Some people work out for their well-being, others for their appearance.

But for Elizabeth Moses, she works out to cope.

“It was just kind of my escape, I guess,” she says.

Last year, Moses’ mother took her own life because of depression. Charlottetown’s Atlantic Veterinary College, where Moses is in her second year, provided her with emergency counselling and therapy.

But Moses needed a different outlet to deal with the pain. So, she spent more time in the gym.

“Therapy is good for most people, and it was good for me in that initial period,” she says. “But then I wasn’t really seeing a benefit from it.”

Moses committed herself to improving her body and overall way of life. Her resolve has paid off, as she will be competing in the second annual Prince Edward Island Fitness and Physique Association bodybuilding and fitness championships this Saturday at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown.

The 25-year-old is a bikini tall competitor in the transformation category, which showcases athletes who overcame a significant roadblock en route to their fitness goals.

Moses says she feels privileged to be competing in the same category as other people with such inspiring stories.

“I can’t even talk about it without getting upset,” she says. “It’s nice to know where people come from and nice to know you can relate to other people or that other people can relate to you.”

The transformation category is just one of five offered at the competition this weekend.

Others include physique, bodybuilding, bikini, and figure.

Samantha Rioux is the chief judge at the competition. She and her husband, Josh, were both behind the rebirth of the PEIFPA and the return of the fitness and bodybuilding championship.

Before P.E.I. had its own association, Island bodybuilders were required to compete in New Brunswick. But as time passed and bodybuilders from P.E.I. increased in numbers, Samantha and Josh jumped on the opportunity to lead the non-profit organization.

“It just kind of came to fruition that both parties were wanting to have [their own organization],” says Rioux. “And it just kind of ended up that my husband Josh and I were the ones to take it over.”

Last year was the first time the event was held in P.E.I. in 20 years. Forty athletes competed last year, but Rioux hopes that number will increase to 60 this weekend. There are currently 54 registered athletes, but competitors can register as late as the night before the competition.

P.E.I. bodybuilders competing this weekend include Jonny Reeves and Kat Delima, who both placed first in their categories at the Atlantic Bodybuilding Championships last weekend. Other top three finishers from Atlantics include Carolyn Coulson and Tarah Craig.

The championships kicks off 10 a.m. Saturday in the prejudging phase, with the finals starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for the first round and $45 for the evening show.

Though many are hoping to walk away with top honours, Moses isn’t entering the competition with high expectations. She’s simply excited to have to opportunity to get on the stage for the first time.

“Just have fun, showcase my hard work and enjoy my teammate’s and other people’s company.”