Fitness Amateur Of The Week: April Made Fitness Dreams Reality

How did your fitness journey begin?

I've always been a tomboy and enjoyed athletics. I ran track and played volleyball in school. Even though I was athletic, I was also a string bean due to my height.

I loved to read fitness magazines like "Muscle & Fitness Hers" and "Muscular Development." The female competitors were lean and muscular, which was the look I longed for. I never thought I could become a competitor because the body type seemed unattainable.

After I tuned 35 years old, I was determined to become a fitness competitor, so I entered two competitions and won the bikini masters class at my second competition. I qualified to compete at the national level in November 2013. The experience made me realize I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My next goal is to obtain a pro card and turn my dream into reality.

"My next goal is to obtain a pro card and turn my dream into reality."

What fitness regimen delivered the best results?

I like doing plyometrics to keep my legs lean, and I incorporate heavy lifting too. During contest prep, I keep my rep ranges high (15-20 reps) with moderate to heavy weight. I love to lift heavy on glutes and legs day. However, I struggle to keep my legs from getting too bulky, so I adjust the weight and reps depending on how close my competition is.

Right now, I'm focused on my glutes. I love squats and deadlifts and add plyos between sets. I run on an incline treadmill for 45 minutes after lifting. During the last two weeks of contest prep, I add 30-60 minutes of fasted cardio in the morning.

"When people tell me they're inspired by my hard work, I'm much more motivated to work toward the next level."

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

My life can be pretty hectic and working out is a huge stress reliever. I love how I can go into the gym feeling stressed and come out feeling relaxed and full of energy. I also love competing and come to life on stage. My friends and family say they don't understand my obsession to train for just one day, but I see it as dedication to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

What/Who motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?

I have lots of self-motivation. However, my husband is a fitness enthusiast and motivates me to train hard and challenge myself. When people see my competition photos and tell me they're inspired by my hard work, I'm much more motivated to work toward the next level.

Where did you go for inspiration?

I love to see what successful pro competitors do. Reading fitness magazines and watching videos of past competitions like the Olympia really inspire me.

What are your future fitness plans?

It means everything to me to become an IFBB bikini pro. I want to improve my physique and head to nationals to win my pro card in November 2013.

What is the most important fitness tip?

Progress is slow, but you can never give up. Dream big and keep training hard until you make your dreams reality.

Who is your favorite fitness competitor?

There are many bikini competitors that I admire, but Ingrid Romero is my favorite. She's very beautiful and accomplished so much. She also has great advice on posing and contest prep. I love to read her articles on Muscle & Fitness Hers."

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

Bodybuilding.com is the best. I can order supplements, track progress on BodySpace, and read tons of inspirational and education articles on one site. I like to read product reviews for a better idea of what to buy that suits me.

April's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled (Feat. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain & Snoop Dogg)
"Nothing Was The Same" by Drake
"Bodies" by Drowing Pool
"I Love College" by Asher Roth
"Looks Like Money" by Lil Kim

Competition History

2013 NPC Shawn Ray Classic - 1st Place Bikini Masters Class
2013 NPC Shawn Ray Classic - 4th Place Bikini Class C

Thanks

To Joe DiScuillo for his guidance on competitive dieting and training.
To IFBB pro Ingrid Romero for her support and assistance with posing.
To Boris Ruhadze for his guidance as my personal trainer.
To Panos Photography for their fantastic work.
To J.M. Manion Photography for the great competition photos.