Workout

Monday: Legs and Glutes
Barbell Deadlift 4x12-15
Cable Kickback 4x12-15
Smith Wide Squat 4x12
Leg Extension/Leg Curl Superset 4x12
Walking Lunge/Glute Bridge Superset 4x20

Tuesday: Back and Triceps
Wide-grip Pulldown/Pressdown Superset 4x12
Cable Row/DB Kickback Superset 4x12
Rope High Row/Overhead Cable Ext Superset 4x12

Wednesday: Shoulders and Biceps
Seated DB Press/Seated DB Curl Superset 4x12
DB Laterals/DB Hammer Curl Superset 4x12
Cable Front Raise/Cable Curl Superset 4x12
Rear Delts 4x12
Upright Row 4x12

Thursday: Glutes and Abs
Dumbbell Sumo Squat 4x8-10
Smith Wide Squat 4x8-10
Cable Kickback 4x15-20
Resist Ball Glute Extensions 4x15-20
Outer Thigh Machine 4x10-12
Walking Lunge w/ Leg Kick 4x15

Friday: Chest and Shoulders
Incline Press/Seated DB Lateral Superset 4x10-12
Machine Fly/BB Upright Row Superset 4x12-15
Bosu Ball Pushups/DB Rotator Cuff Superset 4x15- 20
Rear Delt Fly 5x10-15

Saturday: Cardio HIIT Training
Also, work on areas that need improvement and posing practice.

Sunday: REST!

Consistency is key! It’s important to warm up properly. Training is essential, but we cannot forget about rest days for recovery and to be sure to get enough sleep.

Cardio Schedule

Off-season, 20-30 minutes of cardio a few times a week. I like to mix it up. I love to run! On Saturday mornings at sunrise, I head down to the beach for a nice easy run. Leading up to contest day, I increase my cardio. Another favorite is walking on the treadmill at a 15% elevation and a moderate speed of 3.0 mph.

Presentation Tips

No matter what division you compete in, once you step out on that stage, you must
be prepared to present all that hard work with grace and confidence—practice posing at all times. Record yourself over and over again to get the best perspective of what your presentation looks like. I highly recommend working with a posing coach, especially if this is your first competition. Have fun and take lots of pictures because the experience goes by quickly. Make sure to get feedback from the judges, which will provide valuable information so you may improve for the next show. Remember, you are already a winner for making it through your prep and gracing that stage!

In Closing

I am first and foremost grateful to God for his inspiration and guidance. My life has been so blessed for the past 25+ years as a member of this fitness industry. I have made so many lifetime friendships on this journey. I have learned that everyone has a different WHY, and that is so very important to know your WHY because everyone has their own fitness journey. One must learn, understand, believe, and trust the process, no matter their fitness journey. I am in this for my lifetime, period. This is a lifestyle for me, not a quick fix. One must possess the right smart training plan with no-nonsense supplements and a Beverly International nutrition plan (BeverlyInternational.com/nutrition-solutions). There is always room to learn and grow. Let’s keep going and strive for that NEXT LEVEL!

Footnote

The DHEA metabolite, 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as 7-keto DHEA, is a safe, natural, neuroprotective compound which appears to have benefits as a natural antiglucocorticoid and to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and improve memory and cognitive functioning. There are no reported adverse effects or interactions with any other drug. Besides the psychiatric effects described herein, 7-keto DHEA has other reported effects that include enhanced weight loss, enhanced immune functioning, and thermogenesis. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto DHEA has no androgenic activity, as it is not converted to androgen, and because substitution at the 7 position prevents aromatization, it also cannot be converted to estrogen. - https://patents.justia.com/patent/8124598

At the time of the sad day, I had recently been released to resume physical activity following 5 months of recovery from surgery. Prior to that time, as an adult, I had been very active with running, teaching group fitness and dancing. I did work out with weights as part of an overall fitness routine, but I was just guessing at what was right. I wanted to recover properly and see what I could do before I just totally gave in and invested in mom jeans. So, for the first time ever, I contacted a personal trainer.

My goal was very specific, lift the booty. From the first training session, I was loving it and learning more and more. Very simple instructions at first: eat more, lift heavier. It was not long before I was seeing changes that propelled me on. Since high school, when I would go in and out of working out, I had always admired the women bodybuilding pioneers such as Rachel McLish and Lisa Lyon. (Yes, this would have been in the 80’s). Their bodies were beautiful and muscular and symmetrical. Reaching that level was always a far, far away impossible dream, one that I certainly did not think was attainable at 45.

Then, three to four months into the training, sometime in August of 2011, my fabulous trainer turned fabulous friend, Brenda Gabbard, commented that we should work to get me on stage. I gasped and tears welled up in my eyes. It was one of the nicest things I had ever heard and I jumped on it! “Really?? Me??? You think I can do that????” Yes, said she. We teamed up with another fabulous trainer and fabulous friend, Marie Gibbon, to train for the competitions and for me to learn to pose. We were off with a diet and workout plan to get ready for the NPC Monster Mash at the end of October 2011.

My First Contest

Following a trail of chicken, tuna, sweet potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, four thousand gallons of water, Beverly UMP, Lean Out and 7 Keto, my trainer and I made our way to Harrison, Ohio, for the Monster Mash. So many amazing bodies, beautiful suits, fancy shoes, and the earrings!! My purpose there was to learn and to observe and to enjoy the process. Surviving the challenge of the pre-competition diet and
all the other contest prep was satisfying in and of itself. It was a personal challenge simply to do the competition.

I was not nervous, or so I thought, partly because my expectations were not high and partly because walking across a stage was not a new thing for me. Having been a Theater major and dancer in college and a lawyer for a profession, I have performed a lot and have been in the hot seat many times. So, walking across stage and doing a few key poses, with no lines to speak, no songs to sing, no choreography to remember, and no client to represent, I thought the stage presentation was the easy part. However, when I got to the middle of the stage, I forgot which way to turn and which hip to hike up! I was a bit befuddled, but I made it through and just laughed at myself for my boo boos.

