Michelle Camina captured the Woman’s Figure Masters Medium first place trophy at the 30th annual Paradise Cup Bodybuilding 2013 contest.

LAHAINA – Motivated by a deep passion and love for physical fitness coupled with the support of her 12-year-old son, Kai Gatchell, West Side resident Michelle Camina is continuing a championship regimen that has taken her to the top of bodybuilding in Hawaii.

A working mom with her own business, Camina recently captured the Woman’s Figure Masters Medium title at the 30th annual Paradise Cup Bodybuilding 2013 event on Nov. 2 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

She had previously taken home the Figure Open second place trophy at the Stingray Classic 2013, the Paradise Cup Bodybuilding Championships 2012 Woman’s Figure third place award and Ikaika Bodybuilding Championships 2012 Woman’s Figure runner-up honors.

“Being athletic all my life (Camina was a standout high school track runner on the Mainland and practiced martial arts in Lahaina), I have always enjoyed a good fitness challenge,” she explained.

“When I turned 40 years old, I was channeling my energy in the gym and plugged into many aspects of fitness.

“With the urging of a photographer friend, I decided to try bodybuilding. Now, each time I compete, I learn something invaluable and gain beneficial tools to attain more goals.”

Camina trains five or six days a week and increases the workouts in preparation for competitions such as the Paradise Cup event.

She coaches a Fitness Boot Camp for beginners, then goes to Lahaina Crossfit for weight lifting, then heads to strength training at Island Fitness Gym in Lahaina.

“When I am getting competition ready, my coach and mentor is Dale Smith (owner of Sports Club Kahana and Maui Muscle Fitness). My diet is regimented and consists of mainly high lean proteins, low simple carbs, and natural fats from fish oils, nuts and avocados. But, of course I enjoy a good cheat meal every week,” she said.

“I am so grateful to the many family and friends who inspire and support me. I am inspired by those who ‘choose to be the best version of themselves.’ “