I am national-level NPC Figure competitor and fitness model. Currently, in addition to being a figure competitor, I am a business analyst at an internet company, a personal trainer, and student. My educational background is a doctorate in theoretical physics, and I'm studying to attend medical school.
Photo by Gene X Hwang
Courtesy of GenexMagazine
Growing up I was involved in dancing, gymnastics, tennis, and swimming. I began weight training as strength training for swimming, but eventually switched over to bodybuilding and fitness. I suppose I always knew that I wanted to compete. I've always been impressed with the physiques I saw in bodybuilding and fitness magazines. Even though I didn't start out in fitness, I knew that it was something I wanted to try. Initially, I started out competing in bodybuilding, but switched over to fitness.
I've initially competed locally in the San Francisco Bay area in the San Jose Figure Shows and the San Francisco Figure Shows. In 2005, I got really ill, so had to take the year off from competition. In 2005, I competed at the Jr USAs in Charlotte and Jr Nationals in Chicago. So far, I was the happiest with my condition at the 2005 Jr USAs. Even though a few recommendations was that I was too lean, I was happy that I was able to drop that low and still hold some shape and muscularity. The show also meant a lot to me because of all the support I received from family and friends.
In order to get into the proper condition for a show, usually, I do cardio in the mornings and sometimes after training - the number of days and time depends on my condition and how close I am to a show. I train 5 days a week, usually after work. I concentrate on one body part per session and do abs every other day. My favorite exercise are squats! I love training legs - it's so intense! I think my legs are my best body part, however some people have said my best part are my glutes. I love the look of muscular legs on both men and women.
In general, I love everything about training - off season or on season! During the off-season, I like to lift heavier and having the time to participate in other activities. When I'm preparing for a competition, I enjoy the intensity, dedication, and focus the preparation requires.
My days are pretty hectic, but an example would be: 6:00 am: Wake up and do morning cardio 8:00 am 6:00 pm: Work 7:00 pm: Go to the gym for training and cardio 9:00 pm: Read and study. 12:00: Unwind and get ready for bed. I try to get to bed earlier, but it always seems to somehow turn out to be after midnight. In addition to working full-time, training, and studying, there isn't a lot of time for outside activities, so I choose my fun very carefully. When I'm not at the gym, I really enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, reading, exploring new places, and studying science. I also really enjoy photography, playing the piano, and watching movies.
In the bodybuilding and fitness industry, I really enjoy the friendly people, the dedication that the lifestyle requires, and the appreciation the fans show by writing to me and attending shows. Everyone is always very supportive and motivational.
My goals for 2007 are to compete and improve my physique with each competition. Also, I'd like to focus on helping others reach their fitness goals and work on expanding the fitness modeling aspect of the field. I want to be an example to others that one can be a successful, professional person, and still compete!