I did not expect to place and certainly not to win. Did not even know what “first call out” meant until I was backstage and someone told me I was in the first call out. I had thought they were being nice to let me try again because I was so clumsy the first time. To make a long story longer, yes, I was in the first call out for all three categories in that competition. I placed second in Masters 40+, second in Pure Novice and fourth in Figure Open Class A. I smiled from ear to ear for days following that competition, and I was ready for more.

After the Monster Mash, I went on to compete in the NPC Kentucky Muscle in November, 2011. IFBB pros also competed at Kentucky Muscle, and that was amazing to see. Also, it was a much larger competition than the Monster Mash, so in my mind again, it was a learning experience. I was thrilled to carry home some more swords that day for first place in Masters 45+ and third place in Figure Open Class A.

The next round of competitions came around in the spring. I had just started a highly stressful job and was not sure I could pull the discipline needed to make it through. However, after I was written up for taking an extra break to get in my fourth meal of tuna and asparagus at some odd time in the afternoon, I was determined to see it through. After all this effort, I was not going to back out because of a can of tuna. The NPC Cincinnati Natural was first up in March. It was a smaller competition, but the competitors were fantastic. Giving much credit to my trainers, I was lucky again: First place in Class A Open and first Place in Masters 45+.

The Northern Kentucky and Derby Festival

The Beverly International NPC Northern Kentucky was a week later. This one was huge. From the size of the convention center to the number of competitors, it was a big one!! The competitors looked beautiful. By this time, I was seeing familiar faces which made the process even more fun. I was lucky again and placed first in Masters 45+ and second in Class A Open.

I was happy, more than happy, but exhausted. My dear sweet children were also ready for a break. The plan was to not compete for a while, and to eat, rest, and work out hard. That plan lasted for two weeks. My trainer and some other friends were planning to compete in the NPC Derby Festival on April 24 and watching them work got me jazzed to go again. Two weeks out, I jumped back on the diet and the 4:45 a.m. cardio train. Things worked out well, placing first in Masters 45+ and fourth in Class A Open. It was a great competition with positive people all round, which made the entire experience all the better.

Now, I am really on a break. Due to scheduling conflicts, I have changed trainers and I am currently working with Brian Wiefering and the folks at Wiefit. They have a wealth of knowledge and never let up, which is what I want.

Nutrition and Supplements

My nutrition and supplement program evolves depending upon where I am with training and how my body is responding. This is the basic pre-competition diet I have followed previously at about 4 weeks out.

MEAL 1:
1 serving cream of rice or cream of wheat, 3 oz chicken and 3 oz lean red meat

MEAL 2:
3 oz tuna, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 cup veggies

MEAL 3:
UMP protein shake, ½ apple

MEAL 4:
5 oz chicken, 4 oz sweet potato

MEAL 5:
4 oz white fish, asparagus spears

MEAL 6:
UMP or Muscle Provider protein shake, 1 cup berries, 3 oz sweet potato

MEAL 7:
5 oz chicken or turkey, 1 bell pepper, 1 grapefruit

2 gallons of water

 
At about 2 weeks out, the diet altered to the following.

MEAL 1:
5 egg whites, 1 cup green beans, 1 serving cream of rice

MEAL 2:
5 oz white fish, 1 bell pepper

MEAL 3:
UMP or Muscle Provider protein shake

MEAL 4:
3 oz tuna, asparagus, 1 cup green beans

MEAL 5:
3 oz tuna, asparagus, ½ grapefruit

MEAL 6:
3oz lean red meat, ½ grapefruit, asparagus and sweet potato

2 gallons of water at first, then dry out as directed a few days before competition

 
Supplements stayed the same through the competition prep until the last week or two prior. The staples of my supplements are always Beverly International products including 7 Keto MuscLEAN, Lean Out, Glutamine Select, GH Factor, Quadracarn, Energy Reserve, UMP and Muscle Provider. My favorite is vanilla UMP. That stuff is wonderful any time of day or night. I also include vitamin C, B-12, B-6, and a multivitamin.

Training

As with the nutrition, my workouts would alter the closer I got to competition. The basic schedule included 30 – 40 minutes of morning cardio at least six days a week. I’ll alternate my morning cardio choices among step mill, walking and walking lunges on an incline, or 30 minutes of 2 minute sprints.

I lift four days a week; do high intensity cardio and/or plyos two days a week (later in the day in addition to my lower intensity morning cardio) and rest one day. Below are listed the various exercises I do. However, when I am working with a trainer, I do what they tell me. That can include some of the same, but often something entirely different and more challenging than what I do on my own. I am far from perfect; I follow the plan and do most of these exercises most days of most weeks. Much of the time I am able to get it all in as planned. However, there are some days family or work will claim my attention.

