Cathy Vega

How Did You Get Started?

I have always been very athletic, having grown up with 3 older brothers, and have always been involved in sports, whether participating, coaching, or as a spectator. I had lifted weights off and on growing up, and into my adult years. My sons have graduated from high school and have moved on with their lives... college, work, etc. and I decided that it was "my time." My time to do something for me.

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Cathy Vega.

My friend told me about her trainer, Teddy Gray, that she had been going to and convinced me to give him a try. One workout with him and I was hooked. After working with him for a few weeks he approached me and asked if I had ever considered competing in Figure. I had no idea what Figure was and once he explained it to me I thought to myself, "Now that is something I could do". So, at that point I decided to set a goal to compete within the next year. I accomplished that goal October 11th, competing at the 2008 NPC Utah Gold's Classic, finishing 5th.

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Cathy Vega.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

Circuits seemed to work best- Continually for 25 minutes without resting gets the heart rate up.

Monday - Circuit:

• Squats: 20 reps (120 lbs.)
• Squats on Smith Machine: 20 reps (50 lbs.)
• Step-ups on Bench w/ Bar: 20 reps ea. Leg (50 lbs.)
• Squats with dumbbells: 20 reps (25 lb. dumbbells)
• Split Lunge: 20 reps (25 lb. dumbbells)
• Pushups: 20 reps
• Parking Lot Lunges (lunge backwards length of the parking lot)
• Pushups: 20 reps
• Parking Lot Lunges (lunge forward length of the parking lot)
• Pushups: 20 reps
• 200 crunches

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Monday.

Tuesday - Circuit:

• Dumbbell Rows: 20 reps (35 lbs.)
• Lateral Raises: 20 reps (10 lbs.)
• Bicep Curls w/ Bar: 20 reps (50 lbs.)
• Seated Chest Press: 20 reps (90 lbs.)
• Pushups touching body all the way to floor then push up: 30 reps
• 25 lb. plate raise (5 minutes)
• 300 crunches

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Tuesday.

Wednesday - Circuit:

• Lunges: Length of gym w/ 35 lb. dumbbells
• Hamstring curls: 20 reps (50 lbs.)
• Leg Press: 20 reps (270 lbs.)
• Step ups on Bench with dumbbells: 10 reps each leg (25 lb. dumbbells)
• Lunges: Lunge backwards the length of the parking lot - 3 reps

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Wednesday.

Thursday - Circuit:

• Squats:
  2 x 5 reps (20 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (25 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (30 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (35 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (40 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (45 lb. dumbbells)
  

• Squats:
  2 x 5 reps (20 lb.)
  2 x 5 reps (25 lb.)

• Shoulder Shrugs:
  2 x 5 reps (30 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (35 lb. dumbbells)

• Squats:
  2 x 5 reps (40 lb.)
  2 x 5 reps (45 lb.)

• Bicep Curls:
  2 x 5 reps (30 lb. dumbbells)
  2 x 5 reps (35 lb. dumbbells)

• Squats:
  2 x 5 reps (40 lb.)
  2 x 5 reps (45 lb.)

• Weighted Situps: 5 minutes

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Thursday.

Friday - Circuit:

Dumbbell Rows:
20 reps (25 lbs.)
2 x 20 reps (35 lbs.)

Lateral Raises:
20 reps (5 lbs.)
2 x 20 reps (10 lbs.)

Squats wide stance: 20 reps(80 lbs.)
Sit ups on slanted bench: 20 reps
Bicep Curls w/Bar: 20 reps (10 lbs.)
Squats touching butt to step: 20 reps
Triceps Extension: 20 reps (20 lbs.)
200 crunches

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Friday.

Saturday:

Usually take a "Power Pump" Class or Cardio Class

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Cathy Vega.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

This is one day of Phase 1 of my meal plan when preparing to compete. Lots of lean protein.

Meal 1:

Pro Complex Protein shake

Meal 2:

Oatmeal
Tbsp. Natural Peanut Butter
Bananas

Meal 3:

1 Chicken Breast
½ Cup Unsalted Mixed Nuts
Broccoli

Meal 4:

Fish
Brown rice
Beets

Meal 5:

Pro Complex Protein Shake

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Cathy Vega.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

I took HMB 1000, Higher Power L-Glutamine 1000, Universal Animal Pak, and ZMA. The Universal Animal Pak was great... loved that all the vitamins and minerals I may lack in my diet were in the convenient packaging.

Pro Complex Protein.

I had never taken any supplements of any kind, except a multi-vitamin, before I began training for my first competition so my trainer kept me away from the fat burners until the last 2 weeks. Started on Stacker 2 and that really gave me the boost I needed to get the most out of my workouts when I was "carb depleting"!

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Cathy Vega.

Why Do You Love Fitness?

I love fitness because it empowers me to be the best "me" that I can be, which in turn reflects on how others perceive me. I love to see the transformation that my body has made from the hard work and dedication that is put into the sport through the workouts and the diet, knowing that I put in the hard work to make this happen! Discipline is a must!

The sense of accomplishment that you feel after a hard workout is the best, and when people look at you and they see a strong, confident, beautiful person, that is rewarding in itself! When someone says, "I want to look and be just like you", you know that you have succeeded in the goal that you have set forth for yourself! It doesn't get any better than that!

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Cathy Vega.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I plan on competing in another Figure show in about 6 months... to prepare for that I will be working hard to gain 6 lbs. of muscle, focusing on the hamstrings and glutes. My goal is to finish in the top 3 and qualify for Nationals.

I am also planning on getting certified as a trainer... I have always loved coaching and this would keep me in the new sport that I have grown to love.

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Cathy Vega.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Fitness Competitors?

Listen to your body and commit yourself to your goals…work hard, and set realistic goals for yourself and find what works best for you... everyone is different, so it goes without saying that what works for one may not work for you. Focus on accomplishing one goal and then moving on to the next. Don't let anyone tear you down... surround yourself with people who will support you and your goals. A lot of time goes into the sport and you need the people around you that can understand your dedication and support you!

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Cathy Vega.

Who Are Your Favorite Fitness Competitors/Bodybuilders?

Gina Aliotti and Jennifer Gates - Both are beautiful women who are muscular but still keep their feminine look.

Cory Everson - She looks phenomenal at is truly an inspiration!

More Profiles:

:: Current Fitness Competitor Of The Week.
:: Other Previous Fitness Competitors Of The Week.
:: Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Over 40 Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Teen Bodybuilder Of The Week.

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