How did you get started with bodybuilding?
Being a high school cheerleader always kept me in shape and active, but it wasn’t until I was required to take a high school weight lifting class that my perspective on weights and building muscle changed. It was awesome seeing the weight go up each week and transform my body! However, it wasn’t until college when my boyfriend’s roommate, who is now my trainer, Zack Bell, started talking about Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, Jamie Eason, Protein shakes, etc.. and introduced me to this amazing fitness industry! I started reading the success stories of all these beautiful fitness models, and realized this is what I want to do! These days, my trainer and I are determined to get my body in the best shape possible with the combination of HIIT cardio, circuit weight training, clean eating, protein shakes, and determination!
What gets you motivated?
Honestly, feeling good inside and out not only changes how you view your self, it also helps every aspect of your life! Some days I might want to skip the gym or go buy that chocolate milkshake, but then I think about how far I have come and how many people out there are working their best to say, “No,” and it completely changes my mind set. When I first got into bodybuilding, it was mainly for myself. Being in college I have seen the extremes some girls will go to be skinny and I have also seen the opposite. I knew if I was ever going to be happy with myself I had to get on a regiment that would show me, as well as others, that you can be healthy, fit and happy. Therefore, knowing I’m showing other people out there first hand how amazing the importance of a clean diet, weight training, and cardio is… is the biggest motivation ever!
What is your training philosophy?
Consistency, determination, and respect are the three words that would sum up my training philosophy. There are going to be situations that happen in everyone’s life that you can’t change or you may hit a wall trying to reach your goals. However, if you stay consistent with your diet and workouts then those hard days that you didn’t plan on, won’t hit you as hard. Determination is also a major factor for anyone who is trying to take control of his or her life. One thing I have always done since I was a little girl, is dreamt big, but I was determined. If you have a goal, get determined and go for it! In the gym- run that extra mile, do that extra circuit of weights, or drink that extra bottle of water- it’s determination coming through you, and you will see results faster.
When my trainer and I step in the gym we don’t have easy days, it’s all or nothing.
We challenge the muscles to the max and stay determined to get the best workout in every time. The most important aspect I have learned throughout my journey so far with training is respect. Look at yourself in the mirror. Why would you not respect that person? A bigger question I asked myself was, “How can I respect other people in my life, if I can’t even respect and take care of myself?” After I went through that moment I realized it was time to get serious. Respecting my body in the since of what foods I put into it, taking my vitamins, drinking those bottles of water, getting my heart rate up during cardio, getting healthy. Believe it or not, once I started taking care of myself, I began to be a happier person all together and everything else in my life started falling into place.
If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?
My trainer and I love trying new things in the gym and switching it up. Therefore, my 3 exercises tend to change a lot. As of right now though, my 3 exercises would have to be:
- Circuit Training with the Resistant Ropes – Talk about a cardio/muscle building exercise all in one
- Kettle Bell Exercises – Gives your whole body a workout!
- Crabwalk – This exercise works more than one muscle group at a time if done correctly.
When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?
I definitely prefer HIIT over normal cardio. You really get your heart rate up, break a sweat, and know that it will continue burning fat throughout the day. I am not a fan of cardio because I get bored easily and start looking at the time. However, HIIT is challenging yourself to the max. There are so many different intervals you can do on a machine that you are almost in a race with yourself every time. I also love to “feel the burn” or break a sweat in the gym, and HIIT definitely does the job.
What is your philosophy on nutrition?
I typically eat small meals every 2 ½ to 3 hours to keep my metabolism going throughout the day, as well as never have the feeling of being hungry. Depending on the time of the day, my meals are a combination of lean protein, low carbs, low sugar, low fat, and all my servings of fruits and veggies. One important thing is eating certain foods at the best time for you body. I make sure I eat most of my carbs in the morning and before workouts to give me more energy instead of at night, and good amounts of protein before and after workouts.
What are your favorite meals and foods?
I love breakfast! It literally gets me out of bed every morning. Therefore my oatmeal with peanut butter and egg whites would have to be on of my favorite meals, along with what my sister and I call “healthy chicken nachos.” Blue corn chips, pieces of grilled chicken, fat free mozzarella cheese, and salsa. Mix it up, delicious!
Favorite cheat food?
Eating clean is definitely a lifestyle change, so I try my best not to cheat at all. However, if I do it usually is with ranch dressing. I love putting ranch on my chicken so if I ever have a good week or two of training then I reward myself with some light ranch. I also love sweets, so if it’s not ranch then it is a couple of Hershey’s kisses or chocolate chip cookies. But, no matter how hard I try there is no way I can turn down my daddy’s cheeseburgers or my moms country fried steak. Thank God that is very rare these days J
What supplements do you use that give you great results?
I’m in the process of trying different supplements to find one that works best for me. At the moment I am taking:
- A good multi-vitamin every morning
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey, milk chocolate, after my workouts and for a late night snack
- Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump250 before my workouts
Favorite Bodybuilders?
So many people have motivated me throughout this amazing journey. Jamie Eason would have to be by far my biggest inspiration! Her ability to stay motivated through her busy schedules and maintain lean muscle is awesome! Jessica Putnam, Kathleen Tesori, Amanda Latona, Nicole Wilkins Lee, and Ava Cowan are also a few of my favorites that keep me motivated throughout the day!
Favourite Workout Song?
I would not be able to get through a cardio session without my ipod! My favorite workout song would be anything by Paramore! Right now though, the song that keeps me going is “I Made It “ by Kevin Rudolf feat. Birdman, Jay Sean, Lil Wayne.
Favourite Quotes?
“”The only one who can tell you ‘You Can’t’ is you, and you don’t have to listen.”” — Nike
