Kelly Donegan - Build Your Own Body: Strong is the New Skinny

CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE AND CHANGE YOUR BODY.

STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY

STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A PHRASE OR AN IDEA. ITS A REVOLUTION.

It means throwing away all the old stereotypes and pressures around what the female body should look like. Its about building a body that you want. You make the rules and you set the standards.

Its time to stop idealising an unrealistic body image and to stop comparing your physical beauty to other women. Size zero, thigh gaps, a skin-and-bones physique and weakness are out. Strong, powerful, hardworking and healthy are in.

This revolution means embracing the power of weightlifting and exercise. In this world you wont be judged on your looks or your body, but you will be judged on your efforts and your ability to persevere in the face of difficulty. Strong isnt a luxury just for men any more. Its time for women to be strong too, both physically and mentally, to get healthy and to kick ass in the gym. The rewards will be an improved body and mind.

Getting strong doesnt mean getting bulky, and it certainly doesnt mean becoming masculine. The modern weightlifting woman looks sexier than ever and has a renewed self-confidence.

So are you ready to join the strong revolution and take back control of your life, your mind and your body?

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Most books tend to end with thank yous, but for me this book has to start with them because I wouldnt be the person I am without all of these people and I certainly wouldnt be writing this inspirational book.

Firstly, thank you to Gill Books for believing in me and for giving me a new platform to share my knowledge and my story. Its probably the most exciting and meaningful yes of my career and has reaffirmed my belief in never giving up. For those who think the big yes will never come, dont quit because the right one will work out for you, usually when you least expect it. Thanks to the wonderful team at Gill Books I worked with on Build Your Own Body. They supported me from day one and made the experience so unbelievably special. Thank you to Nicki, Ruth, Kristin, Emma and Teresa.

To my mam, Susan, who I know deep down has always been my biggest fan, thank you for supporting me and keeping me grounded. I cant imagine its easy having a daughter like me, who seems to pick the most unusual and risky routes in life, so for being the most wonderful, caring, selfless, patient woman on the planet, thank you. Thank you to my dad, John, who inspires me to work hard on a daily basis and who reminds me to never forget to just be silly and to laugh no matter what age you are. Thank you both for being amazing parents. I wouldnt be the person I am today without your love, support and craziness.

To my sister Mollie and my brother Craig, who bring laughter and madness into my life, who dont take any rubbish from me and always find new and creative ways to annoy me. I am so lucky that I can call my brother and sister best friends, so thank you.

To my best friend, Grace, there arent enough pages in this book to fit all the reasons why I need to thank you. You have been my rock, my shoulder to cry on and my solace in my saddest days. I am forever grateful for your friendship, your love and your kindness. I am truly blessed that I get to call you my best friend.

To my coach, Calin, thank you for helping me discover my inner athlete, for pushing me to be my best and for being my teacher.

To all of my family and friends, thank you for everything. I am fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life who have been there for me.

To my dog, Tyson, who kept me company every day while I was writing this book and for proving that sometimes all a girl needs is her dog.

This may seem a little strange (but hey, my book was always going to be somewhat abnormal), but I want to say a big thank you to the universe for all of the tough times, the sad days, the dark days, the times I wanted to quit, the times that tested me, the past people in my life and for all the nos Ive received over the years. Positive life situations are important and exciting, but its the negative times that build character, that push you to dig deep and to keep fighting. I have discovered just how strong I am as a result of all of these things and they are an important part of my journey. They say that life deals you the cards that it thinks you can handle and that the hard times allow you to discover your inner warrior, so I have to be grateful and acknowledge them. My past has made me who I am today.

FOREWORD

I have over two decades of experience working in the world of fitness and bodybuilding. My career started in my home country of Romania, where I studied sports management and physical education before becoming a PE teacher. My passion for bodybuilding started many years ago, before making Ireland my home.

I have trained many clients and athletes over the years and pride myself on helping them through my own experience and knowledge. Five years ago I launched my own nutrition company and created Team Titan Ireland, a group of select men and women who compete at national and international level in a range of bodybuilding categories under my supervision and guidance. Kelly is a part of this team, but before that she was a friend, one who has gone on to become one of the most important athletes on our team.

Kelly always makes it her business to support her fellow teammates. She constantly inspires and motivates others and is a dream athlete to work with.

She is the epitome of hard work and dedication. She sticks to every challenge that she faces as a competitive bodybuilder, whether its diet or training. She is always trying to learn new ways to improve or push herself and to take her body to the next level.

There are no airs or graces to this girl, just hard work and focus. She has totally embraced the world of fitness and bodybuilding since we started in 2013. Her ambition to inspire others continues to impress me, and her sharp mind for business and her creativity will see this lady gain huge success. She has a bright future ahead of her in the world of fitness and I am looking forward to watching her journey.

I recommend this book to anyone looking to be inspired and who wants to get fit. Kelly has made it happen for herself time and time again she has transformed her own body from skinny to strong. She knows what she is talking about because she puts it into practice every day.

Calin Brehaita, owner of Titan Nutrition Ireland and International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) professional judge.

BYOB simply means build your own body, because the reality is that building your own body is simple that is, of course, with the right information, plan, support and determination.