A bodybuilding mum-of-four who became a world champion after just 18 months of training believes her 11-year-old son could be ‘the next Arnie’.
Kerry MacDonald, 43, hadn’t set foot in a gym before April last year, but has since won multiple competition titles.
The mum slams ‘lazy assumptions’ that she takes steroids, claiming that she is simply a ‘genetic freak’.
Kerry trains regularly at her local gym in Workington, Cumbria – and her newfound success has rubbed off on her kids.
Oliver, 14, goes to the gym, but it’s his younger brother Aaron who’s really caught the bodybuilding bug.
Although the 11-year-old hasn’t started weight training yet, he’s competed on stage and has already been offered a sponsorship, with his mum saying he is ‘obsessed’ with the community.
Kerry said: ‘Just a few weeks ago he got up on stage and performed a bodybuilding routine.
‘He got a tan and trunks. He was getting the crowd going and they were cheering. You can’t make kids do that.
‘He might be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger.’
The kids’ dad, Steven Johnston, 47, used to be a bodybuilder himself, and urged Kerry to try bodybuilding when they started dating 18 years ago.
Kerry was too shy back then, but was inspired to take it up by her friend who won Miss Cumbria and also has a coach.
She took to it instantly.
‘After lockdown I joined the gym and that was it, I’ve got a good physique for it,’ explained Kerry.
‘I’ve always been a very active mum but I haven’t done athletics since being 13.
‘For years I couldn’t ever complete anything, I started hairdresser training and left because I couldn’t retain information.’
Kerry, who works as a cleaner, was diagnosed with ADHD a month after she began doing weight training and says pumping iron helps her focus.
She said: ‘With ADHD you are grieving for what you could have achieved, but the gym really helps me.
‘I think my story shows anybody can achieve anything, just give it a go. That feeling of being proud of yourself is such a nice feeling.’
In the space of just 10 weeks, Kerry has taken home four regional titles, a British title, and came first in the women’s trained body category at the PCA bodybuilding world championships.
But the mum said making her family proud means more to her than the glitz and glamour – and is annoyed by assumptions and misconceptions about the new hobby.
Kerry said: ‘I go to the gym four or five times a week, I eat clean – people just make their own assumptions. I have rest days and I get enough sleep, I go to bed at 10pm and am up at 6am.
‘I’m just naturally built to do this, I’m a genetic freak. This is just the way that my body has responded to the exercise, the food, and rest.’
Steven helps keep Kerry on her gruelling regime, which she said ‘has rekindled their relationship as they gym, eat and plan shows together.’
‘I can hear him shouting at me at shows “keep it tight”,’ she added. ‘He doesn’t let me give in.’
The competitions are firmly a family affair – Aaron hasn’t missed any of his mum’s shows, saying he wants to travel around the world with her.
‘Aaron has become obsessed with the bodybuilding community and loves to chat to other competitors, and spotting who he thinks will win,’ said Kerry.
A woman who makes Kerry’s bikinis offered the budding star a sponsorship deal, but his parents think he is too young to start training.
Still, he loves to copy the poses and get involved on stage, with photos of Steven’s past bodybuilding successes giving him plenty of inspiration.
Kerry said: ‘He goes round speaking to the bodybuilders.
‘He sent one a message saying “you weren’t looking your best, you would have won if you’d looked like you did at another competition”. The guy sent him a message back saying “you’ve inspired me”.
‘People say to me “my god, your son”. Aaron has really benefited from the people he has met, he’s got so much confidence.’
While the sons join Kerry and Steven at shows, the couple’s children from previous relationships don’t share the enthusiasm. Kerry’s daughter Ellie, 24, prefers yoga, while Steven’s daughter, Athena, 21, works as a dancer on a cruise ship.
‘It’s not for financial gain,’ adds Kerry. ‘It’s a passion and we are enjoying doing it as a family.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : My boyfriend and I are bodybuilders – our extreme lifestyles brought us together
MORE : Grandma becomes a champion bodybuilder at 70
MORE : Bodybuilder hones physique until his chest is twice the width of his waist
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
