Chloe Brownsell, who trains at Le Sport in Rhos-on-Sea, and Pure Gym in Rhyl recently secured the title after months of intensive preparation, including strict nutrition plans, daily cardio sessions, and weight training.
She won the Toned Figure title at the United Kingdom Ultimate Physiques competition.
However, Chloe’s bodybuilding journey began long before she stepped onto the competition stage.
She first started training in her late teens while recovering from an eating disorder, using exercise to help rebuild lost muscle tissue. What began as part of her recovery soon developed into a passion.
“The structure and stability of training really helped me thrive,” Chloe explained.
She believes this was partly influenced by her recently diagnosed ADHD and autism, saying the routine and consistency of bodybuilding provided an environment where she could flourish.
Choe Brownsell. (Image: Choe Brownsell)
After several years of training, Chloe was encouraged by others in the fitness industry to consider competing. Inspired by her love of the sport, she entered her first bodybuilding competition in the bikini category in 2021 before later progressing into the toned figure category.
For Chloe, competing is about much more than winning trophies.
She hopes her success can inspire other neurodivergent people to pursue their goals and show what is possible through dedication and perseverance.
Chloe also wants to raise awareness of the challenges associated with an underactive thyroid, a condition she lives with herself, and encourage others facing similar health issues not to be discouraged from getting involved in fitness.
“I want to motivate and inspire other people, especially my clients,” she said.
Alongside her competitive career, Chloe works as a personal trainer, helping others achieve their own fitness goals.
Balancing her profession with competition preparation is not easy. During contest season, Chloe’s schedule can include up to 90 minutes of cardio every day, weight training five times a week, and meticulous meal preparation.
“It is tough,” she admitted. “But structure is where I thrive.”
Nutrition, she says, is one of the most important aspects of preparing for competition. Her most recent contest preparation began in January, requiring six months of carefully planned training and a strict calorie-controlled diet before taking to the stage in June.
Despite the demands of the sport, Chloe says her motivation comes from the positive impact bodybuilding has on her wellbeing, stability, and productivity.
She has also seen growing interest in the sport during her time competing.
“The bodybuilding community is quite small, but I’ve definitely seen more people getting involved over the years,” she said, adding that there is a wealth of support available through online communities and social media.
For anyone considering bodybuilding themselves, Chloe advises making sure they are pursuing the sport for the right reasons.
“It’s not a quick-fix weight-loss solution,” she said. “It’s physically and mentally demanding, and having a good coach to guide you is really important.”
With her first win now under her belt, Chloe hopes her journey will encourage others facing their own challenges to believe in what they can achieve.