Competition has always been in Nat’s blood — and it’s stronger than ever. After years of pushing herself in competitive netball, an injury forced her to look for a new outlet. What she found was bodybuilding, and it wasn’t long before she was stepping on stage, chasing muscle and her best self.

This year, Nat crossed the ditch to New Zealand and walked away with a bodybuilding title, proving that hard work and loyalty to the craft always pay off. We sat down with her to hear her story, her thoughts on competing, and her advice for anyone ready to follow in her footsteps.

Nat holding up their INBA PNBA New Zealand Pro belt, after successfully becoming the newest New Zealand Women's Pro Bodybuilding Champion.

Getting Started

Nat has always been extreme in her commitment. At one point, she was playing up to six competitive netball games per week before injury cut her progress short.

“My doctor suggested I try a new sport,” she explains. “That’s how bodybuilding began for me. I didn’t need a role model or Instagram inspo — I actually find that hard to relate to, especially with filters and drugs in the mix.”

Her competitive fire came from within.

Choosing Her Path

Nat competes in the INBA federation — and that loyalty is important to her.

“I believe in sticking with a federation. Just like I didn’t switch netball teams every week, I’m not jumping around federations. INBA is where I belong.”

After trying multiple divisions, she’s now found her home in bodybuilding.

“I just want to be as muscular as possible while staying feminine. That’s what excites me. Other categories are great, but for me, bodybuilding keeps me mentally stimulated.”

She breaks down the difference:

“A wellness girl is going to train heavily for her lower body, while a figure competitor puts more focus on her upper. Each division has its own unique demands.”

The Prep Life

For Nat, prep isn’t something that starts 12 weeks out — it’s every day.

“I never stop. This is my life, not a fad. I just reduce calories closer to comp, but I’m always in shape.”

The hardest part?

“The leaner you get, the harder it is to see your results clearly. That can be tough mentally. But I never felt like giving up.”

Comp Day

Stage day is different every time. The show in New Zealand was calm backstage — fewer athletes, quieter vibes.

“When you’re in a big open room, you feel more energy. Here, it was quieter, less chatty.”

But under the lights, it’s always worth it.

“It’s the reward for the work. When I realised I’d won, I felt relief first — then happiness. I’m my own harshest judge.”

Nat posing on the INBA stage in New Zealand.

Life After the Win

Nat didn’t go wild celebrating.

“I had one meal off-plan, but I still tracked the calories. I don’t feel the need to binge — I don’t miss out on the foods I love because I plan them in.”

Now, her sights are set on the Natural Olympia in Las Vegas — the pinnacle of the sport for natural athletes.

“Every natural athlete should aim for Olympia. That’s where I’m heading next.”

Advice for First-Timers

Her biggest advice?

“Love the process first. Love training, love eating to a plan. If you don’t, it will feel impossible.”

She also warns against bad coaching:

“My first coach was cookie-cutter and didn’t teach me anything. Find a coach who educates you — that way, you grow and eventually learn to coach yourself.”

Rapid Fire Round

• Go-to routine music: Something meaningful, but for fun? “RuPaul!”
  
  
• Favourite post-comp meal: Chips and gravy.
  
  
• Funniest comp moment: “At Olympia 2023, I was warming Michael up and the male bodybuilders were judging me — a 45kg woman telling him what to do. They were blown away when it worked.”
  
  
• Her philosophy: “The training, eating, and prep is a sport. The posing — that’s an art.”

Nat doing a front double bicep pose after receiving their bodybuilding INBA PNBA Pro card.

Final Thoughts

Nat's story is proof that passion and discipline go hand in hand. From netball courts to bodybuilding stages across the world, she’s never stopped chasing the extreme. With Vegas on the horizon, she’s ready to show what a loyal, dedicated athlete can achieve — naturally.

Feeling inspired by Nat’s journey? Join the Stud Club and be part of a community where athletes push limits, chase goals, and celebrate every win. Your stage might look different, but the grind is the same — let’s get after it.

Join the Stud Club today and Feel the Buff!