• Name: Carrie Amann
• E-mail: carrieamann@yahoo.com
• Age: 26
• Where: La Crosse, Wisconsin
• Height: 5'6"
• Weight: 125 Contest, 135 Off
• Years Competing: 2
• Favorite Bodypart: Shoulders
• Strongest Bodypart: Shoulders
• Favorite Supplements: BSN Syntha-6, VPX Redline Caps

I took 2nd in my class at my first figure competition in April of this year. I competed 3 weeks later and again placed 2nd in my class. Now I'm hooked. I've always loved lifting, but the rush I get from competing is far more addicting.

Click To Enlarge.
Carrie Amann.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

Shoulders:

• Dumbbell Front Raises: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Dumbbell Lateral Raises: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Reverse Flyes: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Smith Machine Upright Rows: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps

Legs (Quads):

• Squats: 5 Sets Of 8, 10, 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Leg Extensions: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Leg Press: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps
• Lunges: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps
• Plie Squats: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps
• Calf Raises: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps

Back / Calves:

• Bent Over Barbell Row: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Assisted Pull-Ups: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Straight Arm Pulldowns: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Underhand Pulldowns: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Seated Row: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Calf Raises: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps

Biceps / Triceps:

• Hammer Curls: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• One Arm Triceps Extension: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Barbell Curls: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Preacher Curls: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Overhead Cable Curls: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Bench Dips: 3 Sets: 25, 20, Then 15 Reps
• Concentration Curls: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Triceps Pushdown: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps

Hamstrings / Calves:

• Leg Curls: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Romanian Deadlifts: 5 Sets Of 8, 10, 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Lunges: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps
• Leg Press: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Calf Raises: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps
• Glute Kickback: 3 Sets Of 10 Reps

Chest:

• Dumbbell Press: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Dumbbell Flyes: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Decline Dumbbell Press: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Incline Smith Machine Press: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Cable Crossover: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps
• Butterfly: 3 Sets Of 12, 10, Then 8 Reps

Click To Enlarge.
Carrie Amann.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Meal 1:

• 1 Scoop Protein
• 1/3 Cup Oatmeal

Meal 2:

• 2 Scoops Protein In 8 Oz Water
• 1 Banana

Meal 3:

• 4 Oz Chicken Or Tilapia
• 1 Cup Broccoli
• 1/4 Cup Brown Rice

Meal 4:

• 2 Scoops Protein In 8 Oz Water
• 1 Apple

Meal 5:

• 1 Scoop Protein In 8 Oz Water

Meal 6:

• 4 Oz Chicken Or Tilapia
• 1 Cup Broccoli

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Carrie Amann.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

I definitely credit Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump 250 to the gains I made pre-contest dieting. During my diet, I stopped taking the SuperPump and switched to creatine pre-workout and glutamine post-workout. I recently tried BSN Syntha-6 and absolutely love it. I credited my energy boosts to the late Hydroxycut Hardcore, but made the switch to VPX Redline capsules a few months back. The Redline capsules give me the zip I need to get up and get moving every day at 5:00 - I have to get that morning cardio in before work.

Why Do You Love Fitness?

I love the way I feel after a workout. And, I really love watching my body transform.

What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?

Competitions. Even though my next show isn't until next year, I know I can't fall too far off track or I will have a much heavier workload than normal. Plus, I have had friends and even strangers compliment my work ethnic. Hearing that people admire my drive and dedication keeps me going and pushes me to want to better myself now rather than in a few months (like when I get closer to a competition).

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Carrie Amann.

Please Describe What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?

I was such a hard worker in college - taking 16-18 credits of coursework, interning and having a part-time job. My schedule was constantly booked and I like it that way. But after graduating, all I had was one full-time, grown-up job. I left behind my hobbies (like intramural sports or freelance writing) and it took awhile for me to figure out how to spend my free time. I caught myself getting wrapped up in the party lifestyle for a while and gained unhealthy weight...it just didn't feel right.

I got back in the gym, but didn't really have a goal set, so I wasn't working to my full potential. Not to mention, my diet - oh the crap I ate! After watching a figure show, I finally found something that caught my eye and was able to set a goal that I would really enjoy accomplishing. I definitely think the most important thing when it comes to achieving goals is ensuring you've found something you like doing. There are many ways to better yourself; you just have to choose the option that best fits your personality, lifestyle and dreams.

I always loved organized sports growing up. So, I was able to get out of the anti-health rut I was in by dieting and weight training to be a figure competitor.

What Are Your Future Fitness Plans?

I'd like to compete in a couple more local NPC shows before competing at Junior Nationals in June of 2010.

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Carrie Amann.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Fitness Competitors?

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." I would definitely tell / remind other fitness competitors that focus is the key to success and being disciplined and structured will help you go far. If you're going to doubt something, doubt your limits - but know your limits, too. Overtraining can set you back should you do something to injure yourself.

We're all in this together, working hard to make gains and better ourselves.

Who Are Your Favorite Fitness Competitors/Bodybuilders?

Jamie Eason - I truly relate to who she is and the background she has come from. I love her attitude, her physique and what she represents. I love Tanji Johnson because she is gorgeous, has an amazing figure and really knows her stuff about the industry and sport. Tanji has a lot of great articles on Bodybuilding.com. How can you not love Stealth?

I must also add that my favorite bodybuilder is my trainer Sarah Mathison. Sarah has a killer physique, is so very knowledgeable in the sport and can bring a smile to any dieters face even when she is dieting. On an up-and-coming figure competitor level, Tara Annmarie Thatcher is a beautiful person inside and out. She, too, has been a great mentor to me as I've entered the world of figure competitions.

Click To Enlarge.
Carrie Amann.

What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?

I work in public relations, so I know the importance of networking. I enjoy meeting new people on BodySpace and sharing recipes, ranting sessions and words of encouragement with other people who share experiences similar to my own. I also really love the variety of articles. A few of my favorites include: CARDIOlternatives (as I am not a fan of cardio) and Body Assessment for Fitness Competitions. The articles help add variety to my workouts and keep me focused when I am preparing for competitions.

BodySpace

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Kharie82/

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