Fitness first for physio

The North Beach resident won first place in both the fitness model and bikini model categories at the Czech Republic National Championships, qualifying her for the International Natural Bodybuilding Association’s World Championship, held in Greece.

Mrs Stafford-Jones, who moved to Perth in 2001, placed second in the bikini model category at the World Championships, motivating her to return next year and compete for the title again.

‘I’m hoping to get back for one more season at the World Championships next year, my aim obviously being to get a first place.’

She trained seven days a week leading into the national and world championships and said her job as a physiotherapist came in handy when treating injuries and conditioning her body.

Mrs Stafford-Jones has made an effort to return home to the Czech Republic regularly to visit family over the past few years after losing her mother to breast cancer five years ago.

This loss motivated her to combine her training in physiotherapy and love for fitness in helping cancer patients regain fitness and become involved in a community through Pink Pilates, which she is hoping to develop out of her practice.

Mrs Stafford-Jones was introduced to Pink Pilates through Breast Cancer Care WA, where she fundraises and attends community events to promote awareness for the disease and support families affected by it.

‘I think that’s what is great about it, when these events are on you can just really see it, everybody just gets together in those situations and that’s why I chose to get involved.’

The concept, developed in New Zealand, is specifically designed to help cancer patients regain physical strength and body confidence while undergoing cancer treatment.

‘In terms of physiotherapy, I’m hoping with the Pink Pilates to get involved in a more immediate role with the patients directly after surgery and consult more with the doctors.’