I started working out shortly after I gave birth to my daughter, who is now fifteen years old. All I wanted to do was get in shape after being so large. I worked out constantly, mostly doing aerobics. I got very skinny doing that but I was still not as firm as I would like. Then my neighbor suggested lifting weighs. I was hooked from that point on.

 

I knew nothing about lifting so my now ex husband showed me some things but then I just simply reached a point that he was not really helping me to achieve what my goal. His knowledge was limited.

 

To make a long story short my ex and I then moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. I continued to work out but on my own. I learned new movements from the people in the gym. Soon I began to grow. Many people suggested that I compete. I had no clue what they were talking about. I decided to go and see one of these bodybuilding contests and I fell in love with the sport.

 

Soon I was seeking trainers that could help me. I went to this gym and the trainer told me to put on these posing briefs. I had no clue how to put the suit on so another bodybuilder helped me. I was terrified. I had to go in the middle of the gym in front of all these people so the trainer could see what I looked like in posing suit. He told me to do a lat. spread and I asked what that is! LOL

 

After that session, he told me that I had great legs but no real potential. Well, that is what motivated me to continue. Six months later, I competed in my first show. The 1992 Virginia Cup – I came in second in the Heavy weight class.

 

The biggest thing that I have learned through my experience as a competitive bodybuilder is that to compete in this sport or in any sport always remember what is most important to you for me that was my family and friends. It is so easy to loose sight of that, which I did. In the end, it did cost me my family for that was the end of my marriage. I live with many regrets in my life and it is my hope that I can prevent others from making the same mistakes that I did.

 

I am now married and have a son that is 19 months old. It has been and will be a hard road but it is my goal to compete again.