Body Transformation: Defined Discipline

Why I Decided To Transform

I stepped in the gym for the first time on April 1, 2008, and haven't stopped since. I weighed 156 pounds at the time and wore a size 14 mother of the bride dress to my daughter's wedding in 2007. Today I wear a size 2 (and sometimes a size 0).

Middle age was creeping up on me and I didn't want to settle with the way I looked just because I was in my mid-40s. The trigger that got me started was a book called Younger Next Year and Younger Next Year for Women by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. I read both cover to cover and recommend them to everyone who thinks they're too old, too busy, or too tired to lose weight and get in shape.

This year I turn 50, and thought it was a perfect time to compete in a bodybuilding competition. Alcohol had become a big part of my life and was beginning to affect my daily life and relationships. I knew if I committed to a competition publically on social media that I would have to quit drinking.

I haven't had a drink over six months and don't miss it one bit. My husband and I go out as much or more than we used to and enjoy hip hop music and dancing all night. I sleep like a rock and wake up between 5-6 a.m. every morning feeling refreshed and ready to go. I never seem to run out of energy!

My first NPC bodybuilding competition was in June and I had a wonderful experience. I plan to enter several more NPC and INBA shows this fall. I love the self-confidence that bodybuilding has given me. I have more energy than I ever before. I enjoy lifting free weights and love to challenge myself.

I always say that my fiercest competitor stares back at me in the mirror every morning. My husband and I have made working out a big part of our time together, which has only strengthened our relationship.

How I Accomplished My Goals

I decided to accompany my husband to the gym during his daily workout on April 1, 2008. He got me started and I haven't stopped. Intimidated by the free weights section at first, I got a trainer for a few sessions to walk me through the iron, which helped tremendously.

I followed the plans outlined in the book The New Rules of Lifting for Women and noticed a change in my strength and physique within weeks. Watching the weight drop off and the muscles develop was all the motivation I needed to keep going.

On the days when I didn't feel like going, my husband encouraged me. On the days when he didn't feel like going, I encouraged him.

Supplements That Helped Me Through The Journey

Diet Plan That Guided My Transformation

My husband and I began with a diet free of junk food and sweets. I haven't had a donut, cookie, or piece of cake in four years. Extreme? Perhaps, but that's the way I roll; all or nothing. We split all meals at restaurants looking over the menu and making healthy choices.

The backyard grill has taken over as the cooking tool of choice at home for salmon, chicken, steak, turkey burgers, and lean beef. Our diet is high in protein, low in fat, and moderate in carbs. My nutrient-ratio right now while prepping for competition usually consists of 50 percent protein, 30 percent carbs, and 20 percent fats.

To keep track throughout the day, I use a free Iphone app called Lose It. If I find myself too heavy on carbs and too low on protein, I can tweak my intake for the rest of the day to meet my ratio. A typical daily diet for me currently consists of:

Training Regimen That Kept Me On Track

I work 12-hour shifts usually two days a week. On the days I work, I go to the gym from 4:45 a.m-6 a.m. Currently, I'm working out twice a day in preparation for my competitions on my non-work days.

What Aspect Challenged Me The Most

Diet is probably the most challenging, especially while prepping for competition. Portion sizes were difficult to cut down. Getting to the gym on work days can be a challenge, but I always feel better after going to the gym.

That positive energy is the driving force that gets me up at 3:45 a.m. so I can eat and get to the gym on the days I work.

My Future Fitness Plans

Competing! I want to continue competing as long as I find it fun and challenging.

I also plan to run my second half marathon next February with my daughter in Walt Disney World (I ran my first half marathon this past February).

Suggestions for Aspiring Transformers

How Bodybuilding.com Helped Me Reach My Goals

I joined Bodybuilding.com several years ago when I began getting into weight training and wanted a place to go to find articles and advice about nutrition, supplements, and training. The support I've received on the site has been so valuable and a very big motivational tool for me.

Anytime I need information about a supplement or a particular exercise, I can search and an article always comes up. I often email the articles to family and friends if I think it will benefit or be of interest to them. It's been fun watching others progress on their journey and has provided me with a nice online journal.

I've ordered products from Bodybuilding.com and have received them promptly as promised. I often will look to the store to compare products and check prices before purchasing in a store. The best part about the site is the friends you make and the online support received from them.

You Could Be Our Next Transformation Of The Week

Male Transformations. No longer content to sit on the sidelines of life these guys have gone from wimp to pimp!

Female Transformations. Done with giving excuses, these ladies have given themselves the bodies they always wanted!