Female Lumberjack Says Her Strong Body Makes Her Feel Sexy

A stunning female lumberjack is shattering the manly image associated with the sport by crushing competition twice her size to claim the title of world champion, three times. 
Despite not having a big belly or a bushy beard, Erin LaVoie, 33, from Spokane, Washington, holds two world records and is a three-time Iron Jill in lumberjack sports.
Boasting an enviably trim and toned physique, the svelte lumberjack regularly takes on women almost twice her size and even started her career competing against men.
The best of the best: Erin LaVoie, 33, is a three-time lumberjack world champion 
Beating the boys: The Spokane, Washington, native, seen competing in a log rolling competition, has often had to compete against male opponents more than twice her size
Fighting stereotypes: Erin admits that most people view lumberjacks - both male and female - as being butch, with beards
'People have this image lumberjacks are all big, fat guys with beards - even the women,' Erin explained.

'I can be competing against women who are twice my size but it doesn't matter.
'They might be bigger, but I'm better.
'I like to look after myself and keep myself trim - being strong doesn't mean I can't be sexy.
I like to keep myself looking girly and glamorous.'
Erin first joined a lumberjack team - the SCC Gyppos - aged 19 while studying forestry at Spokane Community College.
At that point, in 2002, very few women were practicing the sport, so she was forced to face off against male competitors.

But while they put up a good fight, it wasn't long before Erin started winning against even the toughest opponents. 
'I had to compete against guys in the beginning,' she recalled. 'At first I would lose but as I practiced more and improved I started to beat them.
'They hated it, but it just gave me the impetus to carry on and get better.'
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Don't back down: https://incitasecurity.com/why-is-crossfit-so-hated/ The lumberjack champion currently holds two world records - and is determined to add to that collection
Pint-sized: Erin is just 150lbs and can find herself going up against women who weigh almost twice that
Practice makes perfect: 'I trained for hours and hours as I hate to suck at anything I do,' Erin said of her dedication to the sport
Maintaining a balance: Erin admits that many people are surprised when she tells them that she competes as a lumberjack - but she insists that being tough doesn't mean she can't be sexy and glamorous

Only five days after picking up an ax for the first time, Erin was competing in such events as log rolling, the ax throw and the underhand chop - for which she now holds two world records.
After placing in all of the disciplines, she had been well and truly bitten by the wood bug and started on the professional circuit.
She said: 'I trained for hours and hours as I hate to suck at anything I do.
'The underhand chop is my specialty, I love the talent it takes.
'Strength, endurance, technique, coordination, power, and definitely accuracy.
'I have picked up a few toes for people.

Because of all the talent it takes, I don't need to look like a beast to win.
'It is a fantastic feeling to pull on that ax and just smash into a piece of fresh wood.'
To keep herself in peak physical condition at a svelte 150lbs, Erin sticks to a very strict exercise and diet regime.
Staying strong: Erin and her husband Chance own a gym together, which is where Erin does cross fit workouts
Friendship group: 'Eating clean makes the workouts easier but I love going for a drink with the girls,' Erin said of her diet and exercise routine
Moving on up: Erin, who is pictured competing in an underhand chop competition, is determined to reclaim the all-around record, which she lost this year
Fighting fit: Erin first began practicing the sport when she was just 19-years-old and studying at the local college in Spokane 
She practices cross fit almost every day - at Predation CrossFit, the gym she owns with her husband Chance - and trains the lumberjack disciplines two to three times each week.
Erin does eat as healthily as possible, but that doesn't mean she can't sneak in a pint of Guinness every now and then.
She added: 'Eating clean makes the workouts easier but I love going for a drink with the girls.

Most people when they see me don't believe I'm a professional lumberjack.
'Even when I tell them I'm a world champion they underestimate me - so they're just blown away when they watch me working the wood.'
And despite reaching the top of the tree, Erin is committed as ever to improving.
She said: 'I want another world record, that's what keeps me working hard.

I lost my all-around record this year so I want to win that one back badly.' 

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