***I have weight trained since age 17, but started training competitively in Jan 2005.*** I was an avid reader of fitness magazines, such as Oxygen, and admired the fit, healthy looking models. One day I just thought, "Why can't I build a physique like that?" It became my focus to train hard and compete in my first fitness competition within a year. For more information visit my web site: www.juliebonnett.com You can also check out my training website - also offering successful online physique consulting programs: http://www.contestprep.ca Visit my 2006 Amateur Fitness Competitor of the Week feature: http://www.bodybuilders.com/juliec.htm

Deciding to compete was a life-altering decision. I was immediately welcomed by the bodybuilding community (locally & online), and continue to be pleasantly surprised by the individuals I meet and the inspirational stories they share. While many outsiders believe bodybuilding is about vanity and how people look on the outside, I've met several cancer survivors, others who've lost large amounts of weight and still more who strive to improve their lives through better health. We each have our own story about what we overcame to make it to contest day. In my case, my life is drastically different today compared to before the day I chose to compete. I am a stronger person inside and out, and I owe great thanks to my family and friends (old & new) for their endless support.