In today’s episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Sandy Arave, a 55-year-old high school counselor whose path to bodybuilding success is anything but conventional. Sandy began competing in 2022 and earned her Pro card at North Americans in 2024. In 2025, she made her Pro debut and went on to win two Pro shows in the 55+ categories.
Before bodybuilding, Sandy lived a very different competitive life as a barrel racer, competing at professional rodeos. Her journey into the sport came alongside navigating grief, health challenges, and major life transitions. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, purpose, and why chasing growth matters more than chasing a card.
TOPICS COVERED
-Living and competing through grief and trauma
-Transitioning from competitive barrel racing to bodybuilding
-Building and leaning on a strong support system
-Lessons learned through failure and setbacks
-Being a role model at any age
-Prioritizing health while pursuing big goals
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TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
3:14 having a competitive nature
5:53 life before competing
13:13 balance work life and competing
16:56 competing through grief
26:41 how grief has impacted her life
35:16 taking chances
43:10 advice for balancing life and competing
52:35 making her Pro debut
59:30 dealing with thyroid issues
66:38 prioritizing health
73:05 advice for competitors
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