How did you get started with bodybuilding?
I started gymnastics at the age of 3, and my father was a body builder in the 1970’s. During that time my dad formed a friendship with Lee Haney, 8 time Mr. Olympia. Their strong Christian beliefs and their mutual love for our Lord Jesus Christ have kept their friendship strong to this day. One day at church, Lee noticed how defined my arms were, and told me and my parents, that I should really consider fitness competition. So my mom started to check into it for me. We then were at the Show of Strength in Atlanta, helping Lee with his Ultimate Teen Challenge and “Fitness magazine” hosted a push-up and pull-up contest. I did 175 push ups (man style-I competed against two marines) and 30 drop arm pull-ups. I won both events. At that same show I was introduced to Debbie Kruck, who invited me to be a competitor at the Debbie Kruck Classic, in the teen division. So between Lee and Debbie’s encouragement that is where I got my start. I then decided to try an open competition just for the fun of it, and placed 2nd, which qualified me for Nationals. I couldn’t believe it. So my parents, my sister, and Lucy my trainer headed to Dallas in November of 2004 for me to compete at NPC Fitness Nationals as the youngest ever. I was 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I was hooked, so I continued to compete Fitness in my off season from Gymnastics. Then in 2006 I was going to quit Fitness and focus totally on Gymnastics, as I was being considered for the Elite Team with a chance of making the 2008 Olympic team with a vault that has never been done by a woman.
God obviously had other plans for me.
After Regionals my coach announced that he no longer wanted to coach at the higher levels, which left me without a coach to get me to the Olympic trials. At first I was depressed, then I remembered God never closes a door that he doesn’t open a window, and Teen Fitness Nationals was coming up again, and Fitness was my window. I decided at that point I wanted to be the youngest to ever turn Pro. On June 20, 2009, at Jr Nationals, that dream became a reality, as I was the first 17 year old to turn Pro in the IFBB.
Where does your motivation come from?
I get my motivation from the people in my life. Without their help I don’t know If I could push through those hard days while dieting. My family has always stood beside me and helped me whenever possible. My boyfriend, is also super supportive and understanding about not being able to go out and grab fast food etc. as well as my mood swings when dieting.
What is your training philosophy?
I don’t believe in being in the gym all day. I want to get in, do my work out and get out. I don’t want to talk while I am working out. Either “ train hard or go home”, a philosophy that taught to me at my first gymnastics gym. I will be happy to talk after the workout is over, but working out is like a job to me, just like you work at work, then you workout when you are in the gym. Socialize afterwards.
If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?
- I love doing any ab exercise, and that is my favorite part to work.
- One leg dead lifts, they work your hamstrings really good and they help your balance.
- Kicks forward, back, side to side with weights it my bottom in shape. :)
When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?
It really depends on how I feel that day but I do both.
What is your philosophy on nutrition?
I am definitely not the person to ask about nutrition, because I can find nutritional value in chocolate (LOL) Seriously, I think nutrition is very important to proper training, ABS are made in the kitchen, and that is why I hire a trainer to tell me what to eat. I recently signed on to be trained by Kim Oddo, who I feel is the best trainer for me.
What are your favorite meals?
While dieting it is ground turkey, OFF Season is Sushi
Favorite cheat food?
Bacon Cheeseburger and French Fries
And of course anything CHOCOLATE!!!!! My ultimate favorite is Mrs. Smith’s Hershey Pie.
Favorite Supplements?
I’m using Kim Oddo’s Supplements pre/post workout, Glutamine and Immune Booster.
Which era of bodybuilding had superior physiques? Yesterdays Bodybuilders Or Todays?
I definitely like yesterdays bodybuilders physiques, but I do like the direction the industry is starting to go now.
Favorite Bodybuilders?
Lee Haney, Dexter Jackson, Silvio Samuel, Victor Martinez ;
- Favorite Fitness Competitors: Adela Garcia and Carol Semple
- Figure: Jessica Paxson-Putnam, Nicole Wilkins-Lee
- Bikini: Stacey Oster-Thompson
Favorite Quote?
“God gave us the Talent, we must give Him the Effort”
