I have been an athlete for as long as I can remember. I started swimming at a very young age, and finished my racing career as a lettered college athlete. I was a sprinter (50 & 100 yard freestyle) as well as 100 butterfly.

I also was a competitive equestrian winning local and state classes in English, Western, Showmanship, and Reining to name a few.

My love affair with lifting weights began in High School. I did some "power-lifting" and was one of the strongest girls; which was hard for me to balance because I wanted to be strong but the boys would make fun of me. At this point in my life I choose to be "accepted" vs. accept my self.

I continued to lift during my swim seasons in college and I looked forward to those days more than I did swimming. When I stopped swimming I really missed competing and found myself with a lot of extra time on my hands, so I began spending hours reading and looking at pictures on Bodybuilding.com. At this point, I decided to give up being afraid and intimidated of the weight room. I started to build my physique on a regular basis.

January of 2011, I decided to get ready for my first bodybuilding show which would happen in May. I received 1st place in my first show and had a blast! November 2011, I competed a second time in bodybuilding and waited eagerly for 2012 when women's physique would be introduced as the new division. January of 2012, I set a goal to compete in Pittsburgh on a national stage. I achieved that goal by qualifying at a local Colorado show, then two weeks later stepped on the stage at the IFBB North American Championships!

Looking ahead I see many more years of building a physique that I've always wanted but never believed I could achieve. In the past year, I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. Made amazing friends that I wouldn't ever replace. I have worked out in the gym next to Pro's that I used to admire from the safe space of my home in front of my computer screen--overweight and depressed.

Chase your dreams! You never know where you'll end up or who you'll inspire along the way.

I love being able to accept my body for how it is (big and strong) rather than try/wish to be tiny and petite. The muscle makes me proud and reminds me of how dedicated I am.

Stay up-to-date with me on my other sites:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/arielphysique

http://www.facebook.com/ariegailphysique

*****://twitter.com/ArielPhysique