Local Female Bodybuilder Shines in Global Competition

A Journey into International Bodybuilding

Switching gears from various fitness activities, a woman from Danville, used her passion for fitness to secure a third-place finish in an international bodybuilding competition in June. Tori Posatko, 34, trained under the guidance of Coach Casey Samsel from Bloomsburg, preparing rigorously for the international showdown.

From Cross-Country to Bodybuilding

A former cross country and track athlete at Lake Lehman High School and King’s College, Posatko’s fitness journey encompassed different forms of exercise, from trail running to CrossFit. Eventually, her quest for a unique challenge led her towards bodybuilding.

Her training for the first bodybuilding competition began in October, in partnership with the Fit Femme Project. Under the mentorship of her lifestyle coach, Posatko embarked on a journey of personal transformation, involving metabolism-boosting workouts and a complete overhaul of dietary habits.

Coach Casey Samsel: A Beacon of Guidance

Coach Samsel, an International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation Bikini Pro, has a wealth of experience with 38 shows under her belt. Among her achievements, Samsel boasts of a 4th place Bikini Olympia victory, a 3rd place Arnold Sports Fest Bikini International win and 9 years of coaching bikini athletes.

Food Freedom & Physique Goals

While training with Samsel, Posatko learnt the true meaning of food freedom. A radical shift from earlier food avoidance, she began consuming more than ever before, leading to notable changes in her body. Despite an increase in food intake, Posatko reported her waist shrinking and her muscles becoming fuller, a process commonly known as body recomposition.

Transitioning Workouts

As her diet underwent significant changes, Posatko’s workout routine also changed drastically. Intense workouts at Planet Fitness, involving lifting weights, became part of her routine, marking a departure from her previous high-intensity workouts.

The Cut Phase

The cut phase of her preparation was characterized by a decrease in energy levels, meticulous timing of meals and the need to measure her food intake to the gram. Despite the demanding regime and moments of doubt, Posatko continued her preparation, even taking her food scale to restaurants to ensure she met her dietary requirements.

Peak Week & Competition Day

When the competition day arrived, Posatko found herself in the ‘peak week’, during which she depleted and refilled her muscles with carbs as instructed by her coach. On the day of the show, she was surprised by her meal plan which included items like McDonald’s pancakes and servings of chicken, peanut butter, and banana.

Competing and Placing

Posatko competed in three categories, but it was the true novice category that held the most significance for her. Competing against 12 other first-timers, she claimed a well-deserved third place. After the competition, Posatko indulged in her favorite foods, without any repercussions, marking a victorious and satisfying end to her first bodybuilding journey.

The Road Ahead

With her successful debut, Posatko was quick to contemplate her future in the sport, discussing with her coach the sustainability of her current regimen and the possibility of preparing for her next competition. Under Samsel’s guidance, it was decided that they would head straight into prep-mode for her upcoming competition.

Coach Samsel’s Take

Bearing testimony to Posatko’s determination, Coach Samsel praised her for being ‘extremely coachable’. She expressed her excitement about supporting Posatko in her future endeavors in the realm of bodybuilding.