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Legs
Cardio or Plyo and Abs

40-50 high intensity cardio or Plyos including Burpees, Man Makers, Mountain Climbers, Pop Squats, Box Jumps and Walking Lunges

200 reps for abs

Wednesday: Legs, Heavy
3-4 sets of 12-15 reps each
Leg Press
Weighted Split Lunges
Leg Extensions
Hamstring Curls
Deadlifts
Squats

Thursday: Back and Biceps
3 sets of 10-12 reps each, superset pairs of exercises (for example Push-ups w/ Dumbell rows, set of 25 abs reps in between supersets
Push-ups
Double Dumbell Rows
Bent Barbell Rows
Bicep Curls
Single Arm Row
Hammer Curls
Deadlifts
Lateral Raises

Friday:
Cardio or Plyo and Abs, same options as Tuesday

Saturday: Shoulders, Triceps and Lats
3 sets of 10-12 reps each, superset pairs of exercises, set of 25 abs reps in between supersets Wide Grip Pulldowns
Seated Row Machine
Cable Row - alternate close and wide grip Alternating
Front Lateral Raises
Bent Rear Delt Flyes
Leaning Side Lateral Raises
Overhead Triceps Extensions
Dumbbell Press
Double Triceps Kickbacks
Barbell Shoulder Press

Sunday: Legs, high reps lower weight
3-4 sets of 20 reps each, superset 2-3 exercises together in between supersets
Walking Lunges, 30 lbs
Curtsy, 30 lbs
Jump Lunges, 20 reps
Split Squat, 30 lbs
Leg Press
Hamstring Curls
Adductor/Abductor
Butt Blaster Machine Bev

The Future

I am looking forward to competing again in the fall in a few yet to be determined competitions. I don’t know what to do with myself if there is no diet plan on the front of my refrigerator. Even more so, I find that the discipline for competing carries over into the discipline to do my best with family and work. Once you become accustomed to that level of focus, it becomes a part of your life. I am 46 and with triceps as hard as a brick, I’m not going back.

Each competition was different and fabulous. By the time I would actually get to the competition, my objective was to enjoy the process, enjoy the people, and do the best I could. It is impossible to predict who is going to show up right next to you, so I saw no reason but to simply give all you’ve got and make it fun. I’m often the wacky one backstage, getting psyched and trying to make others smile with crazy dancing (as much as I can without disengaging the bikini bite!) and cracking jokes. Next time, join me, it’s good to smile and laugh before taking the stage.

How did you get started lifting?
I’ve been active all my life but the military amplified that. My first supervisor in 1989 introduced me to bodybuilding while stationed in Korea. That’s where I did my first bodybuilding competition and I loved it.

Did you have any problems starting out that other readers might relate too?
My biggest challenge was adjusting to the strict nutrition plan required for bodybuilding success. I can work out for hours but sticking to my nutrition plan has always tested my discipline.

Did you try anything that didn’t work?
I had too many conflicting goals. My training and nutrition were not in sync. I’d try to circumvent lapses in my nutrition plan by adding more training.

What did you do to solve the problem?
Follow the plan. Prioritize my goals and stick to one at a time. What you do or don’t do with nutrition shows on your physique. Proper nutrition is critical.

What were the results of prioritizing your goal & sticking to the plan?
My preps were less stressful when I trusted the process. I have a tendency to second guess things as it relates to my body and what I see. Don’t be afraid to ask your coach about their methods and the why, when, how, or what of the process. They are often learning your body just like you are. Contest prep has now become second nature to me. This means I don’t overstress or over think them. I listen to my coach and we have become a team that works together to have a healthy prep while bringing my best package to the stage. The results? Higher placings, and 2 OCB Pro Cards. Under my current coach I have only placed outside of Top 5 once. All other placings have been 1st or 2nd place. This year’s goal was to obtain my Open Figure Pro card in the OCB. I had already obtained my Masters Figure Pro Card. I told my coach what I wanted and he developed a plan which I followed. The result was earning that Open Pro Card in June 2021.

Supplements

Glutamine Select I add to my water and drink throughout the day Lean Out and 3 7-Keto MuscLean (with meals 1 and 3)

Density Two tablets with each meal

UMP Post-workout

Muscle Synergy Pre-workout

Quadracarn 3 tablets pre-workout, 3 tablets with meals 2 and 4 (9 tablets total per day)

Mass Aminos and Ultra 40 I follow the directions on the bottles and take one tablet of each for every ten pounds of my bodyweight. This comes out to 13-15 each of Mass and Ultra 40 per day. If you follow the directions these two supplements will give you great results.

FitTabs Two tablets with meals 1 and 3 (4 tablets daily)

Training

I am currently training each body part once every eight days. However, when in contest prep mode I change to six days per week and hit each muscle group twice. I perform 3-4 sets per exercise. Rep ranges are 8-10 on heavy days and 12-15 on volume days. I focus on progressive overload and time under tension training.

Day 1 (Quad Focus)
Leg Extension
Leg Press
Smith Machine Squat Hack Squat
Seated Calf Raise

Day 2 (Chest)
Dumbbell Incline Press
Smith Machine Incline Press
Flat Bench Barbell Press
Incline Cable Flye

Day 3 (Back)
Pull-ups (assisted or unassisted)
T-Bar or Barbell Rows
Cable Row
Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Pullover

Day 4 (Rest)

Day 5 (Hamstrings)
Walking Lunges
Deadlifts (Sumo and Stiff-leg) I change the type weekly
Lying Hamstring Curl
Single-leg Hamstring Curl
Standing Calf Raise

Day 6 (Arms)
Skull Crushers
Triceps Pressdown
Cable Kickback
Alternate Dumbbell Curl
Hammer Curl
One-arm Preacher Curl

Day 7 (Shoulders)
Smith Machine Shoulder Press
Cable Side Lateral Raise
Machine Reverse Flye
Shoulder Shrug
Dumbbell Front Raise

Day 8 (Rest)

Start over at Day 1

Closing Thoughts

The sport of bodybuilding is not easy. I’ve done many competitive events and bodybuilding is by far the hardest I’ve ever trained for. It requires discipline, consistency and true GRIT. Although I am a personal trainer and coach, hiring a contest prep coach and posing coach is the best thing I could have done. It took a lot of the guess work out of things for me. Get the mental part on board and the rest will follow. Be committed to the process. There is no circumventing what works in the process. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Regardless of the outcome on the stage there is always something to be learned about yourself and others in the process. The result is always a win.

This year I competed in 4 competitions in a month and a half, and it was by far the hardest yet best prep season I’ve had. It was grueling but I am extremely happy with the outcome and look forward to the next competition season.

