At 47 years old, in 2014, I became the most fit I have ever been in my life! I had experienced an average weight gain of a pound or two a year over the almost 30 years since high school and I was the typical American female statistic. I was not happy with where I was with my weight and fitness. I've always "watched" what I ate, did not drink sodas or any drinks with sugars and sweeteners, and did not eat a lot of sweets or junk food and tried to make healthy choices. I have always been in and out of step-aerobics and "dance-fit" type classes, but it was not enough to combat my becoming a middle-American statistic.

In late February I started working out in the gym with a co-worker. The best thing he did for me was encourage me to make a profile on bodybuilding.com. We did the Arnold Blueprint together 6 days a week for about 12 weeks. In addition I did 45 minutes of intervals on an elliptical each day, (yes. That was two separate workouts in the gym every day) He also helped me with my dietary choices. More dialed in than ever, I remember the lecture, "No white breads, sugars, sweets. No fried anything, no cheese, no sour cream or creamy sauces and dressings and You Eat Too Much Fruit. DO get 5-6 small meals a day with a protein source at each meal." I have also added supplements to help fuel my workouts and make them more effective. I added a fat burner, a pre-workout amino acid drink, and whey protein.

I started out at 174lbs and a size 12 in February. I made it to 148 lbs and a size 4 in less than 16 weeks! I then did Jamie Eason's Live Fit trainer on my own, in the gym, using the bodybuilding.com app. I discovered quickly that sticking to the lean and healthy food is #1, weight training is #2.
In November I conquered a new goal of competing in the NPC in a Figure competition. I enjoyed every minute and won two trophies! 2nd place Class B Figure Novice VA/DC State show, and 4th Place Class C Figure Open VA/DC State.

I do not know if there has been a single day since I logged in to bodybuilding.com in March that I have not used the website as a resource and fitness plan.

2015, I competed in 3 NPC Figure competitions. Staring in April, with the NPC Max Muscle placing 2nd in both 35 and 40+ masters divisions. Then two back to back weekends in August at the NPC Shawn Ray Classic in Baltimore and the NPC Muscle Heat in Greensboro, NC. I place 2nd in 35 and up and 3rd in class C open and the former and 1st in 45+ masters and 1st overall in Jr. Division.

Long term, I would like to make a career out of public speaking, fitness modeling, training and inspiring others, and writing. I want to be a role model for the mid-life female who wants to get up, get going, and change her life! The poster girl for the new 50! Looking to build a consistent NPC winning physique for 2016 and make a run for Nationals by 50 years old!

I love bodybuilding and working out for the health benefits of a lean strong body. A good body building / weight lifting program will really "tone" muscle like nothing else. I have gotten hundreds of complements on my "new body" in just a few short months. I feel amazing and am amazed continually by what I have and can accomplish. My favorite thing about bodybuilding.com is the weight training programs and the amazing app, and it is all FREE!

I especially love bodybuilding.com for the support, information, workout plans, and app to track them on Bodyspace! Plus the quick response and great prices when ordering proteins or other supplements to fuel my new body!