Meet the couples who fell for each other while working up a sweat
WORDS: EIMEAR O’HAGAN. PHOTOS: FABULOUS/THE SUN/NEWS LICENSING
‘WE ARE BOTH SO DEDICATED’
Claire Crowther, 38, lives in North Wales with her partner Adam, 33.
While other couples’ idea of a perfect night in usually involves TV and a takeaway, Adam and I prefer to let our spray tans dry while we tuck into chicken, rice and vegetables, before I shave his back and he helps me pick out a bikini for a show.
We’re both bodybuilders and our life revolves around the sport, which is also what brought us together in the first place.
We met at our local gym in March 2019. I’d been bodybuilding for three years and Adam for 10 years, and we’d chat while lifting weights. At first, we were just friends, as I had a husband. But I was unhappy – my five-year marriage was breaking down, and one of the reasons for it was my passion for bodybuilding.
Back in 2009, I wasn’t content with my body. I was a size 16 and around 14st at 5ft 4in. I was working as a midwife at the time, and a patient calling me fat was the final straw – I decided I wanted to change.
Over eight months I lost 6st through dieting and exercise, but I really wanted to push my body further.
I’d become aware of bodybuilding through my time at the gym, and thought the women who did it looked amazing, so I decided to join them. At the same time, I decided to leave my NHS career to become a personal trainer and eventually split with my husband in March 2019.
When Adam heard I’d become single, he texted me asking me if I fancied meeting up. Quickly, we realised we were perfect for one another, and Adam understood me in a way I’d never experienced before.
As we’re both so dedicated to bodybuilding, neither of us feels neglected by the amount of time we invest in our bodies. We go to the gym four or five times a week and compete at the same shows, helping one another prepare.
Bodybuilding can be emotionally gruelling, as well as physically challenging. Right before a show, we’re both grumpy, shattered from working out and following restrictive diets. We have no sex drive and no motivation to do anything nice as a couple.
But that doesn’t put a strain on our relationship because we understand exactly how the other is feeling.
I’d be the first to admit that bodybuilding is a selfish pursuit and I know first-hand the strain it can put on relationships.
However, it brought Adam and I together, and sharing our passion means that we’re perfect for one another.
Adam says: It’s not easy to find someone to share your life with when the