2021 Competition Season Results:

• OCB Atlantic Super Show 1st Place Class C
• OCB Catonsville Conqueror 2nd Place Class B
• OCB Jersey Natural 2nd Place Class B
• OCB Colonial Open, Figure Open Pro

I am extremely thankful for my support system in my husband, children, family and friends, my Coach Donovan Strong and Team Strong Physiques, Posing Coach Tina Johnson, my clients of Velvet & Steel Fitness and the OCB Organization.

I stepped away from competing for 19 years due to "life happenings" and some personal struggles, which I won't go into detail about. I decided to reenter the competition world last year. I have competed in three NPC shows so far and plan to compete in Nationals next year. I had hesitations about competing again at age 54, but after meeting with Mike Francois at Metro Fitness in Worthington, OH, I decided to go for it. I had 12 weeks to get ready for his show. Luckily, I had kept myself in good shape over the years, so it was an attainable goal.

My advice to anyone who thinks they are too old, not pretty enough, muscular enough, or whatever other excuses we tell ourselves is to ignore that voice in your head. If it is in your heart to compete, then DO IT! Life is too short for regrets. What's the worst that can happen? You don't place or win. But you did win because you had the guts and drive to do what very few people in this world can do. That makes you a winner! Anything else is icing on the cake.

Diet

Meal One
6 egg whites, 1 yolk, ¹⁄₄ c blueberries, ¹⁄₂ c oatmeal, coffee

Meal Two
2 one scoop whey protein (Muscle Provider)

Meal Three
6oz fish or chicken, 4oz yam, 1 cup vegetables

Meal Four
6oz fish, chicken, or beef, ¹⁄₂ c rice or ¹⁄₂ yam, spinach salad, or 1 cup vegetables, 1-2 tbsp flaxseed oil

Meal Five
Protein pancake (3 egg whites, 1 whole egg, 1 scoop vanilla UMP, additional vanilla, and cinnamon to taste. I add a little water sometimes too. Cook over low to medium heat with non-stick spray. Top with sugar-free syrup.)

Supplements

I have tried many different supplements over the years and spent a lot of money for little to no results. None have given me results like Beverly International. I can honestly say that Beverly International products are of the highest quality and will give you the results you are looking for. 7-Keto MuscLean, Lean Out, and Quadracarn are a must for fat burning and increased vascularity with contest prep, especially as you age. Muscle Synergy, Muscularity, and Density are essential for preserving muscle on a contest diet.

Supplement Schedule

• GH Factor 6 with meal 1
• Lean Out 1 with each meal
• 7-Keto MuscLean 2 with meals 1, 3 and 5
• Quadracarn 3 tablets twice a day
• Glutamine Select 1 scoop before workout
• Muscularity 2 capsules three times a day
• Muscle Synergy 1 scoop per day
• Density 5 tablets per day

Training

Mon & Thurs: Shoulders/Tris

Machine Shoulder Press 4x12
Side Laterals 4x12-15
Dumbbell Press 4x12
Arnold Press 4x12
Skull Crushers 4x12
Cable Upright Row 4x12-15
Reverse Pec Dec 4x12
Rope Pushdown 4x12
Abs

Tues & Fri: Legs

Leg Extension 4x15
Leg Curl 4x15
Walking Lunges
Stiff-Legged Deadlifts 4x15
Hack Squats 4x12-15
Lying Single-leg Press 4x15
Bulgarian Split Squat 4x15
Leg Press 4x12-15
Donkey Calf Raises 3x30
Seated Calf Raises 3x30

Wed: Back

Wide Grip Pulldown 4x15
Cable Row 4x12
Close Grip Pulldown 4x12
Deadlift 4x8-12
1 Arm DB Row 4x8-12
Hyperextensions 4x15-20
Abs

Sat: Chest/Biceps

Incline DB Press 4x8-12
Hammer Curl 4x10
Bench Press 4x8-12
Preacher Curl 4x10
Cable Flye 4x12-15
Dumbbell Curl 4x10
Abs

Cardio Schedule

Off-Season: 30-minute sessions, 4 to 5 times a week.
Contest Prep: 30–60-minute sessions, 4 to 6 times a week.
I prefer the treadmill, elliptical, and StairMaster machines. I add sprints during contest prep.

Tips on Presentation

Practice practice practice! You can never be too prepared. Watch videos of other competitors, or find a good posing coach. Your time on stage is limited so bring your best. You've worked hard for many weeks to get there, it wasn't easy, but you did it. And even if you don't win or place, it's ok as long as you can say I did my best.

Final Thoughts

Don't compare yourself to others. Be the best version of YOU that you can be. No one can do you better than you! Stay the course and keep grinding.

NEVER QUIT!

I started to go to the gym to try to put on some muscle, but with not eating right I gained nothing! I was very unhappy with my body and wanted to look healthy! after having
my second child, I remembered the name of a trainer that someone had told me about, Julie Lohre. so I looked her up and exchanged emails with her. shortly after, I joined her Team FitBody. When she saw my photos, she said that if I was really motivated I could be ready to do a show as soon as 8 weeks. I thought, “This woman is crazy!” But, I did what she told me to do in the gym and ate what she told me to eat (my meal plan being based around my dietary restrictions). as the weeks went by I started to gain weight and muscle. When the 8th week came, I was exactly where she said I would be, ready and on stage. I had dropped to 10% body fat, and gained almost 10lbs of muscle. it was truly amazing! I actually loved my body! and the best part, I was healthier than I had ever been!
it is amazing that I went from sick and skinny to healthy and fit! since beginning my training I have eaten clean, by eliminating a lot of processed foods, sugar and 80% of the carbs from my diet. now, the base for all my meals is protein. and another thing that is truly amazing, I have had almost no attacks of IBS!

