First and foremost lets talks about how and why you got into bodybuilding?
I have always been into fitness, as a child i was a dancer. Following the birth of my children i jumped back into the fitness industry and qualified as a PT i n 2004. Working Bodypower in 2015 I was hooked.I have always been driven and i wanted to challenge myself, so in 2016 I competed in my first show.Blindsided and with little research into the industry, something I always recommend first timers to do now.
What words of wisdom would you offer someone who wanted to follow in your footsteps on stage?
Take time to do your research into what you are getting into. Keep asking questions for others who have more experience and walked the walk. Start the journey early, things like posing are generally missed or started too late so start those early. Remember that getting to the stage isn’t a short task, its a journey and needs to be treat like one. If you don’t enjoy the process around training and being in the gym then its probably not for you. The stag is just the icing on the cake.
And what about a couch, would this be recommended to others who have just started out?
Yes absolutely ! obviously the only coach i can recommend is Steve Johnson , but I think they should get a coach and work with them for a while first. It allows the coach to see how the body responds which makes prep a lot easier and also allows time for the growth and preparation for the competition preparation.
And how would you say Steve Johnson has helped you become the athlete you are?
Having someone as experienced as Steve and someone who supported me every step of the way has been and incredible help. I found with my previous coach that i never felt part of the team. But with Team Tops it has always been the complete opposite.
Prep is notoriously difficult on the body and mind, how did you manage the mental side of prep?
Before i became part of team Tops I had already competed so i knew what i was getting into when it came to prep and the mental aspect of it all. Having the rest of the team and my coach in Steve it made a huge difference having someone to go to with even the smallest concern during the journey.
Can you outline a typical prep diet ?
Morning ,eggs x 3 with a crumpet and whey with berries
Chicken and rice for lunch pre workout snack is usually fruit and rice cakes with peanut butter.
Intra workout carbs post workout shake red meat and potatoes for dinner. Bed time meal of plain cereals and whey.
In the offseason I follow the plan but allow myself an off plan meal once or twice a week. However , when i go into prep i am completely strict . I have never eaton off plan and won’t even lick a spoon if its not on the plan. Not hating prep food makes it a lot easier for me. I see food as fuel!
Favourite show and why?
Thats a tough one as there are so many, but i would to say….the fit ex finals 2021. I felt out of my depth, not sure I belonged on the stage next to ladies who were there and to win was not only the biggest shock but also the most emotional trophy I won. Second I would have to say, NABBA UK 2022 wining the overall at this show was amazing with such a tough line of amazing ladies and it was the icing on the cake for the best season i have had. The least favourite i would say the PCA finals in 2021. I had a bad experience with the tan, i felt that the athletes were rushed on and off stage like sheep and the whole say was a huge upset from start to finish. Not something i will be rushing into again.
Whats the ultimate goal?
The ultimate goal has to be to win the NABBA universe in my current class for now. and then progress up classes slowly, keeping my femininity, which is why I am taking this year out.
Top tips ?
- enjoy the journey
- listen to those around you.
- consistency is key. it won’t happen overnight.
- work hard , training isn’t always easy but it also doesn’t need to kill you every session so be sensible with it. Nutrition needs to be on point. nutrition is the reason for growth and muscle repair.
Thats great is there anyone you would like to thank for help along the way?
i would like to mention Babet at Divas Fitwear she has been amazing with me regarding bikinis and i have never worn anything but hers since 2018. She pays so much attention to detail to every suit and each one is made so beautifully. And now being able to rent them makes it so much ore affordable and you can wear a different one each time.
Secondly my boyfriend Josh. Last year he changed my mindset and made prep so much easier just by being the best support ever. Being happy and content during prep and having someone to support me completely made all the difference. I would also like to thank the whole of Team Tops ! and last but certainly not least Steve Johnson.
photo credit Lee Archer photo-flex