Michigan NPC News

As told to the MichiganNPCnews

I was born in Van Nuys California in 1968 and lived there until I was 9. My family moved to Simi Valley in Ventura County where I graduated from Simi Valley High-school in 1986. I was a Cheerleader and Song Leader all through High School like my mother and my oldest sister Paige. When I was 17 I went to my first gym and lifted weights with a girlfriend. At age 19 I got serious and started lifting weights with my middle sister Julie. Julie and I followed one of Rachael McLish’s workout books to learn what exercises to do for different body parts. I got hooked and have been lifting weights 5 to 6 days a week ever since. Since then I’ve learned different weight-training techniques from different gym rats who, held titles such as Mr. Ventura in Ventura California to professional bodyguards of celebrities like Sylvester Stallone. I learned the fundamentals and consider myself "Old School" when it comes to my workout routines. I avoid what I consider easy exercises like "crunches" and the "ball" and instead do Hanging Leg Raises and Decline Sit-Ups for abs. I don’t like to waste my time in the gym! My biggest pet peeve is the commercialized word "core." We are not apples, and Gray’s Anatomy doesn’t recognize the word "core" which didn’t exist 10 years ago. I find it a little sad how commercialized the bodybuilding and fitness industry has become. Being healthy and physically fit is simple if you focus on the basics and fundamentals of the sport.

In 1995 I moved to Chelsea Michigan just west of Ann Arbor. In 1999 I moved to Howell and finished my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Majoring in Quality Management. I worked as a Quality Engineer and Manager until 2003. In 2000 I got pregnant and gave birth to a little girl on Dec. 28^; I also finished my Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology & Physical Training that year through a distance learning University and then was laid off in the automotive industry. During all of these new life-changing challenges and experiences, the one and only thing that kept me sane was my dedication to my workouts. I barely got by financially as a single mother until I had my fitness studio and massage therapy room built in my lower level of my home and started personal training and doing massage therapy in 2005. Having battled an eating disorder during my teenage years, I never competed due to the strict dieting which was necessary for such competitions, and which would have been a disaster for me. In 2004 I wrote and published an illustrated fitness/weight-lifting "How-To" book. I posed for over 100 weightlifting exercises (start and finish position) and described the proper technique for each. Also in 2004, I also appeared several times on WDIV NBC’s Peter Principles. Peter Nielsen had me assist him with exercise demonstrations on six different episodes.

In 2006 I attempted a Figure show and placed 6th in short class. I was very discouraged about competing after that. I didn’t compete again until this year when the new Bikini Division was added. I feel very comfortable in this category and have finally started making competition progress with one 1st Place, three 2nd places and one 4th place. I am proud to say that at 41, I am Nationally Qualified to compete in the Bikini Division for 2010.

Contact Stehanie for personal training at steph@bodybysteph.com   www.bodybysteph.com

As told michiganNPCnews

Age:　 48

Weight: 135

Contest Weight:　 125

What motivated you to start working out? I love the feeling of accomplishment when I’m finished. There are days its hard to get motivated, but I find that when I’m done I feel great. Besides I love to eat.

How long have you been working out? I have been a member at my current gym for 19 years. But I taught aerobics for 6 years prior to that.

Have you competed before?　 Yes, this is my 3rd year.

How did you hear about the Great Lakes Iron Man, and why did you decide to do that particular show? I went to the Michigan NPC website and found it on their calendar and it fit my schedule. Besides I liked the 1st place awards - a sword. I thought that was neat.

Where do you train, and who is your trainer/nutritionist?　 I train at a gym called "go work out" in Lansing, Michigan. I originally went through the Apex nutritional program at my gym. After that I took what I learned from him and Apex and continued on by myself. I do a lot of reading and watching other people. I also invested in the "bodybugg" it helps keep me motivated and accountable for what I eat and how many calories I burn each day while training.

