A Scottish Gladiator star has opened up on her own personal journey to body positivity with an aim of inspiring her fans.
Sheli McCoy, from Dundee, has become a favourite tea time entertainer in her role as Sabre on the hit BBC show, and shared with fans how she experienced spells where she was both ‘considerably overweight’ and ‘considerably underweight.’
Many may have believed Sheli was always in the incredible athletic condition she is today but her revelations on her past physical conditions is something she hopes can motivate her fans looking towards a festive fitness drive, the Daily Record reports.
Sharing before and after pictures on Instagram, she posted: “Whilst I truly do understand the image I now portray is that of a disciplined, focused and relentless athlete I can show you better than I can explain to you that that’s really not always been the case and I too have been and still would consider myself a work in progress.
“I have been considerably overweight. I have been considerably underweight – and very unwell with both extremes. And now I can say I am healthy, athletic, strong and able to share these experiences for the benefit of others.
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“So next time you see a person in their fitness era and before we formulate a preconceived mindset of their genetics or lack of effort – first allow them a little nod of respect because they may have just worked their absolute heart out for that fitness , that mindset and that body, like I did.”
Sheli previously revealed that surviving domestic abuse from an ex-partner helped to inspire her to become superfit.
She explained how her weight increased as she overate as a coping mechanism during the toxic eight-year long relationship.
Sheli shared pictures of herself throughout her body image journey.
(Image: Instagram)
However, after taking out a restraining order against the man, Sheli pledged to get “strong” and became a Scottish CrossFit and weightlifting champion before landing a spot as on Gladiators.
Sheli runs her own business at Dundee’s SweatBox gym alongside former professional ice hockey player Sam McCluskey, who represented Dundee Stars.
She trains up to 16–19 hours per week to maintain her impressive physique and according to her Gladiators profile, Sheli can deadlift 160kg – a weight heavier than a baby African elephant.
However, she suffered a serious hamstring injury earlier this year and had to endure months of rehabilitation.
She admitted to being both under and overweight.
(Image: Instagram.)
Speaking in June, Sheli thanked the medical staff at Gladiators and sent out a message to her fans saying she would soon be back in action.
She said: “Sabre will be on cage rest for a few weeks so brace yourself when she’s allowed back out.”
Sheli has since gone on to appear on television shows The Weakest Link and The Wheel and recently revealed on Instagram that she fancies a spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
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She has also spoke out against youth violence after reading in the Record about Kaylynn Donald, 13, who was attacked on a school bus by a group of bullies.
Kaylynn is a pupil at Bell Baxter High in Cupar and Sheli attended the same school. She praised the teen for having the courage to speak about her ordeal and called her a ‘real-life Gladiator.’