I experienced the truest form of victory: overcoming every limitation I once believed about myself.

My Biggest Realization: I Am My Only Competition

In every show, I’ve learned that the real competition is not against others — it’s with the voice inside that says “you’re not enough.”

The judges’ scores? Out of my control.
The glamour? Temporary.
The growth? Eternal.

This journey has made me:

Mentally stronger – I’ve developed mental endurance and clarity.
Emotionally resilient – I’ve learned to detach from outcomes and love the process.
Spiritually grounded – I now move with a sense of higher purpose and gratitude.

Gratitude: Because I Didn’t Do This Alone

Coach Sarina Pani

You’ve been more than just a coach. You’ve been my anchor, guide, and cheerleader. Thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself. Thank you for seeing the athlete and woman in me long before I did.

Jitendra Chouksey (JC)

Thank you for creating FITTR, a platform that’s given people like me a place to thrive. Your vision and community helped me transform my body, mindset, and life.

What’s Next?

This is not the end.
This is the beginning of a new lifestyle. Competing isn’t just about the stage — it’s about who I’ve become.

I will continue to:

Train
Evolve
Inspire
Help others rewrite their own stories

And yes — I’m already prepping for the next competition.

To Every Mom Out There…

You can be strong.
You can be feminine.
You can chase dreams.
You can show up for yourself and your children.

You don’t have to choose one identity — you can be it all.

💖 Hare Krishna
💪 #fattofitmom | 👠 #momtobikiniathlet | 🌿 #naturalcompetitor
🔥 #singlemomfitness | ✨ #indianbikiniathlete | 💫 #selflovejourney