My Bikini Diet

I am very lucky as far as diet is concerned! My contest diet contains two cheat meals each week up until the last 4 weeks out from a show. I take them out at that point. This is what my typical meal plan is like on a daily basis:

Meal 1
2 eggs/ 5 egg whites
1 cup oatmeal (1/2 scoop UMP Vanilla) with ½ cup of blueberries

Meal 2
2 scoops of UMP chocolate for shake
1 medium banana

Meal 3
5 oz. of chicken, 2 pieces of Ezekiel bread
¼ avocado
1 cup veggies (usually broccoli)

Meal 4
Large salad with 7 oz of chicken, salsa and 2 tbsp of low fat dressing

Meal 5
6 oz. of chicken
1 cup brown rice
1 cup veggies (usually red peppers)

Meal 6
1 scoop of UMP chocolate made into pudding with 1 tsp natural peanut butter

My diet pretty much stays the same whether prepping for a show or not. I eliminate my two cheat meals the final four weeks and replace the eggs and egg whites (due to extra sodium) with fish. I also eliminate any condiments the last two days.

When I first started Julie’s program, I found meal preparation a challenge. I was just trying to make each meal as it was time to eat. I finally smartened up and started setting aside Sundays to prepare all my food and supplements for the week. now, I cook all my food at one time and store it in the fridge. That way it’s ready to eat and I can just grab it when I need it! I also do this for my supplements. I take smaller storage containers and fill each with a day’s worth of supplements. They are small and I can throw them in my cooler or purse when I head out the door.

My Bikini Body Supplement Program

UMP (chocolate & vanilla): I use this for my shakes as a fabulous snack, in my oatmeal to add some flavor and to make pudding!

Density: I take 3 right before I work out, 3 right after my work out and 3 with my lunch for losing fat and increasing muscle mass.

Glutamine Select plus BCAAs I add 2 scoops to my water and sip on it as I work out to aid recovery after a hard workout.

Muscle Synergy: I take 5 of these with my density right before I workout and 5 with my first meal for energy and to help build lean muscle and to help with post workout soreness. I also take it shortly before going on stage to give me a good pump and energy!

Ultra 40: I take 3 of these with 4 of my meals, for preservation of lean muscle mass. Ultra 40 has everything in it, protein, iron, and B 12.

Cardio

I incorporate 2-3 days of 20-minute HIIT cardio each week. Cardio can get boring if you let it. You really have to think of creative ways to switch it up! Like trying a dance class or getting out of the gym and riding a bike doing hill intervals. My favorite cardio equipment is the stair master! I also take a dance class for one of my days. I love dancing and get a great workout in as well.

Bikini Training

I work full time and have two young children, so I have to get up pretty early to get my training in. On a typical day of training I usually arise at 4am, get to the gym by 5am, and workout until 7am. at the end of my training I practice posing for about 15 minutes each day. even though I am definitely not a morning person, I honestly look forward to getting up and going to the gym.

Right now I am doing higher weight, lower reps to gain muscle in my legs. My upper body develops pretty quickly, so my trainer said unless I wanted to transition over to figure I need to stick with lighter weights on my upper body for now.

I will usually add a little ab work after my cardio, since this is an area where I have a hard time gaining muscle.

Presentation for Bikini Competition

I believe that presentation is of prime importance when you are competing! For my first show I had no idea about all that goes into preparing for getting up on stage. I thought I could do my own tan, hair and make-up. Thankfully, I was advised to let someone do all that for me! When you work soo hard and spend soo much time perfecting your body for that day on stage you want everything to be perfect! now, I book my spray tan, as well as hair and make-up appointments, as soon as I register for the show. allowing someone else to do those things takes a lot of worry and stress off your plate at a time when there is al-ready a lot on it. if I order a new suit for the show, I make sure I have it in plenty of time. I start looking for the jewelry I will wear with the suit about a month in advance! I am definitely a planner!

And most important is posing! You have to really dedicate time to practice your posing! as I was preparing for my first show, Julie included times to practice our posing right along with our meal and workout plans. When I first saw this, I thought, “Why would anyone have to practice that much?” now, I know, it is something that if you don’t practice you will never be good at. even the pros incorporate posing into their daily workouts.

My first show was the NPC Kentucky Derby in Louisville. it was a great show for a first timer. as I arrived at the venue I was really nervous and did not know what to expect. Thankfully, a lot of the girls that I trained with were competing as well, so there were some familiar faces. as I sat there and watched all the girls come in I totally started to psyche myself out. You look at all these tan, beautiful, fit girls and think “Oh my gosh! What am I doing?” it is very easy to let yourself be intimidated, but that is when you have to say, “I trained as hard as these girls and I deserve to be here”.

As the time approached Julie was the back stage expediter, ushering the different classes of girls for bikini to get ready to go on. And then it was my turn! I went out there and did what I had practiced over and over again. I loved it! I was immediately hooked! When it was all said and done I ended up taking 1st place in the Masters Bikini! after I came off stage with my award I was greeted by Julie, I don’t know who was more excited, me or her!

I left that competition with many new friends that I still keep in contact with. and more of a feeling that I can accomplish anything if I work hard enough!

My path has not been easy, but it has definitely been most rewarding! I would not be able to do this without my wonderful husband and the support he has given me. My trainer, Julie Lohre, is always looking out for me and my best interests. But there is one person that I could never have done any of this without, and that is God! he provided me with the strength I needed to accomplish what I have. I can do anything as long as I put my faith and trust in him.

Julie also introduced me to Beverly International supplements. I had pre-ordered my “bikini package” of supplements and happily went home with a box of UMP Chocolate, 7-Keto, Lean Out and Fit Tabs. I had tasted many other protein powders, but clearly UMP was like no other. The quality of every item was far superior to anything I had ever taken.

