Inspiration to Other Women

"Anything is possible, but you have to put your mind to it and really want it. You have to have a good reason to achieve your goal. It has to be for you.” -Sylvia Barker

Motivation, Dedication and Commitment are her three favorite words.

“ Without determination, why are you doing it?”

When the women she works with want immediate change, she reminds them that she has spent years achieving her body.

“ It has to be you that wants it, You put in the effort, no one else.”-Sylvia Barker

“ Nothing is impossible.” -Sylvia Barker

Sylvia will be forty-five this year, and her secret to looking 30:

“Don’t look your age, if you don’t feel your age, then it’s just a number.” -Sylvia Barker

Her philosophy in life is:

“To participate, not be a spectator.” -Sylvia Barker

And her future goals….to look the way she now does at 60. “If I know her the way I think I do, she won’t look any different at 60.”- a coworker.

The Sport and It's Influence on Women

“Women need to see results, and when they do, they become more confident in themselves.”-Sylvia Barker

Sylvia knows that bodybuilding has a positive effect on women because it allows them to truly take control of their bodies. The sport is not as popular for women as it was when she competed. Now, the trend has shifted to Fitness Competitions, which is where gymnastics elements and bodybuilding are combined. Another reason she believes the popularity of female bodybuilders has dropped is because the public doesn’t view women with muscle appropriately.

“Guys usually want timid women that they can control, so some guys are turned off or intimidated by female bodybuilders.” -Sylvia Barker

In the sport of bodybuilding, her role model was Rachelle McLeish, because she looked strong, yet feminine. Sylvia worked to look like McLeish. However, Sylvia believes that all women should be natural and was disappointed in Rachelle when she got implants.