How did your journey start? How did you get into this fitness world?
I have always admired the toned and muscular physiques of female athletes, though it was not something I ever imagined I could attain. Ironically, after a breast lumpectomy, and an epiphany that a breakfast, lunch and dinner consisting of Goldfish Crackers and Diet Dr. Pepper was not a sound diet, I started going to the gym and seeing a nutritionist regularly. It was the nutritionist and trainer that encouraged me to set a goal for competition and who convinced me that my genetics lent themselves to those same athletic physiques I had always admired.
How did you get your first break into modeling industry?
I was discovered at a competition in Austin, Texas. A natural bodybuilding magazine was there to cover the show and they took my picture and my information. I never expected to hear from them but shortly after they called me to set up a shoot with a local photographer. I had no experience as a fitness model, so I took a leap of faith and just pretended that I wasn’t nervous and knew what I was doing. Apparently that worked because the shoot went well and a few months later I was featured in a magazine!
What do you find the most entertaining and challenging about working as a fitness model?
The most entertaining part about being a fitness model is the excitement of travel and reinventing your look for various shoots. Traveling is also the most challenging part because it is really difficult to maintain proper training and nutrition needed to be successful. I am always struggling to find a balance.
If you were not into fitness industry where would you be right now?
If I were not in the fitness industry, I would likely work in the fashion/entertainment industry or focus on developing my skills as a writer. I love reading and admire the skills of accomplished writers.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I am a major homebody. I love projects around the house and just nesting in general. I also love reading, cooking, traveling and spending time at the lake.
What is one thing that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I love to sing, especially in the car.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned over the years when it comes to modeling?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that even the most beautiful men and women have insecurities. No one is perfect and beauty is subjective. Just like music and food are a preference, so is beauty and what predicates a fit body. Everyone will always have an opinion.
Who inspires you?
I am often inspired by people that I meet who have amazing stories of overcoming difficult odds as well as people who live by the philosophy of paying it forward.
How hard is it to really get fit and look good?
Unfortunately, it’s rather hard. If it were easy, everyone would look fit all the time. People do not realize that what they see in magazine is often enhanced with Photoshop. Also, most fitness models will often diet and train just for that moment in front of the camera. As far as what fitness level you can personally obtain, age, hormones and genetics will all be a factor. One thing is certain though, with a consistent training program and proper diet, anyone can drastically improve their appearance.
Are there days when you don’t want to work out? How do you overcome that?
Yes! This happens quite often. I have learned to do many of my workout routines at home so that I can't use time or not wanting to get ready as excuses. The key is to get in a few short workouts during the day that really exert some serious effort. I will turn on my favorite TV show and literally finish a routine in 15 to 20 minutes. I try and do that twice and when I do, I feel really good. I always try and tap into that feeling when I’m not in the mood to exercise or I've had a challenging day. As for actually going to the gym, get a buddy. Really push one another to make the commitment and show up.
What is your diet on a typical day?
Depending on what time of day I wake up, I typically eat 5 – 6 times a day. Here is one example: 6 AM: 5 egg whites and veggies with 1/3 cup of oatmeal or 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese with cinnamon and Splenda 9 AM: 3 hard boiled eggs, yolks replaced with canned tuna or chicken (mixed with mustard, celery and seasoning) and 11 natural almonds or a 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (in shells) 12 PM: Five ounces of stir-fried chicken with half a cup of brown rice and steamed veggies 3 PM: 5 oz grilled chicken, a 4 oz sweet potato and 1 cup steamed green beans 6 PM: Typically after a workout, I pack a small apple and 2 chicken or turkey meatloaf muffins 9 PM: 5 egg whites and veggies or 1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese mixed with a chocolate flavored Superfood.
What type of training do you typically do?
Right now I am doing a lot of circuit training. I either work a few muscle groups together and incorporate active rests (ex. Chest & shoulders with jump rope, back & arms with mountain climbers, legs with crunches) or I alternate days of upper body and lower body workouts.
Do you prefer weight training over cardio?
For optimal results, I believe in a combination of both. However, weight training, in my opinion, is really the fountain of youth. Adding just 5 pounds of muscle makes you more metabolic (meaning, you burn more calories as rest). With 5 pounds of additional muscle you burn 250 more calories a day. Also, the endorphins that are created from exerting yourself by pushing and pulling weight, can really revitalize you. It not only reduces stress but adding muscle to your physique makes you stronger, more nimble and ultimately makes you look better.
