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Q: What inspired you to start your fitness journey?Growing up, I never really excelled at sports despite having an athletic physique. I quickly realized individual sports were more up my alley and fell in love with gymnastics. I competed as a gymnast until I entered high school and joined the cross-country team. Unfortunately, I didn%u2019t take fitness very seriously during my teenage years, and like many of my peers, I was misinformed about weight training (fearing we%u2019d get %u201cbulky%u201d if we touched weights). It wasn%u2019t until my second year of university that I discovered competing after seeing Amanda Latona on a magazine cover.Q: How did you transition from being a fitness enthusiast to a competitive athlete?I decided to do my first bikini competition in 2013. I was absolutely terrified but determined. I ended up winning first in my class and have been hooked ever since.Q: Can you describe a typical week of training for you?I typically train 5-6 days a week. My training consists of 2-3 lower body and 2-3 upper body sessions. I try to do some form of cardio every day, whether it%u2019s incline walking or the stairmaster. My hyperactive mini poodle also keeps me moving!Q: What does your daily diet look like?I track my macronutrients (carbs, fats, and protein), which allows me some flexibility whether I%u2019m in my off-season or cutting for a competition. It%u2019s freeing to know I can fit little %u201ctreats%u201d into my daily meals and still make progress.Q: Do you have any favorite healthy recipes or go-to meals?I absolutely love making thick smoothie bowls I can eat with a spoon. It%u2019s like dessert. I blend half a banana, protein powder, almond milk, and a ton of ice. I then add toppings like cereal or granola, PB2, nut butter, and sugar-free syrup. It%u2019s a versatile and VERY filling meal you can easily adjust to fit your target macros.Q: How do you stay motivated on days when you don%u2019t feel like working out?I always remind myself that getting there is the hardest part. Sometimes it takes making a new playlist or getting a new pair of leggings to get me motivated. Sometimes an energy drink is enough to get in the zone. Other times I allow myself to rest and treat myself to a massage or sauna session if I%u2019m really not feeling it. Rest days are just as important as my training days.Q: Have you ever experienced a significant injury? If so, how did you recover and stay motivated?My most significant injury actually occurred while I was sleeping (embarrassing, I know!). I slept on my neck wrong, and my range of motion was extremely limited for about 6-7 weeks. It was frustrating desperately wanting to train but also not wanting to prolong the healing process.Q: What has been your most memorable competition experience so far?My most memorable competition experience was probably my first competition. I also really enjoyed competing at the NPC North American show in Pittsburgh. The show was extremely well-run, and I met some incredible ladies backstage that I still keep in touch with.Q: What are some of the biggest sacrifices you%u2019ve had to make to pursue your fitness goals?Sacrificing having a %u201cnormal%u201d social life has been one of the biggest struggles for me. Despite being a major introvert, I%u2019m a foodie and enjoy socializing at restaurants with my loved ones. I love wine and cocktails, which have to be limited (and eventually omitted) as I get closer to competition.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 107