Teen Amateur Of The Week: Tayler Blackman

Like every other kid growing up, I was trying to figure out what my hobbies were. Sports were my calling, but I had no idea what sport I really wanted to play and what I was best at. I have been involved in volleyball, basketball, swim team, water polo, gymnastics, golf, soccer, track, weight lifting, crew and triathlons. I enjoyed them all, but gravitated to the sports I was the best in. Through years of trial and error I have reached the conclusion I am terrible with hand-eye coordination and exceptional in strength and endurance.

In high school I played water polo and did triathlons for three years until I graduated my junior year. In my first year of college I continued to do triathlons and made the Oregon State University rowing team. While I was competing for Oregon State I was also training for the 2011 Ironman triathlon in Kentucky. Three weeks out of rowing season I injured my back and was unable to recover for spring season as a rower and as a tri-athlete in the summer. I put sports on hold for a while to fully recover and a few months later was introduced into the world of bodybuilding.

I have been extremely interested in bodybuilding my whole life and about a year ago I started looking through Facebook profiles of bikini and figure competitors and became more serious about trying to find a way into the competitor world. There was one bikini competitor I admired the most because she was working at a club in my hometown. I messaged her with a few questions and a few days later, I was contacted by the head trainer at her gym. He told me I would be great for competing and wanted to meet me. I met up with him and joined that day! I now have a personal trainer I work with once per week and I do the rest of my training on my own, besides a group kettlebell class here and there. All in all, sport is my life and it always will be!

I lift 4 days per week and generally do a kettlebell class once per week, sometimes two. Right now (14 weeks out) I am trying to build as much muscle as possible and limit cardio. Once I get closer to competition, my training schedule will change. I do not have a specific time of day I train because of my work and school schedule. I prefer training early morning because it's a great way to start the day and I love the feeling of finishing a workout and the sun is just starting to rise.

I am very busy with school and work so I like having a meal plan that is simple and without variety. I am able to prep all my food on Thursday and it lasts me until next Thursday, when I will prep again. All my food is in Tupperware that is easy to heat up and take on the go. I try to eat as clean as possible with lots of vegetables and lean meats.

I love bodybuilding because it has made me happier than I have ever been. I feel great! I'm HEALTHY! I wake up happy! I am able to inspire people and give exercise and nutritional feedback to others. I have a Facebook page which I use to show my progress each week, my meal plans, and answer any health and nutrition questions the best I can! I love bodybuilding because I care about my well being and I feel I have found my calling! I want a career in fitness/nutrition/business and bodybuilding fits that need. I have so much PASSION for sport and bodybuilding in particular creates the body I want for myself. I want to look like a figure model so I must train like one! THIS IS MY SPORT.

I am inspired by my environment. I live in a college town and am not tempted to join the party scene. I love being different in that way. My dedication to my health and nutrition sets me apart. I am inspired by my teammates at Niven's Northwest Personal Training (Team NNPT) because I know they are working hard and they push me to do the same. I am also greatly inspired by my parents. They completely support me in everything I do and have provided me with every opportunity possible and I want to give by back following my dreams and creating a successful life for myself.

My whole life I have been extremely goal-oriented. I want to achieve my goals because I know I can if I work hard enough. I've never really seen my goals as impossible and wanting to achieve my goals is imbedded in my personality.

Right now I am training for my first figure competition. I will be competing in the Oregon Ironman on May 19th and competing again at the end of September. I plan on training and competing and working toward my Pro Card. I can't wait to see where bodybuilding takes me! I see a long and bright future for myself in this sport!

My biggest advice for other bodybuilders is good nutrition. Eating clean is so important and can make or break you as a competitor. EAT CLEAN! TRAIN DIRTY!

My two favorite competitors are Erin Stern and my coach/teammate Amber Orton. Erin Stern is a fabulous role model. She comes across humble and sweet, but also intense. I love following her career and hope to meet her someday. Amber on the other hand is closer to my heart. I have only known Amber since October of 2011, but she has been such an amazing teammate and coach in the time I have known her. I followed Amber's career as a bikini competitor for about a year before I contacted her with questions about the sport. She was so friendly, eager to help, and cared about my interest. She brought me into the world of bodybuilding and I will always be grateful for that. Amber has a kind heart and an incredible work ethic, not to mention an amazing competitor!

Bodybuilding.com is an incredible resource! I started using the site when I heard about Jamie Eason's LiveFit 12-Week Trainer. Great starter program! I have used bodybuilding.com for BodySpace, learning about different exercises to hit specific muscle groups, instructional videos, motivation and have learned something new from each nutrition and fitness article I have read.

Brody Nivens: Brody is my current trainer and I am so blessed to have such an amazing coach. Brody cares so much about each and every competitor on Team NNPT. He devotes all his time to his competitors and his passion for bodybuilding excites me even more about the sport. Brody is a truly amazing trainer and person. I am extremely excited for my career with Brody!

Kate Maxim: Kate was my coach while I was on the Oregon State rowing team. Kate is someone I can't describe in words. She took my fire and passion for sport and molded me into the athlete I am today. My core beliefs about training and hard work were created and altered by Kate. She pushed me to a limit I didn't know I had. I will be forever grateful for how she changed my life.

Chris Roth: Chris was my strength coach while I was rowing. Chris is always the go to guy for any fitness and nutrition questions. He is an amazing person, who cares and loves what he does. Chris is an incredible trainer and athlete!

Gino Martino, Portland Retouch / G.S.G. Graphics And Apparel