How many hours do you work out and how often? I work for the fire dept. so some days I have to be to work early so I go to my gym and just do cardio for 1 hour. The other days I will do wt. training for about 1 ½ hrs with 40-50 min. of cardio. Then, when I’m in pre-contest I will do a second cardio session in the evening for 1hr. I try to do some type of cardio everyday, and wts. 3-4 days a week.

What is the toughest part about getting ready for the show?　 mostly the dieting, especially while at work. The firemen cook up some real mean meals that smell so good, and it usually involves dessert. Then I think remembering to take the time to practice posing. When I’ve already worked out 2 times that day, practicing posing is hard to get motivated for.

What is the most enjoyable part about contest prep?　 Seeing the changes that your body makes, I’ve found that with each show I prepare for I’ve tweeked or improved from the last one. Also, feeling good mentally and physically.

As told to MichiganNPCnews

Pam started working out when she was 15 years old, because she didn't want to follow in "my family's bad health history".  She used to go to the gym in the morning before high school, and after (to get her two workouts in!).  She read every book she could find on working out (her favorite was the Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding!)  She would carry her Oxygen Magazine around and follow the workout plans they had each month.  During high school, working out kept her out of trouble (drugs, partying, etc).  It gave her a purpose, a sense of pride and a lot of self-confidence! She loved it, and she wanted to learn more!

Throughout high school and into college she continued to workout, just to change her body.  (She also had in her mind she kind of wanted to be the girl on the cover of that Oxygen Magazine!)   One day someone in the gym mentioned she should try bodybuilding.  That planted the seed!  She thought about it for a while then started asking around to local bodybuilders that she knew. One person kind of took her under his "wing", helped her workout and taught her a little about diet.  (He had competed in a couple past bodybuilding events).  

Well, at the time when she was thinking about getting ready for her first show, her gym suddenly closed down!  She was a bit frustrated, but found somewhere new to workout (that day)!  She lost touch with her "trainer" and just started working out with a friend.  They knew nothing about diet, but picked a local show for her to compete in (The Ironman, at Redford Theatre!) They learned together what to eat, etc.  They got in touch with a local nutritionist (Barry) and he gave her a basic diet plan to follow.  She followed that (to her best knowledge, still putting ketchup on her eggs and cream in her coffee!); she did make some changes and entered her first bodybuilding show! "I think I placed 4th".  She did 3 bodybuilding shows that year.  "I placed in all of them and brought home trophies!  It was so much fun!"

"I knew I loved the stage, and the contest prep, (mentally and physically) but I also knew genetically I didn't have what it takes to go anywhere in the sport of bodybuilding (without enhancement drugs).   So in 2005 I decided that I wanted to do figure, since fitness was never an option, due to my lack of gymnastics and lack of coordination!  Again, not many people even knew a lot about the sport since it was still very new.  I was now on my quest to do what it took to be the best figure competitor I could be!"

She entered her first Figure competition in 2005. (The Mellissa Frabbiele Classic).  She had no figure "coach" or trainer, so her boyfriend and she did as much research as they could think of.  She ordered her suits (with no stones and no padding!) online from some website and started studying the sport a little.  She had no idea what to expect so she would practice "posing" from pictures of Jenny Lynn that she had found! "I placed 5th in that show, which I felt was pretty good considering what I brought to the stage" (after looking back!)  After the show she spoke with a couple of the judges and got a little feedback.  They said she needed help with "the little things", like suits, posing, makeup, etc. 

She hired a trainer/coach for a couple sessions to help with posing and diet tips.  She did help her a lot, but she knew that there was still more she wanted to learn. She went through a couple different "trainers" that gave her some bad advice.  She did a few more shows and did "okay" in them. "All of that had taken a toll on my body (yo-yo dieting) as well as my mind!  I was so confused and frustrated; my weight went up to 178lbs! I was really starting to get depressed."  She did a lot more research throughout that year.  She followed some of the top competitors that she saw (pro and national level) and found out where they went.  She eventually met my current trainer/coach, Mike Davies at the end of 2005.  She drove 4 hours to meet him and immediately LOVED what she encountered!  "There were tons of girls in shape with the same goals as me!" 
 
