Over 40 Amateur Of The Week: Rose Mary Fries Breathes Fitness At 46!

How did your fitness journey begin?

I got my first taste of fitness as a middle and high school athlete. I was a sprinter and excelled in the 100 M hurdles. I remember seeing pictures of female bodybuilders like Rachel Mclish and Gladys Portugues and thinking I wanted to look like them.

I started long-distance running in college and worked out with weights at the university gym. As a young mother, I continued to run and lift as often as I could. At age 33, I decided to compete in a fitness competition, got hooked, and competed off and on since. I also ran several half marathons and one full marathon. The marathon was a lifetime goal I had since childhood and always found it amazing that a human can run for that long. The marathon completion was unlike any feeling I ever experienced. I also competed in a triathlon after learning to swim at age 40.

My true passion is bodybuilding. Being able to shape and sculpt my body into the form I desire is always a journey in progress. My last competition was in July 2013, at the Master's Nationals in Pittsburgh, Penn., where I placed third in figure 45 and over. I was pleased with my placement and am more excited than ever to continue.

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

I'm driven to get better when I see other women my age or older who look amazing. I inspire myself when I continue to improve and progress as a middle-aged woman. Weight training builds us up and keeps us young. Endurance training may be excellent for mental health, focus, and stress relief, but it breaks our bodies down.

What/Who motivated you?

IFBB figure pro Krista Dunn, bikini pro Janet West, and Monica Brant make me want to get better.

Where did you go for inspiration?

I love training and exercise of all kinds. I have more trouble staying focused when it comes to food. I love junk food and want to chow down on chips and kids' cereal. When this happens, I eat a small portion as a reminder that it's not as good as I remember.

What are your future fitness plans?

I'm following Dr. Layne Norton's advice and reverse dieting. He has me on a plan to improve my metabolic capacity. I hope to gain lean muscle in the coming months. I plan to compete again next July at the NPC Master's Nationals 2014. I will likely do a show or two prior to July depending on where I'm at in my prep.

What is the most important fitness tip?

If you fall off the wagon, get back on right away. Don't dwell on what is done or wait until next year. Get right back on track now!

Who is your favorite bodybuilder/fitness athlete?

Monica Brant has stood the test of time and looks amazing. She's a true athlete. I went to a Fem Camp in 2006 and she was there acting very sweet and positive.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I am currently following Kris Gethin's DTP, which has been amazing. I've followed other programs on Bodybuilding.com in the past and they worked great too. I order my supplements from Bodybuilding.com because the prices are unbeatable.

Rose Mary's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"Born To Run" by Bruce Springstein
"Me Without You" by Toby Mac
"Till I Collapse" by Eminem
"Hurts So Good" by John Mellencamp
"Flood" by Jars Of Clay

Competition History

2013 NPC Master's Nationals - 3rd Place Figure 45 And Over Class E
2013 Texas Shredder Classic - 5th Place Masters 45 And Over
2013 Phil Heath Classic - 3rd Place Masters 45 And Over
2012 Muscle Mania Lone Star - 2nd Place Masters
2010 Texas State - 1st Place Class B, 5th Place Masters 35 And Over