A mum-of-two is determined to become a bodybuilder now that she’s beaten cancer.
Caris Bowen, from Burry Port, Wales, was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was 21.
Throughout her treatment, she discovered a love for sports, which she credits for helping her during the recovery process.
Caris, who now works as a personal trainer, believes that setting herself fitness goals helped her maintain a positive mindset.
She remembered: “I first discovered my passion for fitness on a day during treatment when I felt lowest.
“I woke up feeling extremely down and I felt like it was defeating me, so I got a pair of trainers on and took my dog for a walk.
“I didn’t get very far, but that day I realised what would keep me strong, and as my health improved I would walk that bit further every time.”
Soon, Caris’ short walks turned into long runs, and she quickly signed up to the gym.
She said: “I would spend hours researching training plans and following fitness models on certain blogs and websites, and I created a big goal.”
“Being told I had the illness, and accepting the fight, I had instantly changed my mindset towards life.”
After doctors gave Caris the all-clear, she had more time to focus on her exercise regime.
She began working as a rugby coach for Burry Port RFC, before taking up a personal training course.
Four years on, the gym bunny found the courage to begin doing weight classes on her own.
While it was daunting at first, she soon got hooked.
Caris revealed: “Often I felt out of place, and that I didn’t know what I was doing, but shutting the world off and getting lost in the workout meant I was learning and developing into a personal trainer/fitness instructor.
“Overcoming the doubts and insecurities I had taught me how to help others overcome their fears and insecurities.
“All of the good and bad experiences have moulded me into the person I am today to help others, and I am so grateful for that.”
The determined mum has now set her sights on an even bigger goal. In 2018, she hopes to compete on stage at fitness shows.
She confessed: “Having learned how my body works over the years I am really looking forward to pushing my body to the limits and revealing the muscle and physique I have worked on during my remission.
“After competing in the bodybuilding show I will then be entering a powerlifting competition.
“I would like to think I would do well in both, but to ensure I do I will be extremely strict with my diet and training.”
Caris hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to start exercising.
She said: “I think fitness should be in everybody’s life. It helps with many illnesses, from physical illness to mental health.
“It has improved my self-confidence imm-ensely – look good, feel good as they say!”
