Q
How did your fitness journey begin?
I got my first taste of fitness as a middle and high school athlete. I was a sprinter and excelled in the 100 M hurdles. I remember seeing pictures of female bodybuilders like Rachel Mclish and Gladys Portugues and thinking I wanted to look like them.
I started long-distance running in college and worked out with weights at the university gym. As a young mother, I continued to run and lift as often as I could. At age 33, I decided to compete in a fitness competition, got hooked, and competed off and on since. I also ran several half marathons and one full marathon. The marathon was a lifetime goal I had since childhood and always found it amazing that a human can run for that long. The marathon completion was unlike any feeling I ever experienced. I also competed in a triathlon after learning to swim at age 40.
My true passion is bodybuilding. Being able to shape and sculpt my body into the form I desire is always a journey in progress. My last competition was in July 2013, at the Master's Nationals in Pittsburgh, Penn., where I placed third in figure 45 and over. I was pleased with my placement and am more excited than ever to continue.
Cool Fact

Rose takes productivity to another level! She's a full-time nurse practitioner, a part-time certified trainer, and a mother of three!
What workout regimen delivered the best results?
Variety is the key, so I switch it up every 4-6 weeks. Heavy lifting proved to the most beneficial. Whether I'm doing extremely heavy low reps or heavy high reps, I never have anything left when I finish. I push to failure during every workout. HIIT cardio is most beneficial for my body because I go for all-out effort and hold nothing back.
Barbell Squat
5-6 sets of 8-10 repsBarbell Deadlift
5 sets of 8-10 repsSumo Deadlift
5 sets of 8-10 repsStiff-Legged Barbell Deadlift
4 sets of 8-10 repsSplit Squats
4 sets of 8-10 reps (each leg)Leg Extensions
4 sets of 10-12 repsSeated Leg Curl
4 sets of 10-12 reps
Superset
Running, Treadmill
30-60 min HIIT
Pullups
3 sets to failurePushups
3 sets of 10-15 repsAssisted Pull-Up
4 sets of 10-15 repsOne-Arm Dumbbell Row
4 sets of 8-10 repsIncline Dumbbell Press
4 sets of 8-10 repsSeated Cable Rows
4 sets of 8-10 repsFlat Bench Cable Flyes
4 sets of 8-10 repsLat Pulldown
5 sets of 6-8 repsDecline Push-Up
1 set to failure
Superset
Resume Regular Sets
Superset
Superset
Resume Regular Sets
Elliptical Trainer
30-60 min HIIT
Standing Military Press
5 sets of 8 repsReverse Flyes
4 sets of 8-10 repsSeated Side Lateral Raise
4 sets of 8-10 repsSide Lateral Raise
4 sets of 8-10 repsFront Two-Dumbbell Raise
4 sets of 8-10 repsUpright Barbell Row
4 sets of 8-10 repsReverse Cable Flyes
4 sets of 8-10 reps
(shown on machine)Front Cable Raise
4 sets of 8-10 repsOne-Arm Side Laterals
4 sets of 10 repsHanging Leg Raise
3 sets of 10-15 repsDecline Crunch
3 sets of 10-15 repsJackknife Sit-Up
3 sets of 10-15 reps
Superset
Superset
Resume Regular Sets
EZ-Bar Curl
4 sets of 10-12 repsSkull crushers
4 sets of 10-12 repsPreacher Curl
4 sets of 10-12 repsStanding Dumbbell Triceps Extension
4 sets of 10-12 repsStanding Biceps Cable Curl
4 sets of 10-12 repsCable Rope Overhead Triceps Extension
4 sets of 10-12 repsHammer Curls
4 sets of 10-12 repsPush-Ups - Close Triceps Position
4 sets of 10-12 repsElliptical Trainer
15-30 min HIIT
Superset
Superset
Superset
Superset

Amateurs Of The Week
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Bodybuilding.com honors amateurs across all categories for their hard work, dedication, and great physiques. Learn how our featured amateurs built their bodies and hit their goals!
What nutrition plan fueled your body?
I've worked with Dr. Layne Norton since my prep for master's nationals. I love his scientific and individual approach. I'm currently on a reverse diet post-competition. I'm adding calories slowly as the weeks progress to maximize my metabolism.
Egg whites
1cup
Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 cup
Oatmeal
1/2 cup
Whey Protein
1 serving
Rice Cakes
2
Wheat Bread
2 slices
Turkey Breast
4 ounces
Cheese
1 oz
Mustard
1 serving
Chicken Breast
4-5 oz
Sweet Potato
4-6 oz
Greens Salad
1 serving with calorie-free dressing
What supplement schedule gave you the greatest gains?
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
I'm driven to get better when I see other women my age or older who look amazing. I inspire myself when I continue to improve and progress as a middle-aged woman. Weight training builds us up and keeps us young. Endurance training may be excellent for mental health, focus, and stress relief, but it breaks our bodies down.
What/Who motivated you?
IFBB figure pro Krista Dunn, bikini pro Janet West, and Monica Brant make me want to get better.

Where did you go for inspiration?
I love training and exercise of all kinds. I have more trouble staying focused when it comes to food. I love junk food and want to chow down on chips and kids' cereal. When this happens, I eat a small portion as a reminder that it's not as good as I remember.
What are your future fitness plans?
I'm following Dr. Layne Norton's advice and reverse dieting. He has me on a plan to improve my metabolic capacity. I hope to gain lean muscle in the coming months. I plan to compete again next July at the NPC Master's Nationals 2014. I will likely do a show or two prior to July depending on where I'm at in my prep.
What is the most important fitness tip?
If you fall off the wagon, get back on right away. Don't dwell on what is done or wait until next year. Get right back on track now!
Who is your favorite bodybuilder/fitness athlete?
Monica Brant has stood the test of time and looks amazing. She's a true athlete. I went to a Fem Camp in 2006 and she was there acting very sweet and positive.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
I am currently following Kris Gethin's DTP, which has been amazing. I've followed other programs on Bodybuilding.com in the past and they worked great too. I order my supplements from Bodybuilding.com because the prices are unbeatable.
Rose Mary's Top 5 Gym Tracks

- "Born To Run" by Bruce Springstein
- "Me Without You" by Toby Mac
- "Till I Collapse" by Eminem
- "Hurts So Good" by John Mellencamp
- "Flood" by Jars Of Clay
Competition History
- 2013 NPC Master's Nationals - 3rd Place Figure 45 And Over Class E
- 2013 Texas Shredder Classic - 5th Place Masters 45 And Over
- 2013 Phil Heath Classic - 3rd Place Masters 45 And Over
- 2012 Muscle Mania Lone Star - 2nd Place Masters
- 2010 Texas State - 1st Place Class B, 5th Place Masters 35 And Over