Name: Catherine Biery
Email: catherinebiery@ymail.com
BodySpace: catbiery
Location: Wheeling, WV
Why I decided to transform
My weight skyrocketed during my 20s due to lifestyle choices, low self-esteem, and poor relationships. Even though I earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science, I couldn't get my weight under control. At one point, I got up to 175 pounds on my 5-foot-3 frame.
I started dating my husband in my early 30s, regained some of my lost self-esteem, and became more serious about exercise and nutrition. I became a cardio queen and steered clear of the weight room. I ran on the treadmill for hours and wondered why I didn't lose weight. My husband later introduced me to weightlifting and I loved it. I developed a passion for strength training, slowly lost weight and eventually hit 135 pounds, which felt amazing. Rather than focusing on being skinny, I wanted to be strong.
I became pregnant at age 33 and gained weight again, but weighed less than I did in my 20s. I lost all of my pregnancy weight with continued training. I also paid attention to portion sizes by measuring food in a food journal. I was mostly fit again but wanted to take it to the next level.
My ultimate goal was to compete in a figure. I learned about figure competitions years before, but always assumed I wouldn't make it to that level. The physical and mental strength required to accomplish my goal seemed inspiring and appealing.
Before my daughter turned 3 years old, something clicked. I realized I could accomplish my goal if I set my mind to do it. I wanted to set a good example for my daughter who could watch me follow through with something important. A fire was ignited inside me at age 37. I was ready to see what I was made of, so I cleaned up my diet, increased my training, and watched myself transform.
On November 16, 2013, with support from my family and friends, I competed in my first figure competition. My confidence and inner strength are through the roof. I feel better mentally and physically now than at any time in my life. I'm excited to see what the future has in store for me and am excited to compete again.
How I accomplished my goals
Accomplishing my goals felt like a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. When I made the commitment to compete, I was determined to follow through. I wasn't going to let myself down.
I vocalized my goal to my friends and family who became my support team. Having their support motivated me when times got tough. It would've been easy to quit if I hadn't let those I care about join my journey. The month before my contest was tough physically and mentally. I reached out to my support team on tough days and asked them to send me their favorite motivational quotes, stories, and experiences, which helped a lot.
On tough days, I'd look to individuals I admire. I visited Erin Stern's Facebook page often and read transformation stories on Bodybuilding.com. I also read fitness magazines for new workout tips and clean-eating ideas. Most of all, I thought about who I wanted to be for myself and my daughter. I want her to know that it's important to chase and complete your goals, even when it's hard and you're afraid.
I've been told countless times by friends, family, and random strangers at the gym that I inspire them. If I told my 20-year-old self that one day people would say that I inspire them, I would've never believed it. It's those moments that keep me motivated to push toward my future goals.
What aspect challenged me the most
The most challenging part of my transformation was three weeks out from my contest date. I increased my cardio from four to seven days per week and depleted additional calories from my diet.
The combination left me with low energy and an energetic 3-year-old to keep up with. Knowing it was temporary kept me going. I leaned on my husband and support team for motivation and visualized myself on stage completing my goal.
My future fitness plans
I learned a lot from my first figure competition. I met many wonderful people and had fun. I'm excited to get back on stage and do it again. I have specific improvements that I want to make for my next show and will give myself a few months before I step on stage again.
Even though I have a bachelor's degree in exercise science, I was too embarrassed to pursue my dreams and help others meet their fitness goals because I hadn't completed mine. I now have the confidence to pursue it and plan to become a certified personal trainer when my daughter is in preschool.
Suggestions for aspiring transformers
- Believe in yourself and make long-term changes.
- Surround yourself with positive people to lean on when you need help.
- Seek inspiration from others who have been there to ignite your inner fire.
- Take progress photos.
- Keep a food log and measure your food.
- Don't obsess about the number on the scale!
- Reach for the stars!
How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals
My husband and I use Bodybuilding.com for our supplementation needs because it has the best prices and fastest shipping. Bodybuilding.com keeps us happily stocked with supplements and motivates us with articles and transformation stories.
Catherine's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Shut It Down" by Pitbull (Feat. Akon)
- "Shake It" by Metro Station
- "Remember The Name" by Fort Minor (Feat. Styles Of Beyond)
- "Berzerk" by Eminem
- "Hella Good" by No Doubt