Bodybuilder Shelby Cyr’s lifestyle isn’t for everyone.
From daily gym sessions at 4 a.m. to cutting out alcohol and salty foods to spending hundreds of dollars on coaching and swimsuits, the 28-year-old Bangor native has acutely micromanaged herself for the past six months, leading up to the biggest show of her life on Friday.
The National Physique Committee national championships in Teaneck, New Jersey will be Cyr’s sixth show in her four-year career, and her first time competing for a national title.
Donning high heels and an “intense” amount of spray tan, she’ll begin by performing a series of customary poses alongside other contestants in the women’s bikini division, and then will be judged by her 40-second personal routine. Her entire event won’t last more than 10 minutes.
“You’re going for a very specific look. It’s gross, but it’s awesome — it’s empowering,” Cyr said. “Bodybuilding takes such a huge amount of dedication, and it keeps you in a really good headspace. Even if you don’t win a trophy, it doesn’t mean you don’t win personally.”
A dental assistant currently living in Orrington, the 5-foot-5 Cyr got her start in bodybuilding in early 2020 when she happened to win a small competition in Virginia.
Since then, Cyr has turned a one-off bucket list activity into an infatuation with the science and rigor behind the sport, tailoring her diet and workouts to the maximum in the weeks leading up to big competitions.
She qualified for nationals by winning the Atlantic States championships in early June, extending the duration of her prep for an additional month.
“Prep usually lasts 14 to 16 weeks, but now it’s been 26 weeks,” Cyr said. “I cut from 145 pounds to 115 pounds. It’s important to remain healthy but also push [yourself] to extremes.”
The intense dieting and exercise regimens are even beginning to weigh on Cyr, who plans on taking a break from bodybuilding after this weekend.
She hopes to become a full-time personal trainer in the future, and help people live healthy, balanced lifestyles.
“I love the structure, and I’ve met some of my best friends [bodybuilding],” Cyr said. “I feel more ready for nationals than I ever have before, but it could be my last hurrah — I’m excited to finally eat with my parents.”