The contest came and I placed lower middle of the pack. I decided to make another go at it, but would switch from Bikini to the Figure division instead.

Now, I had to learn a whole new division and its requirements. Luckily, I knew exactly where to get help. I contacted Julie once again and signed up to be a client. The first thing I learned was that to compete in figure, I definitely had to put on some muscle size.

Training without proper nutrition and supplements would not put on size - it just kept me in shape. I couldn’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Julie’s first suggestion was a comprehensive supplement program to build muscle. Within weeks of starting my new supplement program, I started to notice a difference. My body fat began to drop and in my weekly photos I began to see more and more muscle definition and size.

Nothing motivates me more than a plan that works. I started lifting heavier and was continually setting new PR’s. I recovered quickly from these heavy workouts and was even seeing better hair and nail growth (thank you EFA Gold)!!!

In my first figure show, just 2 months later, I placed 2nd in Masters and 2nd in Open Tall at the Mike Francois Classic! Wow! Did that really just happen???? I signed up for the NPC Ohio last summer and placed 5th in Open Tall and 6th in Masters.

But, by far my biggest hope, dream and goal came true at the 2013 Arnold Amateur Master’s Figure Competition this year. I won my height division and 3rd over all Masters Amateur Figure. I know without a doubt this never would have been a reality without my family, my trainer, my amazing workout support group, Julie Lohre and the entire Beverly International family and community.

Diet Meal Plan

I’m not a fan of the word “diet”. To me it has a connotation of depravity, that was far from what I experienced. I prefer “meal plan”. Julie mapped out my “meal plan” strategy for the “Arnold” and it looked like this:

MEAL #1 (7:30):
1 egg + ½ cup egg whites; 1 cup mixed veggies

MEAL #2 (8:00):
2 scoops UMP (Pre Workout).

10 MIN PRIOR TO TRAINING:
2 scoops Muscle Synergy

TRAINING SESSION:
2 scoops Glutamine Select + 2 scoops Creatine Select

MEAL #3
(w/in 45 min of finishing training): 6 oz. potato, 1 tbsp. honey

MEAL #4 (1:00):
4 oz. lean protein; large salad w/mixed veggies and 1 tbsp. olive oil & vinegar dressing

MEAL #5 (4:00):
4 oz. lean protein; 1 cup rice

MEAL #6 (7:00):
4 oz. protein (I like fish for this meal); 1 small potato; 2 cups mixed veggies; ¼ cup almonds

MEAL #7 (9:00):
1 scoop UMP (mixed w/water); 1 cup berries

Julie Lohre gave me an immense food substitution list to help keep meals diverse with a variety of nutrients from different, healthy sources.

My two protein shakes, Meal #2 and Meal #7, were by far my favorite. Meal #2 is my pre-workout meal and it made me feel amazing!! I felt it gave me great strength and endurance for my training sessions. Even in off-season I still choose UMP pudding as my desert. To me, it is more satisfying than ice cream!

Contest Prep Supplement Schedule

GOALS: GAIN MUSCLE WHILE LOSING FAT TAKING IN CONSIDERATION MY AGE - 46

ULTRA 40: 3 w/5 meals

MASS AMINOS: 3 w/5 meals

7 KETO: 3 in am / 3 in pm

LEAN OUT: 2 w/5 meals

MUSCULARITY: 2 – 3 X a day

CREATINE SELECT: 2 scoops during training

FIT TABS: 2 – 2 X a day

JOINT CARE: 2 – 2 X a day

EFA GOLD: 2 – 2 X a day

QUADRACARN: 2 – 2 X a day

MUSCLE SYNERGY: 2 scoops pre workout

GLUTAMINE SELECT W/ BCAAs: 2 scoops during workout

UMP: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cookies & Crème

What I have discovered about the Beverly family is that their Customer Service can’t be beat. I have called so many times with questions and each and every time hung up knowing I was given the best game plan possible. Each representative really cared and would go at great lengths to make sure each supplement and usage was explained. One of the first things they’d say to me was, “Do you have a pencil and paper ready?” That let me know they were serious and had my best interest at heart.

Cardio

I picked what I enjoyed most for cardio. My preference was interval running and the stair mill. I needed to concentrate on on my glute/ham tie-in and both of these exercises target this area. I did cardio 3 times a week for about 20-minutes per session.

Training

I have been with my trainer Brian Taylor for 7 years, ever since moving from San Diego to Columbus. It’s hard to put into words what he has done for my health and how this has shaped my life. I work in a group and this motivates me like nothing else. These amazing women help push me far beyond what I could do on my own. We see each other almost everyday, share our daily exercise and eating struggles, and push each other to be better than we were the day before. Brian has us doing HIIT sessions and always incorporates stretching throughout. The stretching and my Beverly Glutamine Select w/BCAA’s are absolutely paramount for recovery. I train hard 5 days in a row, take a day off, and go right back to another 5 days feeling 100% ready to go.

Presentation

So many months of prep and now comes the day to show off all of your hard work and dedication. It’s a showcase like nothing else. For me everything becomes a checklist: spray tan (check), competition suit (check), heels (check), jewelry (check), and the list goes on. It is beyond motivating and inspiring once you are backstage with your fellow competitors. You would think that it would be a fierce, non-friendly atmosphere, but it’s just the opposite. Competitors helping competitors - fix suits, pining numbers on, and calming each other’s nerves. EVERYONE has trained hard – we have all relatively done the same sort of prep to get to this spot on this day. Competition day is when reality hits – your time to shine and give it all you got. You walk out on stage, hold your head up high; show off all of your hard work, sweat and tears. I think it would be incredible to hand every participant an award, because every person there is a winner. They did it! They put in the time, the hard work, the strain on families, on themselves and they stuck it out until the end. They completed the journey, and for that there is no trophy that can replace their sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

Once I began to see what my body would do and how I felt, I realized that this was becoming more of a lifestyle for me. I love how I feel when I eat clean, exercise regularly and get a good night sleep. It has definitely crossed over into my family life as my amazingly supportive husband, in solidarity, began to join me in my meal plan and supplement taking. He currently takes the Super Pak daily along with UMP and Glutamine Select. He, as well, has increased muscle mass, strength and overall health. In addition, it is really important to me to set an example for our two kids to incorporate clean eating and exercise for overall good health.

