Guyanese bodybuilder Ashanti Conway eyeing IFBB affiliation

– aims to contribute to a healthier, more informed fitness community

Ashanti Conway, silver medalist at the 2022 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships, is a certified personal trainer, an in-school youth Drug Prevention Officer (ag), and a part-time cook. This 25-year-old resident of Kwakwani, in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), has a physique that is worth exhibiting on both local and international stages.
“My work as a personal trainer complements my training, but then I also work an 8:00h to 16:00h job; so, my day usually starts as early as 4:00h until 19:00h. But I also prioritize rest to maintain balance,” she told Guyana Times Sport during a recent interview.

As the only person in her family with a deep passion for bodybuilding, she explained, her passion and determination, topped with self-discipline, have led to her winning several accolades thus far, including the Miss Fitness Paradise and Miss Bikini Novice 2020. She has also secured second place in the “Resilience” showdown, and second and third positions in the Ms Guyana senior competition on different occasions.
Conway told this publication that developed a love for bodybuilding some five years ago, and made the conscious decision to pursue the sport on a long-term basis because it keeps the body and mind healthy.
“I was drawn to bodybuilding initially as a form of self-improvement. Over time, it became a personal challenge to sculpt not just a strong, sexy body, but a strong mind. My motivation today comes from pushing past limits, inspiring others, and representing discipline in its purest form,” she related.
She presently competes in the Wellness Bikini Category, and is loving every moment of it. Her role model is Mark Perry, also known as ‘Uno’, a bodybuilder whose every move she hopes to one day emulate.
Explaining that the sport requires its adherents to abide by a strict diet and workout routine, which all help to render the expected results, she detailed, “I follow a high-protein, moderate-carb and low-fat diet during prep, shifting to a more balanced plan in the off-season. Whole foods, lean meats, leafy greens and measured macros are the foundation. With respect to gym, I work out like one to two hours a day…this time is shared among resistance training, cardio, and posing practice.”
Explaining that constant workout has resulted in her body becoming prone to its rigours, Ashanti disclosed, “At first it was hard…muscle pains, body pains; but at the end of it all, I couldn’t have made a better and more conscious decision to join body building…
“I feel energized after every workout. The blood keeps pumping and the adrenaline keeps running,” she explained.
Getting that perfect shape and body is for her not about impressing anyone, but rather about self-mastery.
“…I understand that physical transformation can inspire and captivate people; which can be a powerful thing…Yes, I do feel good when I am complimented about my body; and yes, people try to get that body; but, as I said, it is (the result of) hard work, determination, and the willingness to give up things you love.”
Although, she loves competing, she participates in no more than two competitions per year, depending on her condition and goals. She detailed,
“Overworking the body can also cause harm to us and our bodies, so keeping it to one or two competitions a year is enough for me…but workouts in the gym is standard, competition or no competition.”
Among her biggest challenges are mental fatigue and pressure of consistency. She related that progress is not linear, and staying focused during plateaus is where true character is built.
Asked about preparation before competition, Ashanti explained, “Preparation begins 12 to 16 weeks out. I follow a strict cutting diet, adjust macronutrients weekly, increase cardio, and refine posing daily. Recovery and sleep become as critical as the workouts themselves.”
Nevertheless, among her biggest challenges in preparing for a competition would forever be the emotional toll of depletion; strict social isolation, due to dietary restrictions; and the constant fine-tuning of physique without overtraining.
“This is where self-discipline comes in…once you make the necessary adjustments and be consistent, that is all you need to overcome. The challenges…it’s all about your mind and how well you stick to your goals,” she disclosed.
While she has had many successes during her five years in the sport, her most memorable moment was in 2022 in Barbados, when she won the silver medal at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships.
“I worked hard, trained consistently, had the right metal setting, and I was part of the best team…I executed my routine and I didn’t keep my eyes off the prize; and while I didn’t win the gold, I was very happy with the silver,” she detailed.
With that in mind, she intends to compete in the next CAC Bodybuilding Championships with the aim of becoming affiliated with the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) – the international governing body for the sport of bodybuilding and fitness.
“Beyond that, I hope to mentor and aspire young athletes, and more so contribute to a healthier, more informed fitness community,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, she is not against the use of supplements, since they can support performance and recovery when used responsibly.
“When it comes to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)…for me personally, I wouldn’t use it, but it’s a personal decision that should be made with full awareness of the risks. I advocate for informed health-first choices,” she pointed out.
For those wishing to join the bodybuilding fraternity, the very impressive Ashanti Conway is urging them to be patient.
“Consistency outweighs intensity. Focus on form, nutrition, and rest as much as your workouts…and never compare your journey to someone else’s,” she advises.
As it relates to her leisure activities, this young female bodybuilder, who is still single, enjoys travelling, going on adventures in the countryside such as mountain climbing, visiting different waterfalls and more importantly, spending time with her family and friends.