She knew that she wanted and needed that type of environment around her if she was going to succeed (and get her mind back together!).  She also knew she couldn't move or drive 4hours one way everyday! So, she said to myself "I will just have to create that type of energy around me!"   That's what she did!  "I was already working at a local nutrition store and a local gym, so I eventually started personal training my own clients.  I recruited girls to train and trained them the way that I learned to train from my coach."  

She competed in her first national show in 2006 (North Americans), her goal was to place in the top 15, she placed 14th!  "I have been improving ever since."  With a lot of hard work, determination, dedication and consistency, she has become a consistent top 5 national level competitor.  "I strive to be my best at every show and eventually my ultimate goal is to get my IFBB procard and then compete as a top level pro!"

"As I continue to compete and build my own personal training business (with of course the help of my coach), I am always learning and helping others with their own fitness goals, whatever that may be. I am proud to say that I have a very long list of clients and many of them are competitors. I have local and now a national level competitor!"

"My boyfriend (Matt Greshock), and I have now been personal training together for 4 years now. We always continue to learn and teach all that we know to our clients, helping them better their lives through living a healthy lifestyle.  We both live the way we teach our clients to live, that's what makes it so easy to teach! I do feel like it's my purpose to help people find their best self!" 

Currently they our training at the YMCA in Flushing, Be sure to look for her and many of our clients to rock the stages throughout Michigan, Ohio, Chicago, and many more states this year!

Contest history (NPC figure)

2005  Mellissa Frabielle Classic, 3rd place short
         Michigan Figure, 3rd short
         GNC National Championships Collegiate division 4th place, class B

2006  Michigan Figure, 3rd short
         Julie Palmer Ultimate Bodybuilding and figure, 3rd Medium
         IFBB north American 14th place class C

2007  Jr. USA's 7th place Class C
        Pittsburg figure, 1st place Class C
         Jr. Nationals, 4th Place class C
         Team Universe, 5th place class C

2008  Arnold Amateur, 1st place class C
        Jr. USA's 5th place class C
        Jr. Nationals, 3rd place class C
        North Americans, 5th place Class C
        Team Universe, 4th place Class C    

2009 IFBB North American, 1st Place Clacc C


Stats: Occupation: personal trainer/figure coach, fitness model 
         height 5'4" 
         weight (on season) 127, off-season, 135-140
         birth date: 12/05/1981
         web site: www.pamelasoper.com
         MySpace: www.myspace.com/pamelasoper      

As told to the MichiganNPCnews

Before I get into the details of my training and competitions, I want you to know a little bit about me. My name is Deborah Collins. My weight is 125 pounds during my off-season, but my contest weight is 115 pounds. I was born, raised and have lived in Michigan all of my life. I now live in Flint Township.

I am an elementary school teacher. I have somewhat of a flexible schedule, which is great for scheduling, dieting, and training for competitions. I like to read, help children, lift, do hip hop cardio, watch reality shows, and make progress in my spiritual growth. I dislike people who are lazy, mean, or who do not want to change.

I was motivated to start working out after watching both of my parents die from a heart attack. I learned that life is what I make of it and that I alone am responsible for my own happiness.

I have learned that others may influence my state of mind, but I have the final say. It is my desire to make life happen. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle and competing in figure competitions is my way of taking control of my life, and most importantly my happiness.

I have been working out at least 10 years. As a young girl, I would sit in my living room and watch physique competitions and mimic the fitness moves. I would look at bodybuilding, fitness and figure women in magazines and wish that I could look like them. Finally, I decided that I had to try. Now, I am totally committed to a healthy, fitness lifestyle.

I have competed numerous times as a bodybuilder before making the switch to figure competitions. My figure competition highlights are:

2006 OCB Motown Muscle Classic: 1st place in sub masters, 1st place in Novice, 2nd place in Open Tall

2007 OCB Motown Muscle Classic: 1st place in Open Tall

2008 NPC Flint Mid-Michigan Natural: 2nd place in Masters, 4th place in medium

2009 NPC Flint Mid-Michigan Natural: 1st place in Masters, 1st place in Medium, Overall winner

My most recent win was on 5-9-09 at the 2009 Michigan show. I placed 1st in Masters, 1st in Medium, and was the overall winner.

