Page 55 - Demo

Q: What were some of the key milestones in your career that you are most proud of?I have so many milestones as they all were all stepping stones that lead me to the next. My first big one was competing in my first figure show with my dad. This was a special showing for me as it was special to compete with my dad, who got me started, and also to get recognized for having a more muscular build, which I grew up really self-conscious about, was a huge win! This was the catalyst that really kick-started my passion for the sport. I only trained for 6 weeks for this show and began my prep in Italy. Training at a local Italian gym was a memory I will never forget. Next was was earning my pro card at the 2005 USA%u2019s at 21 years old. This was a big win, officially becoming a professional and also the mental toughness I had to stay strong during my 21st birthday celebration. This was a growing moment of avoiding the gratification in the moment for the bigger reward in the future, a lesson that stays with me to this day. Stepping on the Olympia stage each year for 4 years always was a moment of glory. Walking out of the big O after months of digging deep always made me proud. Being 2nd in the world 3 years in a row are memories I will never forget. Finally winning the Arnold Classic in 2008 was a magical moment. Not only because it was a big win but because there was something about that prep that felt different. It was as if I knew I was going to win long before I stepped on stage. I carried this confidence with me throughout the entire prep. It was as if this particular prep solidified the power of manifestation and visualization. I remember even telling my film crew that they needed to be there to capture my win. Unfortunately, they didn%u2019t make it but I have my prep on DVD that is proof of the power of putting in work while also believing in your core what is possible then witnessing it come to life. Q: What is your core fitness philosophy?Put in the work now and reap the benefits forever. The work I put in during my early years has paved the way for the fitness freedom I get to live today. People don%u2019t want to put in the work but the truth is, when you dedicate yourself to a set amount of time working hard, you have the rest of your life to reap what you sow. Not only does that time invested lead to big physical results that last but the mental strength you build along the way, creates the champion mindset that will be with you forever. I dedicate so much of my success not only to the physical reps but the countless mental reps that were necessary to keep me focused and showing up even when I didn%u2019t want to. With the foundation that I have created, my current philosophy is small daily actions repeated day in and day out lead to continuous results. Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your fitness career, and how did you overcome them?My biggest challenges were trying to juggle being young and having a social life with wanting to be top in the world. I turned down many events and social opportunities because I was so dedicated to my goal. I was that girl with chicken in her backpack and walking around campus with a gallon of water but it was worth it. I had to balance studying with long training hours but I quickly learned how to manage my time and fit it all in. When you want to be the best and compete with the best, you have to have a singular focus on your goal and learn to remove outside distractions that can stray you away from your goal. I surrounded myself with people that were in the industry to keep me focused and reminded of where I was headed. Being around like-minded people became a key component to helping me to keep my focus and overcome outside distractions, which could have easily taking me off course. Q: How do you structure your training programs for clients of different fitness levels?Every client comes with a different goal and at a different fitness level and season of life. Through my years of experience, I am able to cater a training program specific to their goals. Sometimes that means pushing them towards their max with isolated heavier training and other times, pulling back so their body can recover from years of pushing too hard for too long. I have had a large range of clients from competition goals to those aiming to balance hormones and women seeking to finally reach their weight loss goals after years of yo-yo dieting. I am grateful to use my expertise and intuitive guidance to meet my clients where they are and deliver the personalized coaching they are looking for. My programs within the G-Fit App are for everyday fitness, weight loss and balance. My 101 personalized programs are for those wanting a bit more personalization and guidance on their journey. Regardless of the fitness levels, my methods encompass a balance of resistance training through a mix of circuit and isolated workouts with stretching and flow days for balance and flexibility and days completely off for recovery.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 55