Bakhar Nabieva

Nabieva began training after being bullied at school for her slim appearance and thin legs. She initially exercised without counting repetitions or sets, then studied bodybuilding magazines to learn how to train specific muscles more effectively.

After building a muscular physique, she began posting photographs and videos online. Her Instagram account grew to more than 5 million followers, and fitness companies including Dragon Pharma and Gorilla Wear USA approached her for brand ambassador opportunities.

Nabieva has identified Brazilian fitness model Gracyanne Barbosa as a major influence. After watching an interview with Barbosa, she began going to the gym and developing a more structured interest in bodybuilding.

Her transformation was also shaped by her experience of being mocked for her appearance at school. She has described that experience as a motivation to change her body and has encouraged people facing criticism to remain mentally strong.

Nabieva competed in the bikini fitness category and placed fifth in a 2015 contest. She later decided that professional competition was not suited to her preferences.

She objected to the restrictive diets and demanding training associated with competition preparation, particularly the limited carbohydrate intake and reduced energy that she experienced while preparing.

Nabieva focuses heavily on her lower body, especially her hamstrings, glutes, and quadriceps. Her preferred exercises include squats, leg presses, leg extensions, deadlifts, lunges, and hamstring work, with repetitions commonly performed using challenging weights.

Her training also includes core and upper-body exercises, sometimes arranged as supersets. She has shared workout videos online, helping make her training methods part of her public fitness identity.

Nabieva has said that she does not enjoy strict dieting and follows a varied eating pattern. Foods associated with her diet include meat, chicken, eggs, fish, vegetables, oatmeal, cake, and pizza.

Around workouts, she increases her food intake and emphasizes carbohydrates and protein. She has also used protein shakes, fat burners, and branched-chain amino acid supplements as part of her fitness routine.