How I got my start

I have been involved in athletics my entire life. I began participating in sports in 9th grade with Track and Field being my favorite. While on the Track team I enjoyed running the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x1 and 4x4. After college, running became part of my life and I thought of competing in 5ks. Instead, I started working for a large gym chain in sunny San Diego, and became a certified personal trainer and started working out with weights. At that time I wasn’t trying to add any size, but maintaining the muscle that I already had. Shortly after that, I moved to Slidell, LA, and started working at a locally owned health club. Soon I realized that I wanted to compete in Figure competitions, after being inspired by my friend. When I changed my focus from running to figure competitor, I realized that my body shape needed to be re-proportioned. I began working towards my first show, which happened to be the NPC Louisiana State Championship. In the summer of 2003, I earned a respectable 3rd place after dieting for 4 weeks. Since then, I have participated in several shows including Jr Nationals and Nationals. Someday I will achieve my goal of being a professional figure competitor.

How did you get interested in bodybuilding/ working out?

II have always been active. As a child, I never sat still, I was always running, jumping, biking, activities kids like to do when they are young. But I guess a lot of it came from my dad. I remember, when I was little, watching my dad play with his dumbbells while we all watched TV, doing bicep curls and other exercises to stay in shape. He also encouraged us to be active by participating in outdoor actives with us. When I entered high school, I joined the track team; where I fell in love with running. While on the team I learned how to be disciplined with my work outs in order to compete at a higher level. As for figure competing that came later, when I moved to Louisiana.

Why do you love fitness?

I have always been an athlete, so fitness just comes naturally to me. As a fitness professional, I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and love for this industry every day. The motivation that comes from the competitive side of fitness has brought my love for this sport to another level.

Please tell us something special about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I tend to be very self critical of my physique and am very rarely satisfied which, in turn keeps me active in the gym.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

I hope to reflect back on a successful figure career in ten years as I continue to move forward in my career in the fitness industry. Maintaining good health and staying in shape are very important as well.