Name: Shalane Chaco
Height: 5'-1"
Contest Weight: 100 lbs.
Off-Season Weight: 120 lbs.
Age: 25
Hometown: Dededo, Guam
"During the show, not once that I think, "oh I can't do this anymore", "why am I doing this?" It was really something I really wanted."
Unlike female bodybuilding, figure competitors aren't as muscular—they're strong but feminine. But according to most people's standards, they're still pretty ripped.
Shalane started training in January 2011, after making up her mind that she wanted to do the show in 2012. She was inspired by fitness competitor Letitia Shimizu and Desiree Eay Reel. Eventually it got to the point where she realized failure wasn’t an option. Shalane began hitting the gym six days a week and doing cardio every day, and lifting weights. She overhauled her diet, too, crafting meals around chicken tenders, broccoli, and fish, and snacking fruits or oatmeal with splenda.
Shalane maintained her strict diet and intense workout regimen throughout the duration of her preparation for the contest. As the weeks turned into months, Shalane started to notice changes in how her body looked and performed. “I was seeing my results, I was amazed at how much more athletic looking I had become—” She says.
She said she is preparing to compete again this year.