A mum of two married for 35 years who is about to turn 60 has dived headfirst into the world of competitive bodybuilding.Sharon Sharp’smornings are a testament to her disciplined lifestyle. Her daily routine includes training, food prep and logging, check-ins with her coach, walking her dog, and staying active on social media..
Sharon said:“Structure, routines, lists… they may sound boring to some, but they’ve been a huge driver of my success.These habits keep my mind calm, my stress levels low, and my life in order because I know what to expect day to day.
“I don’t necessarily block hours for afternoon tasks, but I often have a written checklist, ordered by importance. It’s my way of staying confident that nothing will be missed — especially with the challenges that come with a mid-age brain.”
Although Sharon and husband Dave have been retired for several years, their lives remain full of activity. “Life goes on around us, and day-to-day issues can still be urgent and time-consuming,” she said “Sure, I can be spontaneous, but when prep season begins, my structure becomes paramount, and everyone around me knows and accepts this. Outside of prep, I’m working on balance — and I’m getting better!”
Sharon’s bodybuilding journey began early.
“I joined a gym at 15,” she said, “and it’s been a part of my life ever since. It keeps my mind calm and gives me a sense of control. But it’s only in the past decade that I’ve truly committed to learning more, and in the past five years, I’ve made big changes, especially with my nutrition.”
She emphasises the importance of nutrition in her success. “Macro-based nutrition takes time to learn, but it’s been a game-changer for me. The hardest lesson was learning to eat enough food. It’s not as easy as it sounds when you’re on a plan with high carbohydrates and low fats. Creativity becomes essential to ensure meals are both enjoyable and digestible.”
For Sharon, the results speak for themselves. At her last competition in mid-October, she weighed in at 110 pounds (49.9 kg) with a waist measurement of 23.6 inches. Since then, she’s increased to 116 pounds (52.6 kg) and a 24.4-inch waist.
“That’s a very slow increase, but it’s intentional,” she explains. “These past few months have been a reverse dieting phase to return to a maintenance weight, where I feel my best—fuller both in physique and in my belly.”
Sharon’s diet is meticulously planned, with training days set at 2,345 calories (335g carbs) and non-training days at 2,165 calories (290g carbs). “When February rolls around, I’ll be back with my coach, Jean Jacques Barrett, to begin the serious part of my build. This phase will last a minimum of six months before prepping for competition toward the end of the year.”
Her passion for bodybuilding is evident in her dedication to improvement. “It’s about learning and improving in every aspect,” Sharon, said.
“At my last show, I had eaten 3,000 calories and 500g of carbs the day before, but I still felt ‘tiny.’ Yes, I was muscular, but tiny! Conditioning for a physique competition requires extreme leanness, and while it can be challenging, it’s all part of the journey.” Sharon’s commitment to her goals has been a learning curve not just for her but also for those around her.
“My Australian show was a good learning experience. It taught me to embrace the process, whether it’s hitting 110 pounds for competition or aiming to add a few extra pounds of muscle in the offseason.”
Despite her intense focus on fitness, Sharon ensures she balances her life with family and other priorities. “Taking time for my family, especially my husband Dave, is something I work on constantly. It’s crucial for me to maintain that balance. Knowing I’m dedicating time to others outside my fitness goals keeps my mind much happier.”
Dave, has been a pillar of support throughout Sharon’s journey. “He’s my biggest cheerleader,” she says with a smile. “Having a supportive partner is invaluable. It’s not just about cheering from the sidelines; it’s about understanding the commitment and being there through the highs and lows.”
Sharon is also a firm believer that age should never be a limiting factor. “Age isn’t part of the equation for me,” she says. “If anything, it’s been a superpower. Competing at 57 was a milestone, and preparing to step on stage again at 60 feels just as exciting. I’m constantly learning and growing—in my physique and my mindset.”
Her advice to others is simple yet profound: “Find your why. Have a strong want. There are no excuses that should hold you back. Age is just a number, and the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.”
For women intimidated by weightlifting or the gym, Sharon offers encouragement. “Find a community of like-minded people to keep you motivated and accountable. Most people in the gym are focused on their own training, so don’t worry about being judged. And remember, it’s never too late to start.”
Sharon’s Instagram page, @gymtonicnz, is a source of inspiration for many. Through candid insights and practical tips, she hopes to motivate others to take control of their health and fitness. “I want people to see that any goal is within reach if you’re willing to put in the work. Nutrition, structure, and consistency are key.”
As she prepares to compete, Sharon’s focus remains on building muscle, improving her flexibility, and perfecting her posing. Beyond the physical achievements, she finds the most reward in the confidence she’s gained, the connections she’s made, and the example she’s set for her daughters, aged 24 and 26
“Showing my children that anything is achievable with the right mindset is one of my proudest accomplishments.”
Looking ahead, Sharon envisions evolving her role in the fitness industry. “I have a passion for helping others, especially those in mid-life and beyond. Becoming an online coach feels like a natural next step for me. I want to inspire others to realise their potential and live their healthiest lives.”
For Sharon, bodybuilding is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, discipline, and belief in oneself. “Find your passion and commit fully,” she says. “Life doesn’t slow down, so why should you?”