My Journey

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  

My name is Theresa Ivancik, and I am a professional female bodybuilder in the IFBB Pro league, a fitness model, and an entrepreneur. As part owner of Harlan’s Elite Fitness and Harlan’s Elite Customs, I also serve as a certified personal trainer at Harlan’s Personal Training and as an online coach specializing in bodybuilding coaching.  

None of this happened overnight.  

This journey began with one simple question: What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question everyone is asked at least once in their life. While some people can answer immediately, others, like me, must discover their passions to find their purpose!  

For many years, I struggled with this question, feeling uncertain and directionless about my future. Everything changed the moment I opened an Oxygen Fitness Magazine back in 2001 and became inspired by the impressive physiques of those women. I thought to myself, one day that could be me. I became passionate about health and fitness and set my sights on competing in my first bodybuilding competition, with dreams of stepping onto the Olympia Stage. Though no one understood my ambitions, I was determined to pursue them.  

My next question was how to achieve this.  

This is when I first met my fiancé, Jeff Harlan. While working at a local fitness center, I was advised to see him if I was serious about competing. So, I made an appointment, and we discussed my diet and my goals regarding how I wanted to look, inspired by that magazine. Jeff suggested I ease off the cardio and increase my caloric intake. At the time, as someone with a cardio obsession and a history of bulimia, I thought he was out of touch. Consequently, I decided to pursue things independently for a while.  

In 2006, I began weight training in my parent’s basement as I prepared for my first competition. I dove deep into the research surrounding diet and bodybuilding competitions, crafting my own diet and routine. Even while battling my eating disorder, I was dedicated to training, often spending over four hours a day on cardio. I entered my first figure competition in 2007, winning first place, yet I still felt I had not achieved the physique I desired! Seven years later, I encountered Jeff Harlan again and expressed my readiness to finally tackle these aspirations. He resumed coaching me, and our trainer-student relationship blossomed into something more personal.  

I realized that having a coach would help me learn that food is fuel and assist me in overcoming my eating disorder the right way. After seven long years, I triumphantly beat bulimia! My goals sharpened into three clear ambitions:  

- Become a personal trainer  

- Own my gym  

- Compete as a professional athlete in the IFBB pro league  

Another question loomed: how was I going to do this?  

Jeff and I began training together at a local gym in January 2008. By May of that year, I participated in my first major competition with a strict diet and intense training regimen under Jeff Harlan's guidance. Stepping onto that stage lit a fire in me; I was addicted to perfecting my craft in female bodybuilding and becoming a better athlete daily!  

After that show, Jeff invited me to work with him as a personal trainer. Naturally, I accepted this incredible opportunity, as it was one of my long-standing goals come true! I studied and earned my certification, beginning to train clients alongside him and build a reputation with Harlan’s Personal Training.  

In January 2010, I switched my focus to women’s bodybuilding, finding this new training approach exhilarating. By May 2010, I took part in another competition at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, where I had a special moment watching my 83-year-old grandpa, Pete Ivancik, compete for the first time in the Mr. Pittsburgh masters over 80 class. His glowing pride as he won the title was a life-changing experience for both of us!  

In 2011, after working closely with Jeff, we were presented with an opportunity to take over Alexanders Athletic Club, the center where we trained clients. We eagerly accepted and rebranded it as Harlan’s Elite Fitness, checking another goal off my list! After two years, we relocated closer to Butler, PA, and in 2014 opened Butler’s pioneering Harlan’s Elite Fitness. Over the last decade, we have thrived and are considering expanding to a larger facility.  

In a relatively short timeframe, I achieved two of my three goals. The last hurdle was to turn pro, which culminated in success at Nationals 2016! Looking back, it's remarkable how far I've come from feeling lost to achieving the seemingly impossible. With the question of 'what now' lingering, I ambitiously chose to climb a bigger mountain. My sights were set on winning a pro show and qualifying for the Olympia!  

After my pro debut in 2017, where I secured a second-place position and a coveted invite to the Rising Phoenix World Championships, I went on to win my first pro show in 2019, also earning the best poser award. On that exciting night, Jeff proposed to me on stage! That victory qualified me for the Rising Phoenix World Championships, where I ultimately placed 6th in the world. In 2020, to my astonishment, I won my second pro show, alongside my second best poser award, and secured my qualification for the prestigious Olympia.  

Having accomplished my goals of winning not just one but two pro shows and finally becoming Olympia qualified, I reflected on the journey. In 2021, the judges encouraged me to transition to women’s physique, which I tackled ambitiously. Although I placed 7th out of 20, I realized I felt more at home in female bodybuilding, prompting a return to that division in 2022. Setting my sights on winning another pro show, I achieved victory at the Indy Pro, qualifying for the 2022 Olympia once again!  

I never envisioned reaching this height in my bodybuilding career; I have now competed in 28 competitions! Along the way, I encountered several wonderful opportunities, including guest speaking engagements and features in media.  

Among the highlights, I was honored to speak at my 10-year class reunion and appeared in various television and media projects. One of my most rewarding experiences was participating in the book "Underneath We Are Women," showcasing women's diverse strength in bodybuilding. My latest projects include a documentary about women’s bodybuilding and being featured on the cover of the July 2022 issue of Amazon Magazine.  

As I embark on this new journey with the goal of becoming the best in the world one day, I have learned that following dreams requires relentless pursuit. Bodybuilding has profoundly transformed my life through the connections I've made and the places I've traveled. I strive to inspire and help others unlock their full potential, cherishing every day and never taking anything for granted. A heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support!  

Each individual has a unique story, a lesson to impart, and wisdom to share. Life is a remarkable journey shaped by our experiences. By sharing our narratives, we can inspire others and make a tangible difference. You matter and were created with purpose. Live intentionally, make a difference, and remember: believing in yourself is the first secret to success!  

Theresa Ivancik