I was "skinny-fat" and somewhat athletic growing up. In 2007, at age 21, I married a pro athlete who always worked out. Lovestruck by yours truly, he fell victim to junk food. Not long after, we realized this was an unacceptable path for us.
My husband is a mesomorph and easily put on 82 pounds of straight fat. I was constantly sick and on anxiety medication. We were hit hard during the economic crash of 2008 and lost everything except the will to better ourselves. I waited tables in Atlanta and worked out during my lunch break. People asked what I trained for and I had no answer. I wanted to look like Jamie Eason, so I started to learn about nutrition, got certified, and started living the fit life.
The more I learned, the more intense my workout and meal plans became. I used to watch the female figure competitors at the gym and was in awe. They looked tough and pretty. I was approached by a friend in the competitive bodybuilding scene who told me that I could do well in my current condition. I took his advice and registered for my first figure show in 2010 at age 24. I was 107 pounds soaking wet at 5-foot-5 with 12-13 percent body fat. My inspiration turned from Jamie Eason to Jenny Lynn and Trish Warren.
I was happy not to come in dead last at my first show, and I looked like a coat hanger with legs. After the show, I found a local bodybuilding nutrition coach and put on five pounds quickly because I was under-eating. One year later, I was hit with full-blown adrenal fatigue, jumped to 27 percent body fat, couldn't lift well, had cycstic acne, and was very depressed. I had no idea that I was supposed to change my diet based on my goals. I kept eating the same meal plan the coach put me on and gained serious fat.
Under the care of a holistic doctor, I slowly healed. At that time, all I did was study, read, and watch videos of pro bikini girls. I registered for my first bikini show in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2011, and wasn't good at the bikini walk. I took fourth place and was very unhappy, but when I looked back at the videos and pictures, it made perfect sense.
I registered for another bikini show in July 2011 and prepared to the best of my knowledge. I was in a horrible mental state on the day of the competition and it showed. I beat myself, took second, and was humiliated and angry. Soon after, I picked myself up and looked into different federations because I loved competing and wanted to turn pro. I discovered the Fit-Science show in Atlanta was being judged by Tosca Reno and Robert Kennedy and I was able to get on stage and model. I had a blast and met some great girls, including some well-known fitness models.
I received great feedback from the judges and put it to work for 2012. I bought subscriptions on training sites and received substantial information about fat loss and muscle building from Adela Garcia's cardio book. I used Bodybuilding.com for free information and supplements. I looked into the WBFF and set my sights on the Kansas City show in May 2012 at age 26.
I weighed 112 pounds for the show and had a sink-or-swim attitude. I booked the flights, bought the right suit, prepped perfectly, and was in the right place at the right time. I looked better than ever and my stage presence was perfect. All of my previous shortcomings shaped me for this moment and I won my pro card. I always thought I needed politics on my side, but was proven wrong. Nobody had a clue who I was, but I showed up conditioned, looked the part, and became a pro.
I set short-term goals to keep me motivated. I love growing lady curves and being strong. Thinking of my competition drives me. I always look for ways to be a better bodybuilder. I feel better about myself when I train hard. Fitness never ceases to amaze me.
Feeling good motivates me. I love to eat, but eating "bad" food on the regular and drinking too much alcohol lowers my energy. Short-term physique goals keep me motivated. I like to see my body change.
I go to YouTube for motivation. I like to meditate and write for spiritual motivation. I enjoy learning new aspects about spirituality. When I feel sluggish, I watch Branch Warren or listen to T.I. I can relate to many rap songs.
I want to be one the most knowledgeable and versatile trainers. Winning a pro show is in my future. I have two pro shows this year with the WBFF.
Follow a well thought-out plan. How will you know what works if you don't have a control group?
I look up to Julie Bonnett and Monica Brant because they have amazing physiques. I also love Erin Stern and Adela Garcia because of their athletic talent and physiques.
BodySpace helps me stay organized and up to date with my progress. I love buying supplements from Bodybuilding.com. I save money when I order from them. The articles are great. Anytime I have questions about training, supplements, or nutrition, I go to Bodybuilding.com.
- "Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against Machine
- "My Kind Of Party" by Jason Aldean
- "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons
- "Man In The Box" by Alice In Chains
- "I'm On One" by Drake