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Q: Can you tell us about your journey into bodybuilding and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?A: My journey into bodybuilding began with a passion for swimming, but little did I know that my true love would change once I discovered the world of weights. I played various sports like softball, field hockey, and soccer, but swimming initially captivated me. I was ultimately responsible for my improvements and the outcomes of my races, which fueled my love for swimming. As part of my high school swimming practice, I began lifting weights and quickly realized my heart truly belonged in the weight room.As a teenager, I looked up to incredible athletes like Nicole Wilkins, Erin Stern, and Candice Keene, all of whom graced the Olympia stage as Figure competitors. Their dedication, physique, and ability to inspire others resonated deeply with me. I knew then that I wanted to pursue bodybuilding, achieve that Figure look, and inspire others the way these remarkable women inspired me. So, I made the decision to follow my true passion and dedicate myself to bodybuilding!Q: How did you feel when you earned your IFBB Pro card?A: Earning my IFBB Pro card was an incredibly emotional and fulfilling moment for me. Prepping during the challenges of COVID-19 in 2020 was no easy feat! From the beginning of the year, I was dedicated to my training, despite the uncertainty and constant cancellation of shows, including the one I had planned for the spring. I continued my preparation with limited resources, training in a garage gym, and using walking as my primary form of cardio. In September, I competed in both Figure and Women%u2019s Physique at the NPC 2020 North American Championships, ultimately earning the overall title in Figure.At 23, I received my Pro card, and I couldn%u2019t hold back my tears. It was the realization of a dream I had nurtured since I was 17 years old%u2014to become a professional bodybuilder. If there%u2019s one thing I hope you take away from my journey, it%u2019s that with unwavering dedication and resilience, you can overcome any obstacle and turn your dreams into reality!Q: How do you structure your workouts to target different muscle groups effectively?A: I view training as an art form, where each workout is meticulously designed to sculpt the desired physique. Specifically, in the figure division, there%u2019s a distinct aesthetic%u2014often referred to as the %u201cX-Frame%u201d%u2014that competitors aim to achieve. My workouts are structured with this in mind, focusing on building the proportions and symmetry necessary to excel in the figure category.My training regimen consists of five days of weight training per week, targeting specific muscle groups. I dedicate two sessions per week to legs%u2014one focused on quads and the other on glutes and hamstrings. I also have two back sessions, with one incorporating bicep exercises, and one session for shoulders and triceps.I take feedback from judges seriously, using their insights to guide my training during the %u201cimprovement season.%u201d This continuous refinement process allows me to evolve and progress. Recently, the emphasis has been on enhancing the width and density of my back. It%u2019s safe to say my back workouts have become the main event at the gym lately!Q: How do you incorporate cardio into your training regimen?A: For me, there%u2019s no better way to kickstart my day than with fasted cardio, regardless of whether I%u2019m in the off-season or prepping for a competition. The stair master is my go-to, but if the weather%u2019s inviting or I need a change of scenery, I%u2019ll hit the pavement for a brisk walk, especially if I%u2019ve got a grueling leg day ahead.The time spent sweating it out depends on the calendar countdown to competition day! Even during the off-season, I commit to a minimum of 30 minutes per day, split between morning fasted cardio and post-workout cardio in the evening. As the show date draws nearer, I may crank it up to an hour per day to fine-tune my conditioning. Those final touches make all the difference!When it comes to style, I%u2019m all about low-intensity steady-state cardio. While some may opt for HIIT workouts, I%u2019ve found that a slow and steady approach works best for my goals. This method yields optimal results in terms of fat burning and overall conditioning.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 21