𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐤𝐢’𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

…𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒛𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒆𝒌𝒊’𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚, 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔

By Yeshey Lhadon

At the 13th Mr. Bhutan competition, an event synonymous with the epitome of physical strength and discipline, one name stood out in the Women’s Model Physique category, Kinzang Deki. The 31-year-old took home the crown of Miss Fitness Bhutan 2024, earning the applause and admiration of the audience. The win marked a significant milestone in her fitness journey, one that had humble beginnings and was fuelled by perseverance, sacrifice, and an unrelenting support system.

The Road to Victory
“It still feels unreal,” Kinzang Deki shares, recounting the moment she was announced the winner. “When they called my name, I was in disbelief. I kept thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’ Even holding the trophy, it felt like a dream.” Her victory came as a surprise to her, despite having worked relentlessly for years to reach this pinnacle of success. In previous competitions, Kinzang had participated but failed to secure a position. Yet, 2024 turned out to be her year, and she emerged victorious against all odds.

Winning Miss Fitness Bhutan has been transformative for Kinzang, shifting her entire perspective on her fitness journey. “It’s no longer just about physical strength or appearance,” she says. “It’s about mental resilience, confidence, and self-belief.” Her triumph has inspired her to push her boundaries even further, not only for her own growth but to motivate others embarking on their own fitness paths. “This journey is no longer about just competing; it’s about becoming the best version of myself and helping others do the same.”

A Journey Born Out of Humble Beginnings
Kinzang’s entry into the world of fitness and bodybuilding was not something she had initially envisioned. When she first joined the gym, her only goal was to improve her personal health. “I never imagined participating in any competition,” she reflects. Her early days at the gym were driven by the simple desire to stay fit, but over time, her potential became apparent to the trainers who worked with her. Their encouragement motivated her to compete, even though her initial attempts in 2022 and 2023 did not result in a win.

Feeling disheartened after two years of falling short, Kinzang almost gave up on competing. However, her cousin, Sangay Choden, a trainer at Muscle Factory and a third-place finisher in the Women’s Model Physique category in 2024, reignited her passion. “Her belief in me pulled me out of a slump and gave me the push I needed to try again,” Kinzang recounts. With Sangay by her side and a meticulously structured training program, Kinzang embarked on a rigorous preparation schedule that incorporated strength training, cardio, and a proper nutrition plan.

Unique Training Methods
Kinzang’s preparation for the competition was not just about working out in the gym. She incorporated several unconventional methods into her routine that helped her build stamina and mental toughness. “One unique method I followed was outdoor endurance training, particularly walking in unpredictable conditions,” she explains. This not only pushed her physical limits but also helped her develop mental resilience, a crucial factor in any competition.
Another key strategy she adopted was fasted cardio, doing her morning cardio sessions on an empty stomach, which helped accelerate fat loss and enhanced her mental clarity throughout the day. Additionally, she experimented with intermittent fasting to optimize her energy levels and muscle recovery. “Combining these unconventional methods with my regular strength training gave me a balanced edge in my competition preparation,” she adds.

The Mental Shift: From Casual Gym-Goer to Fitness Competitor
Kinzang’s approach to fitness has drastically evolved since her early days in the gym. What started as a casual attempt to improve her health eventually became a dedicated pursuit of excellence in fitness and bodybuilding. “At first, I didn’t have any competitive goals,” she shares. “But as I got more involved in the gym community, I realized the importance of structured training and nutrition.”
Participating in fitness competitions taught Kinzang to set specific goals and push her limits. “I’ve learned to balance strength training, cardio, and nutrition in a way that optimizes my performance.” More than just physical strength, her journey has also been about understanding her body and training effectively to avoid injuries while maintaining peak performance.

Overcoming Challenges
The road to winning Miss Fitness Bhutan 2024 was not without its challenges. Kinzang faced physical pain from intense workouts, struggled with sleep due to the rigorous training, and had to stick to a strict diet plan that often left her feeling hungry and irritable. “There were times when I craved foods I couldn’t eat, and moments when the physical exhaustion felt overwhelming,” she admits.

To overcome these challenges, Kinzang adjusted her mindset. She found ways to embrace the dietary restrictions by preparing meals that aligned with her nutrition plan. She also made sleep a priority, going to bed earlier to ensure her body had the time to recover from her workouts. Her determination to achieve her goals, combined with the unwavering support of her trainers and family, kept her going through the toughest phases of her training.

“Yes, there were definitely moments when I felt like giving up,” she confesses. “But what kept me going was my desire to prove to myself that I could overcome these obstacles.” In those difficult moments, Kinzang reminded herself of why she started in the first place to challenge herself and grow. The encouragement from her cousin, trainers, and her husband played a vital role in keeping her spirits high. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I focused on the progress I had made rather than the setbacks.”

Support from Family and Loved Ones
Kinzang credits much of her success to the support system around her, particularly her husband and his family. “My husband has been my biggest supporter,” she says with gratitude. “Despite his own busy schedule, he always made time to drop me off and pick me up from the gym, and his family constantly encouraged me to believe in myself.”
This emotional and practical support played a critical role in Kinzang’s journey to success. “Knowing that they all believed in my potential made a huge difference in helping me reach this milestone.” Her husband’s belief in her, especially during times when she struggled with setbacks, motivated her to keep pushing forward.

Looking Ahead
Now that Kinzang has achieved such a monumental goal, she has set her sights on new challenges. Her victory has given her the confidence to continue pushing her limits, not just in fitness but in all aspects of life. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “I want to keep improving, not only for myself but to inspire others as well.”

For Kinzang, fitness is no longer just about personal goals; it’s about helping others on their own journeys. Whether through fitness coaching or mentorship, she hopes to use her experience to motivate others to believe in themselves and reach their own potential. “Fitness has transformed my life, and I want to share that transformation with others.”
Kinzang Deki’s journey to becoming Miss Fitness Bhutan 2024 is a symbol to the power of perseverance, the importance of a strong support system, and the incredible things that can be achieved when you believe in yourself. Her story is not just one of physical strength but of mental resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence, a true inspiration to anyone striving to achieve their goals.