Every time I prep for a competition it becomes a new journey. I continue to learn more and more about how my body responds to the three key factors: train-ing, nutrition and supplements. Along with this, it is instrumental to “maintain balance”. I enjoy the discipline of eating healthy, training effectively, and staying grounded. I know that I cannot and shouldn’t maintain my competition body stats year-round. It’s just not realistic. I’m fine with that. When it is time to dial it all in, I have the game plan and am ready to get down to business.

I have to thank the entire Beverly International family for being a part of and helping me reach and go beyond all of my fitness and physique goals. At 46 years, old I feel better and I think look better than I ever have. I finally have the body I’ve always aspired to have. I think I’m developing the right mental outlook and I am gaining the knowledge to do it the right way. For me, this is priceless!

Growing up, even though I was active in sports, I never fully appreciated or understood the importance of nutrition. Long hours after school for practice and games created long periods of time without proper nutrition which led to cravings, eating processed snacks or fast food all in the interest of time. Friends might have categorized me as, “stocky” or “thick”. There was muscle in there, but the fat covered it all up.

By the time I reached college, things went from busy to chaotic. Attending classes as a full-time nursing student, holding down a part-time job, and late night study sessions made my eating habits that much worse. There was no time for sports in my very demanding schedule and while I “tried” to get to the gym when I could, my eating habits were deplorable and access to healthy food on a college campus back then was like trying to find a snowball in Hawaii. Ordering from the local pizza places, grabbing fast food, and trips to the campus store in addition to the three squares I tried to eat at the university cafeteria sent this healthcare hopeful from “thick” to 3-D. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. Wasn’t I supposed to be epitomizing health?

I did what so many women fall prey to, cutting way back on calories, exercising like mad, and of course hydration wasn’t even something I considered in the health equation. I indeed lost weight (based on the number on the scale), but retrospectively, I know I sacrificed muscle too due to my ignorance about what I ate/drank.

Food Obsessed and Feeling Guilty

This yo-yo dieting continued throughout my college career and by the time I graduated, I had become food obsessed. Binging, and then feeling guilty about it, only to crash diet again to even the score, at least in my mind. My relationship with food was an unhealthy one. I became a group fitness instructor and worked for a major club in the area, but despite teaching three times per week, plus what I was doing on my own, I was still that chubby aerobics instructor. I was of the mind-set that it was just my body type because with all the exercise I was doing, I must be very healthy right?!

As I matured, married and started a family, exercise had essentially ceased. Sure I went to the health club every January along with the rest of the country, only to find excuses and stop going by March. I jogged when the nicer weather rolled around and I would toss a video or two into the VCR (yes, I’m old!) once in a while and jump around in my living room to “take the weight off once and for all”, but like all quick fixes, it never lasted and I would end up feeling bad about myself.

I remember seeing Cory Everson on every fitness magazine cover and when my subscription to Oxygen arrived I would covet the amazing physiques I would see on the featured women. I wondered how they did it and then would think to myself that I would love to compete. Just as quickly, I would dismiss the thought as I looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror. It’s genetic, I would convince myself; some women are just naturally lean and can build muscle easier than others.

I remember attending a family picnic, going into the kitchen to assist with the meal service and seeing a photo of me and my husband that had been taken the previous summer. I didn’t like what I saw. Why did I not take better care of myself? That was the turning point for me. No more excuses. My children were grown and while work was always going to be there, I had to start making the time to take care of me. If for no other reason, I needed to get healthier.

I joined the gym, started doing regular cardio sessions and then hit the weights. It was fairly benign initially, but as I began to see changes, my passion to get better grew. I felt as though I wasn’t seeing the changes I wanted based on the effort I was putting in, something was missing from the equation. If effort is in direct proportion to success, I should have been Donald Trump.

Nutrition, No Nonsense and Julie

A friend and I were chatting during our workouts and we began talking nutrition. The subject of protein powders came up and soon we were debating about which ones were better, had better taste, mixed well, etc…Soon he produced a copy of No Nonsense magazine and suggested I take a look because the articles were very good and he had learned some fresh ideas from the work-out plans that were listed. I tossed the magazine into my gym bag and didn’t give it a second thought.

A few months later, my husband and I took a week’s vacation in South Carolina. I grabbed my gym bag as an additional travel item. I stuffed the bag full of shoes, my hair styling devices and various other things that don’t fit well in your suitcase without taking up too much room. After we arrived and I began to unpack, I noticed the No Nonsense Magazine and sat down to read it. As I perused the pages, I admired the many stunning physiques and read of a woman who professed she could get me there.

Well, I couldn’t dial that phone fast enough; I wanted to learn the secret as soon as possible. I contacted Julie Lohre and began to work with her on my goal to get on stage, including attending her competition prep class in KY. It was through this process that I began to learn the significance of nutrition and hydration. There was so much more that I didn’t truly understand and appreciate. It is those intricacies that took me from good to great!

The difference that improved nutrition made was indescribable and within the year, I was seeing significant progress and began making plans to purchase my suit, shoes and work on posing and stage presence.

I stepped up my game and hired a trainer to really hone my symmetry, posing and stage skill. When I hit that stage for the first time at 44, it was one of the proudest accomplishments of my life. I have learned that anything worth doing is worth doing right. That luck is in direct proportion to hard work; the harder you work, the luckier you get and boy I was feeling lucky!

