Virginia Sanchez, a celebrated Spanish bodybuilder, is known for her incredible physique and dedication to the sport. In a recent social media post, she showcased her impressive back muscles during a gym session, giving fans a glimpse into her intense workouts. Starting her bodybuilding journey at 17, inspired by her father, Virginia's passion for fitness continues to grow. Overcoming mental health struggles, including a challenging recovery from Covid, she remains focused on her health and well-being. From intense cardio sessions for weight loss to prioritizing hydration and recovery, Virginia’s balanced approach to fitness and self-care has shaped her success in bodybuilding. Here’s how she maintains her strong and healthy lifestyle.
1. How She Got Into Bodybuilding
Virginia got into bodybuilding at the age of 17. “My father really loved this sport,” she told Female Bodybuilding Channel, adding that he trained her with dumbbells and “fell in love” with them. She told her father “I want to compete,” but it took years before she actually did.
2. Mental Health Struggles
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Virginia is open about her mental health struggles. She was forced to take a break from training after getting Covid, and then fell into a depression. It “was really hard,” she admits. “Just wanting to be okay, because I can explain what the pain it was that produced. It is really horrible. I couldn't sleep.” She also couldn’t do anything on her back. She ended up in therapy because of it.
3. Cardio for Weight Loss
She said that when she wants to lose weight she follows a strict diet and does 2.5 hours of cardio. “So much cardio, the diet,” she said. Now that she is smaller, “I'm allowed to eat more and less cardio. Just one hour is okay.”
4. Massage
Virginia enjoys regular rub downs. “After a little back work out …a massage with these awesome sofas , love it !” she captioned a post. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies support the many benefits of getting a regular rub down. These include stress reduction, lessening pain and muscle tightness, increased relaxation, and improved immunity.
5. Hydration
Virginia makes sure to hydrate. She carries a water bottle with her around the gym. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.
Sonia Isaza/Instagram
Sonia Isaza/Instagram
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