Fitness Model And Trainer Brooke Nicole Talks With Simplyshredded.com

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I started out just like any gym rat who worked out all the time but didn’t go into depth with having something to work toward like competing. I had two trainers approach me and ask me to try figure competing and that’s when everything took a turn for me. Competing made me gain a sense of appreciation for food as well as understand the importance of being physically fit. The gratitude I received from everyone made me realize I want to represent myself in a positive way to help motivate people into living a healthier life.

That’s when I decided to become an instructor at a new local gym. The feeling I get when I step into that room and see the determination on their faces to get results makes my job that much more.

What gets you motivated?

My biggest motivation comes from Jamie Eason. When I was asked to start competing the first thing that came to mind was me transforming into a look that I was uncertain about. I was told to look at Jamie’s pictures to get an idea and from that point on not only her build but the background on how she got started was something I could relate to.

Now my clients look up to me to help change their bodies and mindsets and that is what motivate me to keep going and aim higher.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

A lot of my workout routines come from the classes I instruct, although here is my routine which has responded well to my physique.

Monday

Zumba (Cardio)
Treadmill (Jogging)
Sprints (Interval Sprints)

Tuesday

Body pump (weight training class)
Rear delt raises – 3 x 10
Side arm raise – 3 x 10
Push-ups – 3x

Wednesday

Yoga
Pilates

Thursday-

Body pump – (Focus on Quads, Hamstrings and Glutes)
Squats – 10 – 16 reps 3 sets
Lunges – 90/90 lunges and dynamic forward/backward lunges
Wide Squats – 10 – 16 reps 3 sets

Friday

Cardio – (Mountain Biking or Running Bleachers)

Saturday

Body Pump (Focusing on Biceps/Triceps)
Tricep push ups 3 x 10
Tricep dips – 16 reps
Tricep seated overhead extensions – 16 reps
Biceps – Arm curls 3 x 10

If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?

My favorite three exercises would be:

Zumba – It’s a workout in disguise and never gets old
Lunges – You can never work too much on the booty… hehe
Curls – Love to keep great definition on my arms

For me it’s eating small portions but a lot during the day because it keeps my energy up and I never feel like I’m starving. I typically eat every 2-3hours and try to cut back on sodium intake after lunch just so I can be fresh the following day

Meal #1 Coffee, All-bran cereal with soy milk (add fresh fruit)
Meal #2 Snack (ex…apples and peanut butter or cottage cheese and fruit)
Meal #3 Salad with grilled chicken and maybe 2 Tbls dressing (oil based) and ½ cup brown rice
Meal #4 Snack (ex…protein shake or on the go protein bar–my favorite is OhYeah!)
Meal #5 Grilled chicken, broccoli, sweet potato
Meal #6 Egg whites with veggies (usually spinach leaves)

When I did figure competing it was all about getting the proper amount of protein in and keeping sodium down so my body would show the best muscle separation. After competition time it was extremely important to introduce those foods that had came out of your diet to start bringing them in slowly. I’m sure many people can relate to me when I say I had to learn the hard way after my very first show.

When training for competition the major thing was diet so the cardio side of it was not difficult. For me it was about building the muscles so I would do 3-4 days of inclined treadmill with a low speed, to help aid the fat loss.