Figure and Womens Physique Competitions

I took second place in three divisions in 2011 in the INBF association, figure tall, women’s fitbody and the novice division. I competed in another show that same year in the NPC association and took first in my class and second overall. The following year at two NPC shows, I took first in my class and won the overall at both venues securing the title of Ms. Buffalo and Rochester. That same year I became a grandmother for the first time, I was on cloud nine!

This year I was fortunate enough to return to the NPC Northern Kentucky, the region where it all began with Julie and take the overall in womens physique. It was the best homecoming being surrounded by familiar faces whose love and support have been there all along.

Since my journey to the stage began, I have become a certified trainer and find sheer joy in sharing what I have learnedwith others. My husband who has watched me make this amazing transformation has now joined me in this sport and did his very first bodybuilding competition at the NPC NKY taking 6th in his class. I am so very proud of him!

My take home message to you is this: you can’t possibly get where you need to go without a road-map. Know what you need to do and how you need to do it to make your endeavors successful. Take time to care for yourself and even if you never compete, making a better and healthier you makes you a champion in the competition of life! I extend my best to you in your individual journey to a better you.

 
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been active. Besides running around like all kids do, I played soccer, practiced judo, and throughout the years when I came to America, took up running, which became addictive. I started having problems with my back and knees, so I turned to cycling. I’ve also trained in barre, yoga, and then a friend invited me to a kickboxing class. It was there where I first learned about bodybuilding. When I was shown photos of the bikini competitors, I thought “Oh yes, I want to look like that.” I was then introduced to a coach who taught me not only how to properly lift weights, which I knew nothing about, but also helped me with my nutrition and introduced me to Beverly International.

Being a natural ectomorph (tall, lean, long limbs with a facility to burn body fat and a hard time to put on muscle mass), I always thought I was too skinny. I tried to put on weight, but when I did gain, it went to all the wrong places and I ended up truly “skinny fat” (see my before photo). So, when bodybuilding came into my life, I jumped at the chance to get into shape and set a goal of stepping foot on stage in a bikini. (A challenging thought, but one that would ensure I must stay the course.) The first challenge was to ‘deconstruct’ my body by removing all the fat.

I’m an early riser who wakes up at 3:30 a.m. every morning to meditate and pray. At 5 a.m., I’m at the gym for fasted cardio. I go home, eat and go back to the gym for my weightlifting workout. I love it! No need to push me or remind me. Although at the beginning, I was weak in doing lunges (weak is an understatement as I couldn’t even do one) nor do a bodyweight squat properly, I enjoy pushing myself to be the best I can be. But hard work pays off and in 15 weeks, my body changed. It was far from what it ought or could be, but I didn’t hesitate to step on stage as it was my goal and I would gain experience. I was not scared like many predicted and didn’t get a rush either as I was told. I did what I focused on and came out a winner for reaching my goal. The icing on the cake was my placings of 3rd and 4th at my first SNBF show and three weeks later, I placed 5th in another. I am in love with the sport and am in it to stay.

I am still very new to this sport and know it will take time to get the body I need to step on to an NPC stage, but that is my future goal. I am now preparing for another SNBF show later in the year. I am not stepping on stage to take home a prize, although that would be nice, but to show my body improvements.

I am truly blessed, and at the age of 56, I want to show the world, which is so used to instant gratification, that all is attainable with discipline, perseverance and the right attitude. No, you do not need steroids to build muscle after a certain age. I am proof. So, what are you waiting for? Join me and take that leap of faith.

Nutrition

I keep my nutrition simple by using just one or two kinds of carbs, protein and fats. I’ve learned what types of food that my body responds positively to, and stick with them. For example, I’ve always loved sweet potatoes and respond well to them. Brown rice works okay during the off season, but when it comes close to competition, I remove it because it causes bloating. My proteins of choice are fish and protein shakes. During this off-season, I’m adding Mass Maker Ultra and UMP to gain quality muscle (especially important for an ectomorph like me). But when it comes close to competition, I keep things simple by limiting my protein to fish only. Yes, it means I have fish for breakfast, but it’s only temporary, right? For fat, I eat avocado and use olive oil. Water is also crucial. I am now able to drink one gallon, but the ideal would be more: a work in progress.

Growing up with a mom that wanted me to help her in the kitchen, I learned to use spices, which helps the taste buds especially when you eat fish five times a day.
I prepare each meal differently.

To give you an idea, here are the 5 pre-contest meals I currently eat:

Meal 1: 4oz Tilapia baked in the oven using Mrs. Dash with baked sweet potato.

Meal 2: 4oz baked cod in lemon, ginger and basil with baked sweet potato.

Meal 3: 4oz fresh seared tuna. I combine in a bowl, salt, coriander, paprika and cayenne pepper then sprinkle the mixture on the tuna that I subsequently press all sides on a plate of black pepper. I eat it with a spinach salad made with tomatoes, red onions and black pepper dressed with ¹⁄₂ tbsp olive oil and rice vinegar.

Meal 4: Corvina (4oz) is a great fish for ceviche. I marinate the raw fish for a whole day or two (the longer you marinate the fish, the firmer the meat) in fresh pressed lime juice, with red onions that I salt and then wash to remove the bitterness, jalapeno peppers and black pepper. When ready to serve, I top it with tomatoes, cucumber and cilantro with spinach salad (see meal 3) on the side.

Meal 5: Salmon baked with garlic and herbes de Provence spice.

 
Although we’re experiencing the coronavirus Covid-19 crisis, I am blessed to have a gym that I can work out in. As of now, my competition has not been canceled, but only time will tell. Canceled or not, I will stay the course and continue to train and eat right. So, until next time, y’all stay safe and healthy.