How did you get started?
Like many of you, I faced some adversity and challenges growing up. Rather than defeat me, they have become a source of strength and have helped me to become the person I am today. I was born and raised in Spain near Barcelona and began modeling when I was 11 years old. From the beginning, I knew this was what I wanted to do. At 17, I left home with little else but a big suitcase filled with hopes and dreams.
My first stop was London, England. I thought I was going to be a model. As it turned out, I made sandwiches.
My English just wasn’t good. After a year, the modeling career was going nowhere, so it was time to leave. I went back to Spain. Unfortunately, I did no modeling, and I gained 50 lbs. So much for that move! My next stop was Dublin, Ireland. That’s when things began to turn around.
I began working in retail. In less than a year, I lost all the weight that I had gained and resumed my modeling career. Finally, I was back on my career path.
It was time to get down to business
I found a trainer who was able to help me focus and put it all together – nutrition, exercise and lifestyle. I was amazed at my progress. With some advice from a friend, I decided to begin competing. I did pretty well in that first competition. Moreover, I really learned what I had to do to improve. I was hooked. I love competing and look forward to getting on stage each time.
The competitions have expanded my modeling and acting opportunities and have given me national and international exposure. I’m grateful for that and I guess I’m a long way from that overweight girl. This next phase of my life is very exciting, and I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.
Where does your motivation come from?
From my two sisters as I want them to be very proud of me, I love them and miss them so much as they are in Spain and I haven’t seen them in a while. Also when I received my first email from a fan in my home country of Spain.
I’m grateful for all of my fans but when I realized I was reaching people back home and I was an inspiration to others it really made me feel proud and motivated.
Image Credit: Dan Ray Photography
What workout routine has worked best for you?
Sample Routine:
Monday: Legs (Heavy)
- Squats 4×10
- Step Ups with Dumbbells 4×15 each leg
- Leg Curls 4×12
- Stationary Lunges with Dumbbells 4×15
- Leg Press 4×10
- Dead lifts 4×10
- 30 min on Stairmill with Sprinting Intervals
Tuesday: Upper Body/Abs
- Pushups with rotation at the top 4×20
- Dips 4×20
- Pull Ups (as many as I can get)
- Leg Lifts with rotation 4×40
- Crunches on stability ball with resistance 4×50
- Wood Chops 3×20
- 30 minutes of running
Wednesday: Plyometrics/Core Training
- Jump Lunges 3×25
- Speed Skaters 3×30
- Box Jumps 3×15
- Line Hops 3×45 sec
- High Knees and Leap Frogs in sand 5x 1 minute
- Over Head throws with the Medicine Ball 3×15
- Jump Rope 5x 3min
- Plank (feet on bench and arms on stability ball) 3x 1min
- Side Plank 3x 1min each side
Thursday: Upper Body (Light)
- Dumbbell Chest Press 3×20
- Seated Row 3×20
- Shoulder Press 3×20
- Dumbbell Curls 3×20
- Tricep Pull Downs 3×20
- Lat Pull Downs 3×20
- Front and Lateral Raises 2×20
- Incline Ab Bench 4×50
- Roman Chair 4×25
- 30min Elliptical Ramp (High intensity)
Friday: Legs (Light)
- Leg Extensions 4×25
- One leg Squats 4×20 each leg
- Weighted Donkey Kicks 4×25
- Hack Squat 4×25
- 30min Stairmill Intervals
Saturday: Off
- Rest
Sunday: Track Workout
- Sprints: 2×60 yards
- Sprints with Chute 3×40 yards
- Stairs: 6x
- High Knees 4x 30 yards
- Tuck Jumps 3×15
- Skips for height 3×15
What is your diet like?
I eat about 2000 calories per day spread over five to six meals (about two and a half to three hours apart) consisting of lean protein such as Chicken, Fish, Turkey, or Egg Whites and slow digesting carbs, such as Oatmeal and Sweet Potatoes. I also eat lots of fresh Veggies to help fill me up. My diet is very clean with no sugar, salt, or even dairy and nothing that is high in sodium.
Example of my diet:
- Breakfast: ½ Oatmeal & 4 Egg Whites
- Snack: Protein Shake & Fruit
- Lunch: 6 oz of Chicken Breast and Sweet Potato
- Snack: 2 Salt Free Rice Cakes with Natural Peanut Butter
- Dinner: 2 Tuna Cans & Asparagus
Image Credit: Dan Ray Photography
When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?
I always mix it up as some days I do Interval Training for cardio (probably 3-4 days a week) and on the remaining days I will just do normal cardio.
Image Credit: Snaps Photography
What is your supplementation like?
Supplements are very important to my diet and nutrition.
- Protein Powder
- Multi-vitamin
- Energy supplements
- Glutamine
Favorite Quote?
“The difference between “can” and “cannot” is only three letters that determine your life’s direction. Which direction do you choose?”
Bodyspace: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Ingridromero/
Website: www.ingridromero.com
