Dawnelle

Female

37

Boise, Idaho, United States

Assistant Property Manager

Jan, 2009

I have decided that this year is my year to attain many goals that I have been putting off. January 1st, 2009 I hit the gym and began working on my #1 goal for this year: to train to be able to compete in Women's Figure bodybuilding. My inspiration to do this is one of my best friend's moms. When I was in middle school, her mom and dad did bodybuilding together and I always thought that her mom looked AMAZING! Since the age of 14, I have wanted to train to become a figure competitor. I am finally at the point in my life where I have been able to say, "It's time!" I am so excited to begin doing this, you all have NO idea! Or maybe some of you do. :) The day I place in the top 10, I am dedicating my win/placement to Sally Sims. (Shhh! Don't tell her though...it's a surprise! *LOL*)

First of all, I love how I feel during and after a work out. During the workout, as I am cranking out those last couple of bicep curls or tricep kickbacks or leg curls...you know that burn that you get? God, I love that feeling! It's a good burn/pain. I feel so accomplished when I've reached the end of my work out! And come on, who doesn't like seeing their muscles all flexed out, veins bulging, muscles working?! *LOL* I also love bodybuilding because it gives me a goal. I want to learn all that I can about it: the nutritional side, what works for me, what works for someone else, etc. As I am making this journey and learning, I am falling in love with the sport more and more. The idea of becoming a personal trainer sounds more and more appealing. Some may remember, when you first are getting started (like me!), bodybuilding can be so overwhelming! To be able to share my experience, my knowledge, etc. with others that want to become involved in the sport would be very rewarding to me.

My sons are what keep me motivated. I want them to see that with hardwork and determination, you CAN achieve your goals. I also have to admit, what else keeps me motivated is the fact that I want to compete to win. I want the taste of victory! And the idea of being invited to become pro is VERRRRRRYYY appealing.... :)

You know, I would have to say at this point my major bodybuilding accomplishment has been to realize that I have been working out at the wrong gym that unfortunately at this time just cannot meet my needs. Because of all the pluthera of information on Bodybuilding.com, I realized that what I am doing is an investment and I have the right to say "this isn't working for me." I have the right to be in a place that is not only knowledgable on what I want to do, but has the tools, the right equipment, and the right people to help me succeed. You can't just roll into a gym, workout with whomever, and call it good. That, to me, is a HUGE accomplishment.