How Did You Get Started?

After gaining 30 pounds in college, I decided I needed to make a change! I started training simply to lose weight. Once I got myself into the gym, I couldn't get myself out. Then last year I attended the Arnold Classic and instantly knew I wanted to compete. So, my goal changed from just wanting to lose weight to wanting to be a competitor. I've been training for NPC Figure Competitions for the past year now.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

My trainer, Kim Oddo at Body by O, had helped me in maintaining a great training plan. I work a 3 days on, one day off program. This season I am trying to increase muscle mass in my lower body, so I am concentrating on legs twice a week. I do cardio 5 days a week for 35 minutes each day. As competition gets closer, I increase my cardio and end up doing 2 sessions a day for 45 minutes each session.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

My nutrition plan is along the lines of most competitors. I have 6 meals a day split evenly between proteins and carbs. An example competition diet would be something like this:

• Meal One: 3 Egg whites, 1 whole egg and 1/4 cup oatmeal
• Meal Two: 5 oz. lean meat and a 4 oz white potato
• Meal Three: 4 oz lean meat, rice, 1 cup green veggies
• Meal Four: Pure whey protein shake, rice cakes, 1 tbsp. peanut butter
• Meal Five: 5 oz. lean meat and a medium salad
• Meal Six: Pure whey protein shake

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

L-Glutamine, BCAA's, and Joint Performance have all been significant in my progress. They have all aided in my recovery over the passed year of serious training. Supplements in general are definitely a welcomed addition to my new life in fitness.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

I love fitness because it allows me to challenge my body to accomplish great things! It provides me with a self-confidence that I never had. I know that I can walk down the street feeling confident in how I look because I am responsible for everything I have accomplished.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

Right now I am training for three NPC Figure Competitions this year. I am competing at the Orange County Classic April 17, The Contra Costa on May 8th and The Cal on May 29th. If I do well at those shows, I hope to compete at Nationals. In addition, a serious goal of mine is to help other women to attain their fitness goals.

Along my journey I have received help from Professional and Amateur competitors and I have taken in every bit of advice given to me. I hope to do the same for other women as well as up and comers in the industry. Some women have no idea where to start, so for them, I hope to provide a guideline on how to achieve the success they dream of!

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Remember to believe in yourself. After working so hard training for competition, you have to have fun on stage or the audience and judges will never appreciate all your hard work. Be confident on stage and smile!! And make sure you let everyone see how much fun you are having.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

My favorite Pro Figure Competitor is Monica Brant. To me, she is the complete package. Everything she does, she does for the love of the sport. She has been a huge motivational tool for me ever since I first stepped foot in the gym.

More Bodybuilder Profiles:

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

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