Manal Ben Jabeur: From Tunisia to Germany – An Inspiring Journey to Professional Female Bodybuilding

Diving into a journey of grit, passion, and determination, Manal Ben Jabeur has made her mark in the world of female bodybuilding. 

From her humble beginnings as a flight attendant to achieving her pro card, Manal’s story serves as an inspiration to women around the globe. 

This article delves into Manal’s transformative journey, her training regimen, the resurgence of female bodybuilding, and the importance of support and sponsorship for talented athletes like her. 

Join us in this warm exploration of the incredible world of Manal Ben Jabeur and her relentless pursuit of greatness in bodybuilding.

From Flight Attendant to Bodybuilding Prodigy

Manal Ben Jabeur, born and raised in Germany with Tunisian roots, has always been active. 

With a background in athletics and dance, she started her fitness journey at 18 and eventually transitioned to bodybuilding. 

At 33, while working as a flight attendant, Manal’s life took an unexpected turn when she met Robert, an amateur bodybuilder in Dubai. 

Impressed by her structure, he encouraged her to consider competing professionally.

The Path to Professional Bodybuilding

In 2017, Manal decided to take bodybuilding more seriously, focusing on her diet and training under Robert’s guidance. 

She admired bigger, more aesthetic physiques, particularly the bodybuilding style of Cedric McMillan. 

Initially aiming to compete but not necessarily turn pro, Manal started in the novice class in Germany. However, she was told she was too big for the figure category, which led her to switch to women’s physiques.

Manal’s competitive journey began with regional wins and a second-place finish at the nationals. This paved her way toward professional bodybuilding. 

Manal’s body naturally continued to grow, aligning perfectly with her goals in bodybuilding. 

She believes in pushing her body to its maximum potential and is interested in eventually competing in the female bodybuilding class.

Earning the Pro Card

Despite feeling nervous due to the presence of big names in bodybuilding, Manal earned her pro card after winning the overall championship at the Dennis James Classic in Frankfurt in 2019. 

This experience made her fall in love with bodybuilding and deepened her appreciation.

The Road to Becoming a Pro

After turning pro in 2019, Manal’s coach recommended she put on around four kilograms of muscle before competing in the pro league. 

She has yet to compete as a pro, focusing on building muscle and preparing for future competitions. 

Her coach advised her to put on extra kilos in specific areas, such as the upper chest and rounder delts, to achieve better balance and symmetry. 

Manal aims to come more shredded for the pro league than she did for the pro qualifier, with a focus on improving her physique.

Admiration and Goals

Manal enjoyed watching the women’s bodybuilding class at the Olympia, particularly admiring Andrea Shaw’s perfect frame, tight waist, and full muscle bellies. 

She plans to continue growing and improving her physique, working strategically in her training to add mass in specific areas without extending her midsection. 

Manal believes genetics significantly affects how far one can grow in bodybuilding, and she feels her body naturally likes to grow. 

She aims to progress toward women’s bodybuilding and hopes to compete on stage with top athletes in the future while maintaining a safe approach to her training and growth.

The Resurgence of Female Bodybuilding

Female bodybuilding is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, emphasizing being both big and feminine, making it an excellent time for women in the sport. 

Manal Ben Jabeur plans to make her pro debut in the first season of next year, aiming for somewhere between May and June.

Support and Sponsorships

Despite industry support for female empowerment, many talented athletes like Manal have yet to secure sponsorships, highlighting the need for companies to invest in female bodybuilders. 

She expresses gratitude to her coach, Huland Sherlock, who played a crucial role in helping her obtain her pro card, and everyone who has supported and believed in her throughout her journey. 

Fans can follow Manal’s journey and show their support through her Instagram, @manil44.

The Training Experience

Manal describes the feeling of training with 015 Nutritious Expansion as providing an extra pump, blood flow, and enhanced mind-muscle connection, resulting in a fulfilling experience for athletes.

Conclusion

Manal Ben Jabeur’s story is an inspiring tale of determination and passion. 

From a flight attendant to a professional bodybuilder, she has shown that dreams can be achieved with hard work and dedication. 

Her journey serves as a reminder to support and invest in female athletes, allowing them to excel in their chosen sport.