VITAL STATS Name: Suzanne Germano E-mail: Suzanne@fitsuzanne.com Age: 45 Where: Buffalo Grove, Illinois Height: 5'1" Weight: 123 Contest Years Bodybuilding: 14 Favorite Bodypart: Legs Favorite Exercise: Leg Extension Triple Drop Favorite Supplements: Professional Supplements Karbolyn, And Vyper

How Did You Get Started?

My journey into bodybuilding began in 1995 when I was very overweight and joined a gym for the first time. In 2002, I competed in my first bodybuilding competition. I did two more that year and one in 2003. Having come from being overweight, I had a fear of getting "fat" again so I switched to figure for 2004 and 2006 thinking it was a way to continue to compete but also stay small.

In 2007, my trainer, Jeremy Minihan, suggested I go back to bodybuilding and that is what I did for Jr. Nationals that year. I couldn't be happier!

I truly enjoy every aspect of bodybuilidng: the heavy lifting, making necessary changes to my physique, watching the changes unfold as I diet for a show and being up on stage knowing I put everything I had into it. I have met so many wonderful people doing this sport.

The highlight of my competing was winning the middleweight class and the overall at the 2009 NPC Jr. Nationals. I was so excited and shocked! I could not believe that was me; the once fat person who didn't want to be seen was the overall winner in a national level bodybuilding competiton. Words can't descibe the feeling.

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Suzanne Germano.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I find my body responds best to a lot of variation. I vary my exercises, sets, rep ranges, whether I use supersets or straight sets every week.

Here is an example of just one week

Sunday: Legs
• Leg Extensions: 4 sets of 15-30 reps
• Dumbbell Lunges: 4 sets of 8 reps
• Barbell Squats: 4 sets of 12-15 reps
• Leg Press: 3 sets of 12 reps
• Lying Leg Curls: 4 sets of 15 reps
• Seated Leg Curls: 3 sets of 12 reps
• Donkey Calf Raises: 4 sets of 15 reps
• Standing Calf Raises: 4 sets of 15 reps

Monday: Chest And Shoulders

• Incline Dumbbell Press: 5 sets of 12-15 reps
• Cable Crossovers: 4 sets of 10-15 reps
• Incline Barbell Press: 3 sets of 10 reps
• Bench Press: 3 sets of 10 reps
• Military Press: 3 sets of 10 reps
• Lateral Raises: 4 sets of 20 reps

Tuesday: Arms And Calves

• Cable Curls: 4 sets of 15 reps
• EZ-Bar Curls: 5 sets of 10 reps
• Preacher Curls: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• High Cable Curls: 4 sets of 10-12 reps
• Triceps Pushdowns: 5 sets of 8-15 reps
• Skullcrushers: 3 sets of 8 reps
• Rope Pushdowns: 4 sets of 8-15 reps
• Calf Raises On Leg Press: 4 sets of 10-15 reps

Wednesday: Back And Rear Delts

• Pullups: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Seated Cable Rows: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Lat Pulldowns: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Deadlifts: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Rear Delt Raises: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Thursday: Abs And Calves

• Lying Leg Raises: 4 sets of 15 reps
• Oblique Crunches: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
• Seated Calf Raises: 4 sets of 12-15 reps
• Cable Crunches: 4 sets of 30 reps
• Hanging Leg Raises: 3 sets of 20 reps
• Jackknife Sit-Ups: 4 sets of 20-25 reps

Friday: Shoulders

• Dumbbell Press: 4 sets of 12 reps
• Upright Barbell Rows: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Lateral Raises: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Military Press: 4 sets of 6-10 reps
• Reverse Flyes: 4 sets of 15-20 reps

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Suzanne Germano.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

I found I respond best to high carb, moderate protein and low fat. My nutrition program changes based on contest prep, maintenance, or bulking. I eat 6-8 meals all consisting of complex carbs and lean protein.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

• Professional Supplements Pure Karbolyn
• Professional Supplements Vyper
• BSN NO-Xplode
• IDS Multi-Pro Whey

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Suzanne Germano.

Why Do You Love Bodybuilding?

It is something I can do that I do not feel my vision limits me. I was born legally blind and was unable to participate in sports as a child. I love the challenge of each and every workout to try to push myself hard and the changes it will make in my physique.

What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?

I never want to be overweight again. I like having a muscular physique.

What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?

Initially it was just weight loss now it is to continuously improve my physique and be better each time I step on stage.

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Suzanne Germano.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

Currently I'm prepping for 2009 NPC Nationals Bodybuilding Middleweight.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Enjoy the journey. It is a long term journey and if you improve each time you step on stage then you have won.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Sherry Smith, Cathy LeFrancois, Heather Armbrust, Kai Greene.

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Suzanne Germano.

What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?

• Shop for supplements at Bodybuilding.com store.
• Webcasts and other videos.

BodySpace

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/SuperBBGirl/

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