How did your fitness journey begin?
I've always been interested in health and fitness. I originally pursued a nutrition degree but switched to nursing. I focused on my career after high school and became disappointed in my physique after two years of working night shifts in the hospital and not putting my health first.
I'm a goal-oriented person. I ran a few half marathons and saw some changes in my physique, but I wanted to look like a fitness model cover girl. I hired a trainer and told her my dreams and she suggested that I compete in the NPC bikini division by the end of my 12-week goal. I hesitantly said I would try and bought a plane ticket to Los Angeles so I couldn't turn back.
I changed my diet and devoted myself to training. Within 12 weeks, I dramatically changed my body, stepped on stage at my first bikini competition, and knew that moment that I would step on stage again. I loved the purpose-driven training, the incredible changes to my physique, and the amount of fun I had prancing around on stage.
a pro card."
I planned my next show on the flight back to Texas and haven't stopped dreaming since. I dropped 20 pounds during my first transformation and went from 18- to 11-percent body fat. I experienced personal struggles post-competition with weight gain but came out stronger than before. I'm nationally qualified and competed in my first national show this past July at the USA Championship in Las Vegas.
I'm constantly trying to improve my physique to obtain a pro card. The best thing about this sport is the ability to make improvements. You should never be satisfied with your physique because positive changes can always be made.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
I have always been interested in health and fitness but didn't see the results of my hard work until I cleaned up my nutrition. The support of my family makes it possible to achieve anything. My husband has been my anchor throughout my competition journey. The passion was always there; I just had to believe I was worth the time and investment to pursue my dreams.
I choose to get up at 4 a.m. every day to accomplish my goals and motivate and inspire others. I haven't reached my true potential. Competing is a mental and emotional journey.
What/Who motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?
I'm motivated by my past success and the possibility to surprise myself in the future. My first goal was to step on stage. Now my goals include national-level shows and competing for my pro card. You grow with your dreams. I'm also motivated to set examples for others to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I look up to the leaders in the sport, especially IFBB bikini pros. I follow them on Instagram and social media networks to keep me inspired. Social media networks allow us to have an open window into each other's daily lives. We are all amateurs before we become professionals. I also turn to my husband who believes in me when I don't feel I can continue. His constant encouragement to pursue my dreams keeps me inspired.
What are your future fitness plans?
I want to continue improving in the sport with each show. I'm making improvements so I can hit the stage again in the spring. I plan to attend as many national-level shows as possible during the 2014 season to win my pro card. I hope to get opportunities in the future to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to pursue their dreams. I would love to be a Bodybuilding.com sponsored athlete and IFBB bikini pro. Stepping on the Olympia stage would be a great feeling.
What is the most important fitness tip?
Set a goal you wish to accomplish and devise a detailed plan to achieve it. It's imperative that you plan for success. There are no excuses for missed workouts and improper nutrition choices. You must be prepared. I take time at the beginning of each week to look at my schedule and devise a time to train and prep my meals.
Who is your favorite fitness competitor?
I look up to Jaime Eason (Middleton). She always maintained a positive outlook and made it her goal to assist and help others achieve their goals. I desire to be a positive resource for others in the industry.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
I turn to Bodybuilding.com for all supplements. I love trying new products and experimenting with supplements to see how they improve my training. With the incredible prices and specials on Bodybuilding.com, I can experiment without breaking the bank. I also love the articles on Bodybuilding.com.
Whittney's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke
- "Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey & Cedric Gervais
- "I Need Your Love" by Calvin Harris
- "Bubble Butt" by Major Lazer
- "We No Speak Americano" by Yolanda Be Cool
Competition History
- 2012 NPC Iron Man Naturally - LA Fit Expo - 5th Place Class C
- 2012 Ronnie Coleman - 5th Place Class C
- 2012 Adela Garcia Classic - 5th Place Class C
- 2012 Branch Warren - 3rd Place Class C
- 2013 Phil Heath - 14th Place Class D
- 2013 Adela Garcia Classic - 5th Place Class C
- 2013 NPC USAs Championship - 14th Place Class E