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Q: You are a 2x IFBB Figure Olympia Champion and a Bikini Olympian. What body changes and training adjustments did you have to make for each competition?A: For Figure competitions, my training involved a lot of compound movements, sprints, and other track and field exercises. I was very proud of the natural physique I built, which helped me win the Figure Olympia twice. Transitioning to Bikini, I had to dramatically change my training to allow for muscle loss in the upper body while gaining muscle in the glutes. I avoided all direct and indirect upper body training for over two years! This included exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, and pulldowns, as well as any exercises that required upper body stabilization, such as squats, RDLs, and landmine exercises. Instead, I focused on hip thrusts, machines, and cable exercises. It took some time, but I managed to win several IFBB Bikini shows and competed in the Bikini Olympia twice.Q: Can you describe your experience competing in your first IFBB fitness competition?A: My first IFBB Figure competition was the Arnold Classic. I didn%u2019t know what to expect, but arriving in Columbus and seeing all my favorite fitness cover girls%u2014whom I was now sharing the stage with%u2014was surreal! I was starstruck. I think I ended up placing 9th, but my posing was poor because I was very nervous. Despite that, it was such a fun weekend, and I was thoroughly hooked on competing after that.Q: What do you think judges are looking for the most in a bikini physique?A: Judges look for overall shape and a level of conditioning that balances the upper and lower body. Key features include round shoulders, nice width across the upper back, a small waist, and well-shaped glutes. Presentation and posing are also crucial%u2014an athlete should present well, pose well, and show off her best angles. Additionally, the tan, hair, and makeup play a significant role in placing well.Q: What is the most common mistake you%u2019ve seen competitors make?A: I see two common mistakes: not practicing posing without a mirror and not being conditioned enough. On stage, there is no visual feedback for how you pose, so it%u2019s essential to practice without a mirror to learn how to feel the poses and perfect your timing. Also, conditioning is usually well rewarded, and many athletes aim for a specific stage weight when they should aim to get into the best possible shape.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 41