As I began trying to put my life back together, I realized I needed more strength; emotionally and spiritually as well as physically.

I was always fairly athletic, but was a bit intimidated by weights. When a friend got me a three month gym membership as a gift, I decided to check it out. I headed to the gym determined to lose the "frail" image.

As a highly competitive perfectionist, I loved the experience in the gym. I soaked up as much knowledge as I could from various trainers and began my journey to better physical and mental health. I was beginning a transformation that would affect me in the most positive of ways.

My attitude about life improved as did my self-esteem. I was feeling happier and healthier. I was gaining weight, improving my emotional state and channeling my stress in a positive manner.

I remember envying different women in the gym that had nice physiques and thought, "I wish I could look like that." It was a few years later, but I distinctly remember the day a guy from my gym asked if I was working out to prepare for a contest. I thought, "Me? Compete?" I was so flattered, I was beyond myself. Then I took a good look at myself in the mirror and I realized the transformation had begun.

I didn't start lifting with the intention of competing, but after several comments and a great deal of encouragement from others at the gym, I entered my first bodybuilding competition. Now I'm happy, healthy and hooked. The physical and mental challenges have been grueling, but overcoming them has been very rewarding and well worth the challenge.

"What lies behind us
and what lies before us
are small matters
compared to what lies within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Maria Warren

• Leg Press: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
• Squats: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Leg Curls: 2 sets of 6 reps
• Stiff Leg Deadlifts: 2 sets of 6 reps
• Standing Machine Calf Raises: 2 sets of 6-8 reps
• Seated Calf Raises: 2 sets of 6-8 reps

• Incline Barbell Bench Press: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
• Flat Dumbbell Bench Press: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Decline Barbell Bench Press: 1 set of 4-6 reps
• Cable Rope Crunches: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Weighted Incline Crunches: 2 sets of 8-10 reps

• Barbell Rows: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• V-Bar Pulldowns: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Pull-Ups: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Seated Cable Rows: 1 set of 4-6 reps
• Deadlifts: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Barbell Shrugs: 1 set of 4-6 reps

• Seated Dumbbell Press: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
• Military Barbell Press: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Standing Side Lateral Dumbbell Raises: 2 sets of 6-8 reps
• Lying Triceps Extensions: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
• Cable Pushdowns: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
• One Arm Dumbbell Overhead Extensions: 1 set of 4-6 reps

• Straight Bar Curls: 3 sets of 4-6 reps
• Hammer Curls: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Curl Bar Curls: 2 sets of 4-6 reps
• Weighted Leg Raises: 2 sets of 12-15 reps
• Cable Rope Crunches: 2 sets of 8-10 reps

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Maria Warren

• 6 egg whites
• 1 whole egg
• 2 oz grilled chicken
• 1 cup steamed spinach
• 6 almonds
• 8 oz peeled ruby red grapefruit with Splenda

• 1 scoop whey protein
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• 2 tsp peanut butter or 18 almonds

• 6 oz chicken, halibut, sirloin fillet, tuna, or lean turkey breast
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• 2 tsp peanut butter or 18 almonds

• 6 oz chicken, halibut, sirloin fillet, tuna, or lean turkey breast
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• 4 tsp peanut butter or 12 almonds

• 1 scoop whey protein
• 12 almonds
• 8 oz peeled ruby red grapefruit with Splenda
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans

• 6 oz chicken, halibut, sirloin fillet, tuna, or lean turkey breast
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• 1 oz avocado

Every 18th meal is a carb meal. Eaten in this order:

• 1.5 cups steamed green beans or asparagus
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 2 tsp raisins
• Splenda
• Butter spray
• 7.5 oz yams
• 2 tsp peanut or almond butter
• Splenda

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Maria Warren

• Carlson Liquid Fish Oil: 1 tsp

• Juven Arginine Glutamine Drink: 1 pack (24g)
• Vemma Liquid Antioxidant: 4 tbsp (4 oz)

• Dymatize Elite Whey: 1 scoop

Or

• Proteinex Liquid Predigested Protein: 4 tbsp (36g)

• BPI Sports 1.M.R: 1/2 scoop

What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?

I've had several minor health issues over the years. I won't give into them. Exercise is the best way for me to combat them.

What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?

I am a very determined individual. My success in bodybuilding has been doubted, and that drives me even harder.

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Maria Warren

What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?

I read a lot of articles, especially those on nutrition, contest preparation, and targeted workouts (i.e. leg blasters).