How and when did you start training?

I started back in 2007. Mainly because I had a distorted perception of my body, and decided I wanted to lose weight. I was a typical cardio bunny until I adopted weight training a couple years down the road.

Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

Wake up, make coffee, check e-mails, study, train, and then fill up my evening with some sort of relaxing activity. Eating is, of course, scattered throughout the day. These are the days that I’m not working…I honestly lead a very simple life, and it’s enough to keep me on my feet for the most part, without being too boring or too stressful!

 

What is your training routine like?

Since I train for powerlifting, I have been following a modified Westside template, focusing on increasing my PC strength as well as bar speed.

• Monday: ME Squat/Dead
• Tuesday: ME Bench
• Wednesday: OFF (or GPP)
• Thursday: DE Squat/Dead
• Friday: DE Bench
• Saturday: OFF
• Sunday: OFF

Weekends are more “active rest”, since at my work I’m on my feet all day.
On ME (max effort) days, I will train with maximal loads, usually in the 1-2 rep range, aside from assistance exercises. On DE (dynamic effort) days, I will focus more on bar speed and explosive power, still training in lower rep ranges but not with such high loads.
GPP normally consists of some crossfit-style circuit, plyometrics, barbell complexes, etc. I try to keep the sessions short and intense, without being so taxing that it interferes with the rest of my training.

What is your diet like?

While I don’t believe in the “clean vs. dirty” mentality when it comes to diet, I do try to keep an eye on what I’m eating. I try to stick to natural, whole foods for the most part, but will leave myself some room for “fun foods” when and where I see fit. Enjoyment is the key! If I can’t stick to my diet, it’s not going to work…and the best way I have found to stick to my diet is to not deprive myself.

 

Favourite cheat food?

Just like the “clean vs. dirty” outlook, I don’t really have “cheat” meals anymore. That gave what I was doing more of a negative slant than anything. I allow myself anything in moderation, and make sure to keep tabs on it.

How do you deal with cravings for junk foods,
sweets and salty food?

To be honest, the less of it I eat, the less cravings I get! But if I crave chocolate, I’ll go ahead and have a little. And that goes with pretty much anything when it comes to me…I’m not preparing for a competition, so I find no need to be very strict. However, I won’t completely let everything go. If it’s just a small craving, it usually passes very quickly…however if it’s something more intense, I know myself well enough that if I let it continue on for too long, it’ll end up turning into something MASSIVE, even though I could have tamed it with something smaller if I would have given in a little.
It’s all about finding balance and knowing how you’ll react to those foods in small dosages!

Who are your favorite figure competitors,
athletes or fitness models?

Gina Aliotti, Becca Swanson, Suzanne Hartwig-Gary, Kara Bohigian, Hannah Johnson, Laura Phelps, and Aneta Florcyzk.

What are your top three exercises?

Squats, deadlifts, and rows!
Can’t really explain why I like them so much. They’ve just always been my favorite exercises, ever since I started weight training.

 

What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?

My health. Which is why I do not strive to be very lean year-round. While I do maintain a pretty good level of leanness, being below that isn’t my top priority at the moment…my training and my health is, however. Staying around a very low body fat % for a woman is not optimal for her health at all, and I want to promote balance and overall fitness rather than just peak aesthetic condition…because after all, if your health is affected in a negative way, are you really “fit” in the first place?

What is your best body part?

I think I’ll have to say my upper back. It has always been my best asset!

…and your best body part in a man?

Haha…well, I like nice legs on a guy. A nice back is great as well!

What is the number one philosophy you live by?

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and no matter how tough you think you are, it’ll always beat you if you let it. It isn’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! If you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits and not pointing fingers saying you aren’t where you want to be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that, and that isn’t you! You’re better than that! …until you start believing in yourself, you aren’t gonna have a life.”
- Rocky Balboa

What 3 tips would you give to any woman wanting to get a feminine, CutandJacked physique like yours?

1. Eat well.
2. Lift heavy.
3. Be consistent.