I have always kept fit and active by riding and working around horses since I was 10 years old, but it wasn't until a friend started entered a figure competition a few years ago that I got interested in lifting weights.
Despite my friend's success at the shows, I originally had no desire to compete whatsoever, but with my trainer's encouragement and a team of 9 other ladies from the gym, I wanted to take on this new goal in my life!
After 4 months of training and dieting, I lost 17lbs and 9% body fat and entered my first show in November 2009. Although I didn't place in the top of my category, I had the time of my life! All the hard work paid off. I felt like I belonged on stage! Not to mention, our gym won team trophy! I am anxious to improve and aim for a top 3 finish at my next show! The caliber of the other ladies was phenomenal and I am inspired by them to train harder!
Click To Enlarge. Patricia Crawford.
What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?
Cardio 30 min a day, increase to 45 min, 4 weeks before competition.
What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?
BCAAs pre-workout, Trueway Whey Shake post-workout to help my muscles recover faster for my next training session and AllMax Glutamine 3 times a day to keep muscle while losing fat.
Why Do You Love Fitness?
I love weight training because you can literally see your body transform in the mirror before your eyes. It's a rush! I am always trying to encourage my co-workers as to the benefits of fitness. They've seen my body transform and are starting to see that 5 small meals with protein works!
What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?
I don't need motivation to follow a healthy lifestyle. I know what my body feels like on junk food, versus clean eating. There is no comparison, it's simple. You treat your body like a garbage can, you will feel like trash. The abundance of energy I have now by following a clean eating diet is all the motivation I need!
What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?
My number one goal was to say "I entered in a figure competition!" I wanted to do it to prove to myself that anyone can do it! No more excuses! I was addicted to chocolate, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could actually go a week without it! (In fact, I went 2 months without chocolate!)
Click To Enlarge. Patricia Crawford.
What Are Your Future Fitness Plans?
I intend on training hard this winter to improve on my first figure competition results by entering another show with the figure ladies from our gym this spring. I am toying with the idea of becoming a part-time personal trainer as I certainly have the cheerleader spirit to push others towards their goals! I want to teach other ladies that fad diets do not work in the long run!
What One Tip Would You Give Other Fitness Competitors?
Pack a lot of baby wipes for your competition day as tanning oils and creams are very messy! All joking aside, I applaud all ladies who have the courage to step on stage in a bikini! Encourage others and try to promote this wonderful and rewarding sport!
Who Are Your Favorite Fitness Competitors/Bodybuilders?
During my pre-contest diet, I would clip out pictures from magazines to post on my mirror of fitness competitors for inspiration. Some of my favorites I admire are Chelsea Boissonneault, Erin Bailey-Boyes, and Jamie Eason, but most importantly, I admire all of my fellow figure ladies at my gym!
What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?
Definitely, the forums! This is where inspiration gets started for me! I also constantly check the "Fitness Amateur of The Week" to get tips on how these ladies do it! If you want to be competitive with your peers, you got to see what's working for them!
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