2009 Capital City Novice Figure Overall Champion

What got you started in bodybuilding?

My boyfriend and I went to the gym every weekday, while he lifted weights I was on the treadmill running. He would always try to persuade me to lift weights, but I had the naive concept that it would make me look bulky. Plus, it is always the hardest to take advice from your significant other for some reason. I was admiring photos of figure athletes displayed in my gym when I was approached by a trainer, Peka Bennefield, who asked me, "How would you like to look like that?". I had never lifted a weight in my life, but I was up for the challenge. Six months later I won overall novice figure at the 2009 Capital City Natural Bodybuilding Championships. Training has now become a huge passion for me, and has changed my life for the better in many ways. I never imagined I would look forward to heading to the gym everyday to lift some serious weight. Not only have I changed physically, but my trainer has improved my inner self tremendously as well. Today, my boyfriend and I both enjoy competing and training together; it has taken our relationship to a whole new level. 

Describe your training and nutrition (on/off season)

I am still in the learning process of my training and nutrition being that I have only been at this for a year now.  It is definitely something I want to learn more about and perfect.  I have lifted heavy both on and off season, training one body part each day. I do a lot of drop sets and super sets, and I love to max out. Nutrition is the hardest part for me, as I have never eaten vegetables or fish, nor have I ever wanted/had to before now. It is still a struggle for me, but I am trying to learn to love the food. I invest in a lot of Mrs. Dash marinades and seasoning to disguise my food and psych myself out. During the off season, I enjoy more complex carbs and try to reward myself with a cheat meal when deserved. During the on season, I stick to a very basic food guideline that makes life easy. Mainly chicken, lean turkey, brown rice and green veggies. I become more strict when the show nears, eating mainly fish, a low carb, and veggies. I really enjoy doing cardio as well as cross training year round. Duration and intensity become more aggressive during on season. My favorites are spin class and stair master. This year is going to be a very new experience for me. Last year I had to gain weight for my first show, and this year I have weight to lose. I have to admit that I prefer the later, but this is all a learning experience. 

What are your bodybuilding contest highlights (titles/experiences)?

2009 NGA Ms. Physique 1st Place

2009 ABA Bikini Diva 1st Place & Best Legs

2009 INBF Novice Figure Overall

What is the most important thing you’ve learned/gained through bodybuilding?

Wow, there are so many things I have gained! I have learned kindness, having patience in others, and to be a better daughter, lover, and friend. Time management has been a crucial key in my training with having to juggle a very intense chemistry degree program, and living the lifestyle of a bodybuilder. I have to make sure to plan out each day accordingly which means making my meals in advance, eating every three hours, getting your water intake, in addition to the time spent in the gym lifting, doing cardio, practicing posing, and sitting in the sauna. I have also gained the knowledge of what real friends are, and should be. I have met many wonderful individuals who have the same love of health and fitness and they have quickly become my closest friends. It also makes me really look at the people I used to be around and how they influenced me. My mother always told me, "You are who you hang out with", and I could not agree more. Most importantly, I have learned to be healthy. My diet no longer consists of junk and processed food. Self control is huge, especially when you have a sweet tooth like me. 

Future aspirations

I hope to turn pro this year ,and I have a huge dream of eventually becoming a fitness model. It has been a childhood dream I never thought possible until now. I want to influence other people to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle by leading as an example. The greatest thing you can do in life is give back to others. Just as I was once myself, the society is naive of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and I hope to inspire others to be more physically fit, and enjoy better health. I demand myself to improve each year, become better, and do bigger shows to challenge myself. The sky is the limit, I want to take my career in bodybuilding as far as it will take me.