Back in April 2024, we interviewed Rocky Mountain Flex member and weekend front desk staff, Alex Bath about the beginning of her fitness journey. At the time, she had been lifting for about a year and a half and was focused on building confidence, creating a healthy relationship with training, and simply becoming stronger one workout at a time. She even mentioned that stepping on a bodybuilding stage was something she hoped to do someday, but she knew there was no shortcut. She wanted to build the right foundation first.
A little over two years later, that foundation has taken her farther than she imagined.
This summer, Alex competed in her first bodybuilding show, reaching a goal that once felt like a distant possibility. Along the way, she learned what it takes to train with purpose, stay disciplined through every phase of prep, and trust the process without losing sight of why she started in the first place.
We caught up with Alex to reflect on everything that’s changed since our first conversation, what she learned from stepping on stage for the first time, and where her journey is taking her next.
It has been over two years since your first interview with Rocky Mountain Flex. When you look back at where you started, what surprises you most about how far you’ve come?
When I look back over the past two years, I am most surprised by how much I’ve learned about life through gaining discipline and confidence in the gym. I think that when I started showing up for myself every day, it truly shifted my mindset around self-worth, self-compassion, and trusting myself. I’ve learned that the routines that become habits can build mental toughness, and that strength has trickled down into other areas of my life as well.
Back in your first interview, competing in a bodybuilding show was something you hoped to do someday. What made you decide it was finally time to step on stage?
I decided to begin working with a coach about a year and a half before choosing a specific show. When I hired a coach, I knew that competing was the ultimate goal, but I wanted to go through the right process to get there. I knew that getting to the stage would be a journey, and I wanted to make sure I had someone knowledgeable to guide me along the way.
I ultimately decided to commit to getting on stage because I really enjoy training with intention. Having a specific goal in mind motivated me to become even more disciplined and intentional with my training and nutrition.
Two years ago, you talked about avoiding strict calorie and macro tracking to protect your mental health. How did your approach change while prepping for your first show, and what does it look like now that prep is over?
Part of the reason I took my time with my fitness and bodybuilding journey was that I knew I needed to be in a really good place mentally before becoming more structured with my food and tracking. Since hiring my coach, my nutrition has been very regimented. For me, that means weighing out my food, so I know I’m getting the correct amount of food for the goal I’m working toward.
I knew going into this process that there would be challenging aspects and that mental toughness and discipline would be incredibly important. At the same time, self-compassion and empathy for myself have been just as important. I have had to remind myself that what I am doing is challenging and that it’s okay to acknowledge that.
Now that the show is over, I’m in a reverse diet, and I can’t stress enough how important it is for me to stay on track with that process. It’s still a structured part of my journey, just with a different goal in mind.
How did the Rocky Mountain Flex community support you through the challenges of prep and on competition day?
I can’t fully express the amount of gratitude I have for the community at Flex. It is incredible to me how many people have invested in my journey and genuinely supported me throughout the entire process.
This community cheered me on every step of the way, made me feel so seen and loved, and even showed up to support me at the show. I am completely humbled by the amount of support I have received and continue to receive from my friends at the gym. It has truly been one of the best parts of this experience.
Looking back on everything you’ve learned, what advice would you give someone who is brand new to lifting and just getting started?
I would tell someone who is just getting into lifting and the gym that, regardless of your goals, you will be so proud of yourself for doing hard things consistently and showing up for yourself day after day. In doing so, you will gain so much more than your dream physique. You will gain confidence, trust in yourself, self-love, self-compassion, a community, discipline, and, hopefully, some killer biceps!
I would also say that you don’t have to be perfect or know exactly how to do everything. I still ask questions about movements all the time! There is always something new to learn, and I think that’s part of what makes the journey so rewarding.
You recently wrapped up your first bodybuilding show. What’s next for you, and what goals are you working toward now?
Since the show, I’ve been in a reverse diet, which means I’m still eating and training according to my plan, but I’m eating closer to my maintenance calories. This gives me the opportunity to build some strength and size before my next show in November.
I’m planning to compete again at the Rocky Mountain Championship on November 7th. Looking beyond that, I’m so excited to continue training for future bodybuilding shows. My goal is to qualify for a national-level show within the next year or so!
A big thank you to Alex for taking the time to share her journey with the Rocky Mountain Flex community once again. It has been incredible to watch your growth over the past two-plus years, not just as an athlete, but in the confidence, discipline, and mindset you’ve built along the way. Your journey is a reminder that meaningful progress comes from showing up consistently and trusting the process.
Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far. We’re proud to have you as part of the Rocky Mountain Flex family, and we can’t wait to cheer you on as you continue working toward your next competition and your goal of qualifying for a national-level show.
If you’d like to follow Alex’s fitness journey, be sure to check her out on Instagram and on TikTok. She’s continuing to share her training, competition prep, and everything that comes with the journey.
