Fitness Amateur Of The Week: Whitney Hansen

Four years ago, I was the heaviest I've ever been (145 pounds) and had gained the "freshman 15." I was a regular at Starbucks, and eating out was part of my lifestyle. I was walking downtown one day with my boyfriend, and a homeless man came up and asked me if I was pregnant. That was my catalyst. I was embarrassed, offended, and tired of lying to myself. I needed to change.

So I started running and eating healthier. I did days of research and found out what foods were good and bad. Within 2 months I dropped 25 pounds, but still didn't have the body I wanted. I bought tickets to the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas for my boyfriend's birthday present 2 years ago. The figure girls were amazing, and I thought to myself, I want to look like that! I CAN do this!

So I started training heavy and hard. It wasn't until I started lifting weights that I saw the body I wanted developing. And I have been hooked ever since.

My workout plan varies depending on which body part I'm trying to emphasize. I do a variety of workout plans from powerlifting, training to failure, dropsets, supersets, high and low reps, etc. My chiropractor had me take it easy on chest workouts and I came up with this plan. Ironically, it was one that I saw the most improvement from.

My off-season diet and competition diet are drastically different. Here is an example of my off-season diet. I live by the philosophy of only "cheating" on birthdays and special occasions.

Whey protein, if I use it, is generally mixed with the Greek yogurt at my second meal, or in pumpkin protein pancakes, or smoothies. Very rarely do I drink protein by itself (it got boring!)

I love it because it is so empowering. I enjoy pushing myself to the max. Seeing myself leg press more than some of the guys is also a great confidence booster. It is truly a lifestyle. I have met some of the most dedicated, inspiring people through fitness.

Fitness teaches you all about discipline, self-confidence, and self control. I am an accountant and nail technician and I work 60-to-70 hours per week, so the gym really helps me clear my mind, wind down, and escape from my crazy life. I love it!

What people think used to motivate me the most, but now I'm my own toughest critic. Seeing my progress pictures is so motivational! It's nice to see that the little things you do everyday add up to make a drastic difference. They say that working out and eating healthy is the fountain of youth, so that keeps me in check too.

I've always been extremely determined, but hearing people tell me that I can't do something pushed me to partake in a health and fitness "lifestyle overhaul."

Continuing training for figure and bikini competitions. My goal is to get my Pro Cards in both bikini and figure, and start fitness modeling. And to share my passion for fitness with as many people as I can. I want to inspire others to change their life.

Never give up, and never think your small efforts everyday aren't a big deal. Also, you are never going to feel like it. Stop making excuses and waiting around for a "better time." Life is always going to be crazy, and things will always come up, but if you just get over it, eat healthier and go to the gym, even when you don't want to, you will thank yourself later. For the girls - don't be afraid of training with heavy weights. You will not look like a man, and that is the only way you get the toned look.

I have the biggest girl crushes on Ava Cowan, and Erin Stern.

I use BodySpace, the Supersite, pretty much anything and everything on there. I buy supplements from the Bodybuilding.com, competition tanning products, you name it.

Photo Credit: Levi Bettwieser