I got started this summer with my boyfriend who is an NPC physique competitor and a personal trainer. I never thought I would pick up weight training and the fitness lifestyle, but I was wrong. I absolutely love it. I started incorporating weights into my training with the guidance and help from my boyfriend/trainer. I saw results quickly. He suggested I compete in the show he was planning on doing at the end of the summer and I decided to commit.
I competed in a great show and managed to place top five in my debut. From there, I knew this was going to be my new lifestyle. I continued training and then competed and won the NPC Brandywine Cup in September. Most recently, I competed in the NY Grand Prix in a huge class of more than 15 girls. I took seventh in what was definitely my proudest and most-fulfilling performance to date.
I always played sports growing up, but I never would have dreamed it would turn into the life I lead now. My passion for fitness emerged the first time I trained with weights; I loved the feeling and the increase in energy I got from being in the gym and the way my body reacted to the training.
Aside from the amazing changes to the body, I love meeting new people and the whole aspect of competing. Being on stage is such a great feeling that just leaves you coming back for more.
I try to remind myself why I'm doing what I am and just think of all the reasons why I love it.
After competing in the NPC Eastern USA Championship in November, I'm going to take some time off from competition to prepare for my first national level show in July of 2013.
Love what you do. If you aren't enjoying yourself, then your time can be better spent doing something you love.
My favorite competitor right now is Nicole Nagrani. Even though she's younger than me, she's still an inspiration. It amazes me how much she has accomplished already in her life. It makes me realize that anything is possible when you work hard and dedicate yourself to becoming the best you can be.
I have used Bodybuilding.com for all of my supplement needs since the beginning. I also like the article section, which is full of helpful tips and tricks to break through plateaus.