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Nancy Bradford, a 52-year-old mom of three and grandmother of three, and an avid fitness enthusiast could be on the next cover of a well-known fitness magazine.

Bradford said a friend sent her the link, and she decided to enter a completion to be the next cover of Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine, Olympia Edition, a magazine dedicated to fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes.

“I laughed to myself and said no,” Bradford said. “I sent in some pictures anyway, and, within a few days II got an email saying that I had been selected for the competition. I decided not to do it, as this kind of thing is definitely out of my comfort zone, but my family talked me into it. So, here I am. And I’m going for it.”

In addition to the cover, if she wins, she would also receive $20,000.

For the past 10 years, Bradford been working professionally in the fitness industry. She got her start teaching Zumba and then became certified in Pilates.

“I obtained my professional group fitness certification through ACE fitness, and I now hold certifications in Zumba fitness, Pilates, yoga, aerial yoga, PiYo, POUNDfit and Weight Management and Nutrition,” Bradford said.

Voting is being held at https://mshealthandfitness.com/2020/nancy-bradford. The link asks you to log into Facebook and then your vote is cast. One free vote is allowed once a day but additional votes can be purchased for $1.  Purchased votes benefit the Homes for Wounded Warriors Foundation.

“I don’t think of myself more deserving than anyone else who has worked hard doing something that they love,” Bradford said. “I do have a message for women, though, and I believe it’s why I’ve been given this platform. Being fit and healthy is definitely a lifestyle, but you don’t have to be perfect at it. I believe it’s important to exercise and eat healthy to feel better on the inside, not to look perfect on the outside. We all have issues with our bodies. Be accepting of yourself and love yourself. You’re never too old to start.”

As of Friday, Bradford was first in her group. Voting ends Thursday, July 30 at 11 p.m. EDT. From there, the top 20 will be announced, and voting will continue throughout August and September.

When quarantine hit, Bradford had to begin teaching virtually from her living room. She said if she won the $20,000 she would use the money to create a space that would allow her to teach virtually without moving furniture.

“Fitness and nutrition is something I have always been interested in, but I didn’t get serious about it until I was in my 30s,” Bradford said. “It began as a passion to teach my kids to be healthy and make better food choices. Once I started teaching professionally, I began developing relationships with the women in my classes. I realized that my knowledge and passion for fitness and nutrition could impact others. Exercise and eating healthy is optimistic because you’re doing something today that has a positive impact tomorrow. I really enjoy being able to inspire that optimism.”

The winner for the entire competition will be announced on Oct. 8.

“I’ll be ecstatic if I win,” Bradford said. “I have been so overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I’ve been given since I began this journey, and it would be awesome to make everyone proud. It would be an honor to represent all women, but especially my age group of women.”