- Name: Minerva Gonzalez
- E-mail: latinpowerhouse@yahoo.com
- Age: 40
- Where: Tampa Bay,Florida
- Height: 5'1"
- Weight: ??
- Years Bodybuilding :10
- Favorite Bodypart: Chest and Biceps
- Favorite Exercise: Chest Exercises
- Favorite Supplements: MuscleTech Products.
How Did You Get Started?
I have always been athletic and loved all sports. Always trying to stay fit and young. I first started training with my son Zachary. When we both started lifting he was about 9 years old. We both started training in our basement. Only because My Ex-husband thought it was a waste to go and mingle at the gym and waste time working out. Even though he knew how much I loved lifting weights he forbid me even talking about it. So to shut me up he set me up in the basement of our home. But within a year I grew out of it. I needed more equipment in order to reach my goals. So what did I do? I went behind his back with my son and we joined a gym. For 2 years I hid this from him. Until my ex-sister in law turned me in. I tell you I love bodybuilding so much that I had to choose and you know what I chose? YES! Bodybuilding. Within 1 year I was divorced. I have never regreted it. My marriage was not a good one anyway. Me and my son continued to work out and get buff. Today I am 40 years old and my son Zachary is 19. We have been training for about 10 years now and we are not giving up.
My Son, and everyone whom I had a chance to speak with has always said that I needed to get into competitions. So for the year 2000 that is what I did. I started in June and my last competition was in Sept.
I never knew I was quality material until I started competing. I always thought I had to look better and better and never had the confidence to get on stage. But now with all the support that I get from the audience when I walk on stage it makes me feel that all the years that I have trained and all that I had to give up to get buff is all worth it...
I have done 3 competitions this year.
1. Tampa Bay Classic: Won the middle weight and the over all.
2. Coast to Coast: Won the Light weight and the over all.
3. Junior Florida & Masters: Won the Masters and the over all.
What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?
Since I have a pear shape body I have found that for me working my upper body very heavy at least twice a week and working my lower body with lighter weigh and more reps has balanced out my upper and lower body greatly. My workout program consists of 4 days with weights and one day off with 2 days cardio.
What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?
What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?
The supplements that have helped to support my clean eating are the MuscleTech line. Anotesten, Acetabolan II, and Nortesten. I truly believe in this line and it is the best. When I say clean eating what I mean is that I only eat chick, seafood, salads, and plain veggies. NEVER eat fried foods.
Why do you love Bodybuilding?
Bodybuilding to me is like my heart... without it I could not survive. It keeps the blood flowing. Coming from a family with heart problems I feel that health and fitness is the key to my long life. My first love is to always live a heathly lifestyle. Bodybuilding to me has also helped me build up my inside as well as my outside. It has given me so much confidence. I am able to handle situations that might come my way much better.
What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?
I will be going to the Nationals in June so stay tuned. I plan on going all the way! There is no stopping me now...
What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?
Start out by knowing your body such as how good of gentics you have and/or the shape of your body. Always remember to work with what nature has blessed you with. Concentrate on the areas you are least happy with first and you will never be disappointed with your progress. Always stay focused. Most of all I must say to all women in my age group, "Never Say Never!" It is never too late!
Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?
I owe all this to my dad whom blessed me with such great genetics. My husband whom I look up to for his own body that is fantastic. Cory Everson, Sue Price, Lisa Lowe are pro bodybuilders that I admire.