Mum-of-two Zulmira Woodrow is just like any other mother, with one glaring exception.

Eastern Daily Press: Zulmira Woodrow, 39-year-old mum and bikini fitness champion. Picture: Anna KelleZulmira Woodrow, 39-year-old mum and bikini fitness champion. Picture: Anna Kelle (Image: Anna Kelle)

While she has the same motherly tasks as any mum, the 39-year-old from Gorleston is also a national bikini fitness champion.

Mrs Woodrow, who has a 19-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter, recently came home from the national bikini fitness championships a double winner, beating competition almost half her age.

She also recently competed in the European championships in Santa Susanna, finishing runner up in the master category.

However, her route to fitness competition was more by chance that design, after she began working with a personal trainer.

She said: 'It was two years ago and I had a holiday coming up so I wanted to try and tone up for that.

'I did lots of cardio but wasn't seeing the change I wanted so I got a personal trainer, who eventually convinced me to try competing.'

She was then bitten by the fitness bug, which has seen her continue entering competitions, claiming both British and national championships.

She said: 'For me, its such an amazing feeling and goes to show that age is just a number. It's a massive confidence boost for me knowing I'm competing against girls who are in their 20s and beating them.'

Mrs Woodrow is now hoping her achievements can inspire other woman to feel more comfortable in their own skins.

She added: 'I think it is case of, if you want to do something, then go for it. I want to encourage other women to feel confident in themselves, whether they are in their 20s or a mum-of-two coming up to 40 like me.'

She has recent launched her own business and website - Bikini Body Fitness - where she will be offering advice and support for other women, drawn from her own experiences.

The website contains blogs, nutrition plans and exercise programmes, which she has designed to help people improve their fitness and lose weight.

'Juggling my own business with being a mum and competing will be a big challenge for me, but it is a challenge I am really excited about,' she said. 'My family are very supportive though - I think they are used to it by now.

'I think my son Perry does get a little bit of stick from his friends but he's also really proud of my achievements, as are my daughter Pashia and husband Jamie.'