Last Visit: Jul 7, 2008 1:05am Last Forum Post:Never Last Photo Upload: Jan 17, 2008 12:36am Last Profile Update: Jan 17, 2008 12:52am Last Blog Post: Oct 24, 2007 9:01pm
With the birth of my first son over 20 years ago, I gained 40 pounds and then continued to gain another 20 until one day I quit lying to myself and came to grips with the fact that at 26 years of age... I had to do something to stop the progress of my weight gain. I hated myself, my life and nothing was good in my world. I began by going out in the dark of the night (10-11pm) so that no one would or could see my body and I began by walking half a block and trying to jog half a block. The first time out I made it 3 blocks out and 3 blocks back and I felt as if my chest was going to explode. My mitral valve prolapse did not feel like cooperating early on but I stayed on course. Each night I would go out and do the same, until I began running and not walking and then I started adding blocks which turned into miles. It took me 9 months to string 10 blocks together without walking. I began to see the changes and I became hooked...
I started lifting weights while my husband was deployed in the Persian Gulf War in 1990 and that is when the transformation began... In 20 years, I have set lofty goals, risen to every challenge and continue to live a blessed life. One that I am convinced would have been cut short had I not decided to step out the door in the dark of the night for my first steps to fitness!
Why I Love It:
It becomes a competition with yourself to see just what you can do to challenge your body... to make it respond and grow. I love the rush that it gives me. By giving time back to myself through a workout, I cannot think of a better way to enhance my ability to be a caring Mother, spouse and friend to everyone in my life.
How I Stay Motivated:
The gym is an addiction... plain and simple! My motivation is driven by a passion to get my "iron fix".
BB Accomplishments:
2005 & 2006 INBF U.S. Forces Europe Bodybuilding Champion
2007 INBF Northeast America Championships
Forum Signature:
Tracey L. Briggs
LadyLifter Fitness
Last Updated: Oct 24, 2007 8:51pm
Progress Pictures
Dec 15, 1986
Aug 20, 2005
At 187 pounds and having a mitral valve prolapse since birth, I was so deconditioned that I could not run a block without being out of breath and numb in the extemities.
At 137 pounds... My Husband and I went to Stuttgart to rent the photo studio at Kelley Barracks. We spent and hour and took some "pro" photos. That was pretty high speed for us at the time...
I live a healthy lifestyle by eating clean and building my body. I choose this for two reasons... It has transformed who I am and I love it. It also allows me to be a role model for my 3 children and for my clients! Once 60 pounds overweight, I know what it means to dedicate and achieve... I love this life. I am grateful for my family, for living the dream of being a competitive bodybuilder and for my career as a certified personal trainer. Life is a challenge and you do not get any second chances at it!! So...give it all you've got!!
I have heard many schools of thought on what you should do 2 weeks out from a competition.
Some folks say train heavy only leg extension/flexion movements. No Leg Pushing Movements (squats/leg press) that build up lactic acid. Some folks say stop training legs a week out from the show and...
Glad to see you using BodySpace. I just wanted to take a moment and let you know about our Over 40 Amateur Of The Week - http://www.bodybuilders.com/si gnam.htm - If you are interested go to the signam.htm page for details on entering. If selected you would gain worldwide exposure and win $50 worth of FREE supplements! Good Luck!
Lauraguest
Apr 29, 2008 7:34am
Hi Tracey,
Just wanted to drop a quick email to let you know that I'm thinking of you. Have a healthy, productive workout!
My best,
Laura
What a great role model and example you are, not only to women of your age group but also to women (and men) of all age groups. You not only talk the talk but also definitely walk the walk and I congratulate you on your efforts. Continue to challenge yourself to be the best that you can be during each and every workout and believe in your own inner strength. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing your continued progression in ’08.
Lauraguest
Dec 19, 2007 12:10am
I'm listening to one of the music mixes that you made for me a while back. I hit chest hard last Friday and I'm still sore. It seemed to move from the lower pecs and has now settled to the upper pecs. It's all good. Things are well with me. Looking forward to the holidays. I'm taking five days off from work (but not training). Take care and keep posting the photos on Dave's site. I just saw the pics of the pottery barn. It looked fun!
Lauraguest
Dec 6, 2007 2:33am
Hi Tracey,
The last email blanked out. Here is the rest of it: I thought of you this morning when I trained back. I'm feeling it already! Forearms and all! Still LOVE the photos. You look awesome. Keep it up!
Laura
Lauraguest
Dec 6, 2007 2:31am
Hi Tracey,
I thought of you this morning when I trained back. I'm feeling it already! Forearms and all! Still LOVE
Lauraguest
Oct 3, 2007 9:23am
Hi Tracey, You are such an amazing role . I am in awe. Love the photograph. Keep it up and stay in touch. Much love from Germany!
wow great body u look great really young and ripped good luck with your goal, u have all ready been and example for me. congrats on your transformation u looking stunning
Just tell me tha date and I will be there I'll send you my DSN number by private message. I'm so excited I'm sorry I didn't get back with you asap I had to see if a friend would train me for it. We're a Marine Corps Family by the way.
I've been here 4 years. But I have to THANK YOU THANK YOU for such a wonderful compliment that makes me want to run to the gym right now lol especially coming from the woman with a Perfect Body I will be picking your brain from now on.
Yeah Icompeted in the Far East Competition here in Japan I have another one on the 19 of Aug its all Okinawan though. You look absolutely fab someone told me I should go to Korea and do the Comp there but I'm way out of your league
