Catherine Daniel Fitness

The Daniels’ Wedding 🧡🩷

Huge congratulations to my client Victoria who just took out the Fit Model Overall in both the Natural and Regional shows at the Wellington Champs! 🏆✨

I’m so incredibly proud of her. She’s now in a division that feels perfectly suited to her physique, and I have no doubt this is just the beginning. Big things ahead for this one 🙌🏽💎

(no stage shots yet - my seat was at an awkward angle, so waiting on better pics!)

It’s been a little over 4 weeks since I stepped off stage in Korea, and officially closed the chapter on competitive bodybuilding.

I haven’t retired from work though - far from it! The 4:30 a.m. alarms are still going strong, and I’m back in the gym coaching clients, lifting, and figuring out what life after the stage looks like.

I’ve been taking some time to process it all. There’s no plan (yet), and I’m not placing myself under any pressure to figure it out; just space to shift gears. I’ve made changes in my own training, leaning into running, sprinting, and more functional work. It’s been a challenge…and honestly, I’m enjoying it.

What I haven’t done yet is properly say thank you.

Thank you to my coach, Kurt - my coach for the past six years, for his unwavering guidance, sharp eye, and belief in me from day one. I wouldn’t have achieved all I have in this sport without you.
To my husband, Dai - whose support never wavered, even when prep life tested both of us. Your steady presence made all the difference. ILY❤️
To all the athletes who shared the stage with me, and reminded me what tenacity and discipline looks like.
To all the friends and family who stood by me through every prep.
And to this version of me, the one that started all this in her 5th decade, who gave everything she had…again and again.

These photos capture the end, but what really matters is everything that sits behind them: the effort, the lessons, and the consistency it took to get there.

More reflections, and some travel shots still to come. For now, just a moment of gratitude. 🖤

All photo credit: the brilliant MK Photography and
💖👙



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Long post incoming, and some news at the end. Stick with me please….

⭐️Final show done and dusted⭐️

I stepped on stage at the AGP Korea Open this weekend with zero expectations. No Masters category, stacked lineup, and some seriously impressive athletes. I was immensely proud of the look I brought to this show - it felt like a culmination of everything I’ve learned and worked for over the years. But even so, it wasn’t enough to rival the women up there on the day.

Still, I enjoyed it. The stage was probably one of the best I’ve been on, and while it’s always business as usual in those few moments under the lights, there was something special about this one.

Peak week wasn’t overly easy - water retention hit my legs harder than usual, and while I like to think I manage stress well, I’m starting to suspect I just pretend it isn’t there. A talent, maybe. Not necessarily a helpful one.

Huge congrats to the women I shared the stage with, especially .cheung_ for taking out the Natural show and punching her ticket to Ben Weider Naturals, and who qualified for the ⭕️. Incredible athletes - gracious, fierce, and inspiring. Wishing you both all the luck in the world for your future competitions.

Many, many more thank yous to come in a later post.

And so, with that… this was my final show.

After eight years in the sport, and 6 years as a Pro Athlete, it feels like the right time. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. I only wish I’d found bodybuilding earlier - but I always knew I wasn’t going to be doing this forever. Time was ticking, and the runway was getting shorter.

It’s going to be strange not having a sport to focus on, but the discipline bodybuilding has instilled in me won’t be going anywhere. Fitness will always be part of my life.

As for what’s next? No idea. I’ve got a few years of travel ahead, so maybe somewhere along the way, I’ll figure out the next challenge. Will the draw of the stage prove too hard to resist? Who knows… maybe you’ll see me back one day in the +50 Masters lineup. Never say never.

🫡

Turns out I did take two more photos 😂
Third place in yesterday’s show. Not quite the result I was aiming for - especially at a natural event - but that’s the sport. Proud of the package I brought, especially balancing prep with work, travel, and doing my own hair and makeup.

It’s tough going solo backstage when all others have full teams around them. No one to touch up tan, glaze, or even remind you to eat - just me, a mirror, and a lot of improvising ( was at the end of the phone though thank god). I (wrongly) assumed someone would be there to glaze me… ended up as dry as the Sahara on stage. Lesson learned.

Tonight I’m back on stage for the AGP Open. No Masters category again today, so I’m up against women who could easily be 20 years younger than me - how’s that for a challenge?

Let’s see what I can bring to the stage one more time before wrapping up this Korean adventure.

🇰🇷Flying to Korea tomorrow with two shows back to back this coming weekend.

As usual, I’ve been terrible at posting, but I’ll try to bring you along for this one (if you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes, or just like watching people eat a lot of rice and not enough peanut butter).

Feeling pretty small at the moment, but carbs start going in from Wednesday. Tan too…currently still wearing my New Zealand winter skin!

This is not my first prep, so not my first rodeo… I’m just navigating it now with a little more perspective, and slightly less predictable hormones at 48…I have to just work with what I’ve got.

Let’s see what we can pull together in 5 days, and a mini rice cooker that’ll be working overtime.

We’ll be in Seoul for five days after the shows, doing the tourist thing - so let me know if you’re more into the comp side or the travel side. I’ll try to show a bit of both.





🇰🇷

⭐️24 & 25 days out⭐️

I haven’t been posting much lately, - not because prep isn’t going well, but because I’ve mostly been busy eating chicken, squinting at progress photos, and wondering if my glute tie-ins are ever going to sharpen. The usual.

But really - things are going well. Weight’s still coming down, I’m tightening up, and trying to be patient while my body catches up to my effort. Some days I see the progress, some days I question everything - classic prep brain. But I keep showing up.

Proud to be doing this naturally, at 48, and bringing my best to the stage in Korea. Let’s see what the next three weeks bring.

🏋🏽

👙

🔸7 WEEKS OUT🔸
Two Pro shows, Seoul, South Korea with

Excited to explore a new country, soak up the culture, and step on stage in a totally different part of the world. Prep’s been going really well - body’s responding, energy’s good, and I’m happy with where I’m sitting.

Just staying consistent and fine-tuning things from here with 💪🏼Loving the process as always.

❌Pulling the pin on competing in Vegas ❌

Those who know me well, know how I feel about the current political climate in the US, and I can’t send the message that I’m okay with it by going there. Disappointed to withdraw… but honestly, one of the easiest decisions I’ve made.

Instead, I’m going to experience the vibrant bodybuilding scene in South Korea for two shows, two weeks later🇰🇷.

Different continent, same goal - just with way less chaos, and way more kimchi.

The Start. Let’s get this show on the road.

15 weeks until the Natural Bikini Pro Show Open & Masters 40+.
Yes - natural.
I always have been; I always will be.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from New Zealand!

This season means something different to everyone—whether it’s a time for celebration, reflection, or simply slowing down. For some, it’s full of joy and connection; for others, it might feel bittersweet or challenging.

Wherever you are and however you’re celebrating (or not), may your days be filled with peace, love, and moments of comfort.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Today, on my 48th birthday, it feels fitting to share some exciting news. The plan was to hold off competing until 2027—but I just couldn’t wait, especially with the IFBB announcing a series of new Natural Pro bodybuilding shows in 2025! This could be the start of a real natural movement, and I want to be part of it.

So, the journey begins. Next stop: Las Vegas in May, for the Natural Pro Show Time to bring my best to the stage and represent the natural athletes. Let’s do this!