For months, every aspect of Hannah Manfull’s life revolves around a 30-second appearance in a bikini on stage.

Manfull, sophomore in kinesiology and health, competes in bodybuilding, sometimes referred to as bikini competitions. She is currently in the preparation stage for her third show, the NPC Midwest Gladiator competition in Chicago on Nov. 4.

She tracks her diet down to the macronutrient, plans all of her meals ahead of time and works out for two hours a day. After each competition, she usually spends four to five months in the maintenance phase, getting her metabolism back to normal. Her last show was in October.

Manfull won her class, Bikini Open Class D, in her last show, but didn’t win the overall competition. Even after hearing that she qualified for nationals, she decided she wasn’t finished.

“I know I have more potential in me,” Manfull said. “Something I did wrong in my last show was compare myself to the other competitors.”

According to Manfull, the normal competition season is between March and June. When a competitor doesn’t allow themselves the maintenance period between shows, they run the risk of permanently damaging their metabolism.

“Usually you have to be careful about how often you compete,” Manfull said. “I picked these two competitions really close together so I could just continue dieting.”

For Manfull, bodybuilding is not an individual sport. She competes on a team with around 15 other girls who are coached by a fitness coach. Brianna Mueller, University of Iowa student and member of Team Royals, said Manfull is extremely dedicated to her sport.

“She is someone who is extremely passionate about it and loves the whole process, even though it’s a difficult sport,” Mueller said of her teammate. “She’s very confident when she sets a goal that she can actually follow through with it. She’s very sure of herself and goal oriented.”

Manfull has had three fitness coaches throughout her bodybuilding journey, but said her current coach, International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Pro Lionel Bassett, has been the most influential.

Each morning, Manfull sends progress pictures and weight updates to Bassett. He then advises her on the number of macros she should strive to reach that day.

“I look up to him and think highly of him because he is very successful,” Manfull said. “He drives me to be better because he just got his pro card this year. Following in his footsteps is something I always think about.”

Bodybuilders achieve pro cards if they place high at the national level, according to Manfull. Reaching pro level in the next five years is one of her biggest goals.

“I definitely think Hannah [Manfull] will eventually get her pro card,” Bassett said. “That’s what we are working toward. She is very dedicated and she’s not afraid to stand alone.”

Manfull said she envisions a life dedicated to the fitness industry. She is working on growing her personal fitness brand through her YouTube channel, Instagram account and online fitness program, where she coaches lifestyle clients.

She also recently partnered with Magnum Nutraceuticals, a company that produces sports nutrition supplements. Manfull promotes the company on her social media in exchange for products.

Courtnee Leeper, who is also sponsored by Magnum, said just being around Manfull makes her more motivated to work harder.

“One thing that sets Hannah apart from other people is how much her positivity rubs off on you when you meet her,” Leeper said. “It sticks with you. Once you talk to her, you’re in a better mood. You feel more positive and motivated.”

The time, effort and money just to step on stage for 30 seconds may seem crazy to some people, Manfull said, but she is driven by her potential and creating the best version of herself.