Focusing solely on cardio and calisthenics, she experienced huge weight loss, but soon figured that was not the healthy way go -- skipping meals and consuming junk food was leaving her tired and fatigued most of the time. The importance of maintaining a proper diet could not be overlooked, and the lack of proper knowledge about nutrition did not help her case. After completing her studies in 2012, she finally became a lawyer. “In such an intense profession, you always need to bring your A-game, both mentally and physically,” she added. Pursuing her career gave her little room to work on herself. Feeling the need to go back to working out again, she had to make drastic changes in her lifestyle.
Within a few years, Eva started getting into body building professionally. It’s been three years since she started doing so, and she finally got a chance to participate in the national body building competition held by Bangladesh Bodybuilding Federation, the first of its kind which allowed women to participate. The first championship was held at the National Sports Council Auditorium with the participation of 30 competitors. Being the oldest among her peers was what motivated Eva to push even harder for the title. She had little experience in competitive settings, as she had only participated in a power lifting tournament before. She ended up placing fourth overall.
"When you are determined and obsessed about something, you can just about do anything”
Juggling between being a lawyer, body building and running a family requires one to be extremely dedicated and devoted. Her son, currently sitting for his A level examinations, and her husband, a businessman by profession have always encouraged her to pursue body building. Without the support of her family, it would have been a very difficult task to achieve, she mentioned. Starting from maintaining a proper diet at home to spending enough time at the gym, the entire family has to make sacrifices, which ultimately brings out a positive change in everyone’s life.
“It’s good to see more and more women getting into fitness,” she added. This shows women are now more aware about health and the lifestyle that comes along with it. Unlike in the past, Eva believes there are better nutritionists who have the proper knowledge about healthy diets now, which has been one of the biggest challenges. Without a proper diet plan, achieving the desired outcome is next to impossible, demotivating a lot of women from going to the gym. Technology has played a big role; now, anybody can do their own research and follow a diet plan according to their own body type. Not everyone is into body building; having an active lifestyle is what’s most important.
“There will always be challenges one has to overcome when you’re achieving things, and pursuing law as a career is no exception,” she also added. Eva had many external barriers, too, when it came to her profession. Many said it was impossible for her to become a lawyer at this age -- especially with a child to take care of and a family to maintain. Her sheer passion and a determined mindset made her who she is today. Eva often says: “When you are determined and obsessed about something, you can just about do anything.”
