Fitness Amateur Of The Week: Fired Up Fitness!

Noelle didn't wear a two-piece bikini for 16 years after having children. Now she sports one with confidence! See how this hot momma burnt up the stage in style!

Q

How did your fitness journey begin?

I watched my dad lift and wanted to be like him when I grew up. He used to do biceps curls with me hanging from his arm and was in perfect condition until he had a sudden heart attack and passed away at the young age of 63. I vowed that day to compete in his honor and be healthy.

As a young adult, I had two beautiful daughters. I remained a size three, but wasn't happy with my body. Like many new moms, I didn't know what I had until it was gone. My confidence was gone and the stretch marks dashed my dreams to compete.

I ate bread like I got paid to, and indulged in cake, pancakes, muffins, doughnuts, biscuits, but I still fit into a size three and looked healthy. I didn't take the gym seriously because I could eat recklessly without gaining a pound. People asked what I did at the gym and I was embarrassed to say I never went. I was addicted to comfort food and people laughed at me because I was small, so I hid my McDonald's cartons and ate cake 2-3 times per week.

I wanted to look like muscular models in magazines, so I started going to the gym, but didn't change my eating habits and my body remained unchanged. I live in Arizona and everyone, including myself, has a swimming pool. I hadn't been in a two-piece bikini for 16 years and decided to get a trainer to get over my ego and commit.

"I want people to love themselves and understand the philosophy of being healthy and not hating their bodies."

I created PUSHDYNAMIX.com, a personal training site for the mind, body and, soul. PUSH stands for "Persist. Until. Something. Happens." People can call, Skype, or email me from around the world. If you're in the area, we can have weekly meetings about your goals, changes, and transitions. I want people to love themselves and understand the philosophy of being healthy and not hating their bodies. Bodybuilding is about loving your body.

"If you don't believe in yourself, nothing you do will matter."

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

I'm afraid of everything. I've been a musician my entire life and can't get up in front of people to sing or play piano because I never had confidence. When I started lifting and saw results, I realized it was something I could do. I didn't care about anyone judging my body; I did enough of that myself. When I gained 10-12 pounds, I was excited and people thought I was crazy.

What fascinated me most is that I gained weight and got smaller and more compact. I get compliments about my muscularity and it drives me to get better. Weightlifting is my chance to perform and competing is my path to the stage.

What or who motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?

My father would be proud of me for reaching my goals and conquering my fear. It's important that I honor him. I want to be healthy inside and out. I also want to set an example for my daughters so they will be proud of me.

I was diagnosed with lupus years ago and it was devastating. I studied holistic treatments, did affirmations, and read spiritual books. My friends and family thought I was some crazy hippie, but that was fine because I got better. For the past eight years, I've been asymptomatic.

Where did you go for inspiration?

Sometimes I leave the gym in tears of frustration and think I can't do it. When I need inspiration I listen to my 16-year-old sing or watch my 14-year-old's art and athletic ability. I sit down and listen to compositions I've written and am blown away by my creations. It helps me create and develop my physique. I remember how miserable I used to feel about my body and how healthy and strong I feel now. Be proud of where you are because the alternative is where you used to be!

What are your future fitness plans?

My first goal was to stomp on my fear, get in a bikini, and go on stage. I've always wanted a pro card, but have been told that my tattoos will stop me from going far in the fitness world. I won't let tattoos or anything else hinder my dreams. My tattoos are a piece of me, a story of family, spirituality, and history. I will compete until I get my pro card, no matter how long it takes.

What is the most important fitness tip?

Eating clean, determination, consistency, and motivation are the most important fitness tips. If you don't believe in yourself, nothing you do will matter. Believe in yourself. When you can't go farther, push harder or lift heavier.

Who is your favorite fitness competitor?

My trainer, Jo Ellen Caldwell, pulls all-nighters with the fire department, trains 10-12 people, and makes time to have a life and train for her own shows. She's a mentor and an inspiration. I also have two personal favorites that I call friends: IFBB figure pro Dawn Fernandez and IFPA bikini pro Tawnya Cline.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I found Bodybuilding.com years ago and haven't left since. The transformation photos and articles inspired me. Bodybuilding.com gave me confidence to post a picture of myself in a bikini after not wearing one in public for 16 years. It was the first place I truly flexed a muscle and posted it. There's something about the community and encouragement that made me feel comfortable. Bodybuilding.com is like Disneyland for me!

Noelle's Top 5 Gym Tracks

  1. "Sweet Nothings" by Calvin Harris
  2. "Bugatti" by Ace Hood
  3. "Pet: by A Perfect Circle
  4. "Superbass" by Nicki Minaj
  5. "46 And 2" by Tool
Competition History
  • 2013 NPC Arizona Open - 6th Place Jr. Master's Bikini
Thanks
  • To my amazing partner for helping me be a better and stronger person.
  • To my personal trainer for being patient and a wonderful example.
  • To my busy posing coach for helping with my presentation and believing in me.
  • To my daughters for guiding my way.