The term bodybuilder often brings to mind mindless muscleheads, only familiar with their world within the gym where they grind out sets and reps, moving masses of iron daily just to perfect their most visible assets, leaving their minds left unchallenged. When you append the word female in front of bodybuilder, many outside the sport and even those within it think "gross," "unfeminine" or other uncomplimentary adjectives.

Although the image presented in the mainstream media often perpetuates those perceptions, there are many in the sport who defy and redefine the term female bodybuilder. One of the fresh faces on the current bodybuilding scene is Yaz Boyum. Competing for four years, she has made a rapid ascent up the competitive ladder, most recently placing first in the lightweights at the 1998 NPC USA Bodybuilding Championships, and then barely missing out on gaining her pro card.

Boyum is much more than a bodybuilder as are many others in the sport, although that is often overlooked. Mixing varied interests along with her bodybuilding has helped create what many would consider a Renaissance woman. With more than just the gym and training in her life, Boyum is able to balance outside interests with her exploding bodybuilding career.

Beginning with a background as an aerobics athlete along with several years of dance and ballet classes, Yaz has been able to gain the stage experience that shows whenever the 5'2" bodybuilder takes the stage. Her poise and stage presence are infective and radiate to the crowd. In person, that attitude and friendly disposition become even more apparent.

Those years on stage and working out helped her move in the direction of bodybuilding.

"I've always been interested in female bodybuilding and wanted to experience for myself the metamorphosis involved with shaping my physique. I viewed the change a challenge that would strengthen both my mind and body, which it has."

That strengthening of her body is a result of her intense training regimen. Even in the offseason, Boyum trains very heavy and maintains a clean diet. That allows her body to maintain a lean condition and not have to push her body through the massive weight fluctuations that many in the sport experience.

And Boyum's body is not only an impressive physique, but also quite strong. Take a look at some of her lifts:

Speaking about her strength, Boyum says with a grin, "...it has many benefits. I am self-sufficient and can open my own bottles all by myself!"

But the challenges for women competing in a sport such as bodybuilding - which in the past has been traditionally male dominated (and still not widely accepted for women to participate in) - still remain.

"Society is very hard on muscular women, which makes the preparation time period that much more challenging. I think we still have a long way to go with regard to women's bodybuilding and its' waning popularity. I would like to see the general opinion people share of muscular women change, but don't see it happening anytime soon. I want people to see the beauty in muscle and see that it is a form of art, and not a form of freakiness." Yaz herself is a beautiful woman, and her muscles just accentuate and enhance her femininity. Additionally, Boyum is surrounded by supporting family and friends.

"All my closest friends and family are extremely supportive of what I'm doing and are behind me 100%. They all think what I have accomplished is phenomenal and should continue body building as long as it brings me happiness and professional success. So far, becoming a national class level athlete has had its' many benefits, with regard to my credibility as a trainer and fitness consultant; I have increased my client load as well as my exposure, locally, as Washington's up-and-coming Exercise Guru. I hope to reach the public on a broader level and help them get in shape and live longer, healthier lives."

Outside of the bodybuilding world, Yaz enjoys spending quality time with her friends, often taking in a movie or show. Opera music is something she loves as well, but Madonna is probably her favorite artist.

"I grew up listening to her and can identify (with) her music. She is very inspirational and I have enjoyed her many different 'looks' over the years." That includes her current look which wowed many earlier this year, when Madonna had put on noticeable muscle and wore a sleeveless top during an awards show.

Being an athlete, Boyum stays active in her free time enjoying rollerblading, tennis and golf when time allows.

Not quite something many would think could come from someone who spends so much time developing a national champion physique.

"All the bodybuilders live out in LA!!! ... I would consider moving anywhere for a better opportunity. I like California and parts of Florida as well as New York. But my life here (DC) is very good now and I wouldn't make any changes unless it was for a better situation long-term."

That attitude embodies Boyum's solid head upon her solid body. Always thinking and not making rash judgments has helped her start up and continue to run her business succesfully. It also allows her to make smart career moves. After her arresting showing at the USAs, Yaz took time to decide where to proceed with her competitions for the remainder of the year, and she's focused beyond that as well.

"I felt very good at the USA's. My goal with bodybuilding is to become a professional body builder and hopefully someday compete at the Jan Tana, Ms. International and Ms. Olympia. This is obviously a stretch for me having only been competitive for four years now, and I realize I am very young and rather inexperienced in this sport. However, with my ambition and dedication to training I feel I can stay focused and eventually reach the goals I've set for myself. I hope to continue moving forward and making gains each and every month between now and the Nationals.

The NPC Nationals will present the next contest for Yaz, this time with a pro card available to each of the class winners. After winning the incredibly competitive lighweight class at the the USAs where 16 women competed, that experience should be valuable to her, and she has already competed in the Nationals two times (placing 6th and 4th in the lightweight class).

With such focus, determination, and a keen head on her shoulders, don't be surprised to see Yaz accomplish her goals and be competing on a pro stage soon, as she is indeed a Renaissance woman for this century and beyond.