At the age of 15, my stepdad started taking me to the gym to get in shape for field hockey. As a gym owner and a bodybuilder, he helped me find my way around the gym and started training me. I was automatically hooked on working out and inspired by the competitors I met at the gym. That's when I decided to compete.
I trained hard for a year to get the right physique and followed a clean diet. My hard work and determination led me to a first place finish at the NPC Delaware State/Open Championships in bikini on August 11, 2012.
My passion for fitness emerged when I started training. Going from 19 to 10 percent body fat in six months was proof of the progress I made. I love challenging myself to be better than I was the day before. Bodybuilding is more than a sport, it's a lifestyle. Bodybuilding made me more confident and stronger in every aspect.
My stepdad came into my life at the age of 15. He works 14-15 hour shifts at the nuclear power plant and still gives it 100 percent at the gym. He showed me that you can make time for the things that are truly important. He's an inspiration and a role model to me; it makes me want to inspire others. Another person who motivated me was IFBB pro Nicole Wilkins. I know she started competing at a young age also. She's truly inspiring and has accomplished so much. I hope one day I can be as successful and motivational as her.
I don't have to look far for inspiration. I see people in the gym who aren't competing for a show or trying to lose weight. They don't have to be there every day, they do it because living a healthy lifestyle and being active is important to them. Just looking through a fitness magazine inspires me, too.
My future plans are to compete in a regional show next year. I want to gain a few more pounds of lean muscle and compete at nationals within a few years. I eventually want to become an IFBB bikini competitor.
Be patient and never give up. Results come with time. Everything you do will be worth it.
I have many favorite competitors; Nicole Wilkins, Fred Smalls, Dana Linn Bailey, and many others. Each competitor is unique and inspiring in their own way.
Bodybuilding.com has helped me with recipes, supplements, informational articles, and much more. I find competitors on BodySpace who are very motivational and helpful. BodySpace helped me set goals to track my progress.