I have always been athletic with a passion for track and cheerleading. My family has two powerlifters and a brother who lifts hard. Like most teenage girls, I was constantly concerned about my weight and body image. My mother wouldn't let me lift because she thought I would become too bulky and manly, so I stuck with running.
Crash dieting and too much cardio helped me lose weight, but my body became unshapely and I lost more than fat. We had a home gym equipped with a rack and dumbbells; enough to get a good lift in. So I snuck down to the basement to lift heavy and saw my body change for the better.
I started Googling workouts to help tone my body, came across Bodybuilding.com, and found a routine that furthered my body more. Reading article after article, I realized the crucial aspect to dieting correctly: Eating too much put fat on and eating too little was unhealthy. After implementing a solid diet and lifting, I started to see the results I wanted and have been hooked since. I started at 108 pounds with 17 percent body fat and now I'm 119 pounds with 13 percent body fat.
Watching my body change weekly drove me to keep competing. After placing fourth in my first competition, it really kept me motivated to keep pushing forward and achieve first place. I didn't place at my second competition, which just gave me more motivation to push to be my absolute hardest.
I follow a few fitness models on Instagram to keep my motivation high. Seeing Dana Linn Bailey on my timeline on Instagram pushes me the do my best at the gym. She's who really got me started. Ana Delia De Iturrondo is my favorite fitness model. Seeing her as the background of my phone keeps my diet in check.
Talking to my parents when I felt down was the biggest motivator.
Although it will be a hard and long journey, my future goal is to become an IFBB pro in the bikini division.
Nutrition and diet is key. You can bust your butt in the gym, but without a proper diet you won't see your full potential. Remember, abs are made in the kitchen.
Dana Linn Bailey is my favorite competitor. You see what dedication can do by just looking at her. She is the perfect example of what a woman with muscle looks like while staying feminine. She's gorgeous and somebody I looked up to from the beginning.
Bodybuilding.com helped my goals stay intact. When I feel down, I can count on my friends and followers on BodySpace to motivate me. If I need some advice, I look at the forums and read other people's experiences to learn from them and better myself to reach my goals.
- "Intro" by The XX
- "Down With The Sickness" by Disturbed
- "Quickie" by Miguel
- "Get Up" Korn (Feat. Skrillex)
- "Harlem Shake" by Baauer