After doing my first figure competition, I had always thought about becoming an

IFBB Figure Pro and make a difference in the world. I believe when one reaches a new level in life one should share the knowledge gained to improve the universe for the next generation. So, I noticed a poster that had been hanging in the gym for weeks. It was for a national qualifier show in May. I decided that this would be the show that I needed to do in order for me to have a chance at earning my pro card.

When I am preparing for a competition, I begin with four 30-minute cardio sessions per week. I work up gradually to six days per week for 60 minutes at four weeks out from the show. I train with weights 5 times per week. I work up gradually to 6 times per week for approximately 30 minutes. During my off-season, I do three 30-minute cardio sessions per week. I train with weights 4 times per week. I include an abdominal, yoga and stretching class as part of my training also.

I believe the toughest part about getting ready for a show is being mentally prepared, WOW! That can be a great day one day and a hair-pulling day the next. I am blessed to have a good Mentor/Trainer to help me through this process. I usually have a checklist for my goals, and plans for what I need to accomplish daily and weekly.

On the hand, the most enjoyable part about prepping for a contest is watching the wonderful transformation my body goes through from all of the hard work. It is an awesome feeling.

In conclusion, I would like to give all praise to Yahweh (God). My parents always told me to never forget where I came from. So, I would like to thank Walt, owner of the Rock Fitness Center because this is where it all started for me and I shall never forget.

I would like to encourage others by saying I am proof that if you stay in Yahweh’s (Gods) word, follow your dreams and do not let anything get in your way, you will achieve ultimate success and happiness. I have wanted this for so long. I researched, asked questions, spoke to the right people, woke up at 4:00 a.m. so I could go sweat, all to achieve my dream! If you want it bad enough, you will do what it takes to get there.

My personal goals are to improve myself in faith, family, friends and fitness, and to become an elementary physical education school teacher, personal trainer, and help girls and women empower themselves to follow their dreams. My Fitness goals are to become an IFBB Figure Pro in 2010 at the NPC Jr. Nationals in Chicago. This is only the beginning for me.

Peace

As told to MichiganNPCnews

Age: 30

Weight: Contest-115-118 lbs. Off season- 125-130lbs.

What motivated you to start working out: I can remember as young as 12 doing crunches in my bedroom and when I was 15 my brother took me to the gym and I have been hooked ever since. When I went to college at Northern Michigan University the gym I trained at was owned by a bodybuilder (Tracy Mason) and she was the one who talked to me about competing in figure, I learned a lot from her and her husband, Eric who is also a bodybuilder. I wanted to give it a try, I always loved working out but I didn’t know much about the diet especially since I do not eat meat and haven’t for 19 years, so I knew that part would be hard. So after doing research on my own from the internet and magazines and helpful tips from others I learned that diet is 80% of your results. After that first show I was pretty much hooked, and have been looking for ways to improve ever since.

How long have you been working out? Since I was 15 years old.

Have you competed before? I have competed in eight shows. I started in 2001 with a few shows in Wisconsin, one in Indiana and my last two were the 2003 and 2004 Junior Nationals in Chicago. I took a 5 year break and then I got the bug again to do the Great Lakes Iron Man this year.

How did you hear about the Great Lakes Iron Man, and why did you decide to do that particular show? It’s been 5 years since my last show and I actually wanted to compete last year but I hurt my elbow and had to take it easy but I was ready to give it a try this year. I wanted to do a show in Michigan this time around and this show seemed perfect.

Where do you train, and who is your trainer/nutritionist? I work and train at the Baraga County Memorial Hospital Rehab & Fitness Center. I train on my own and handle my own diet and supplements.

How many hours do you work out and how often? I work out 6-7 days a week, and some days it can be over 3 hours a day between the 1-1.5 hours of cardio and the 1.5 hours of weights and sometimes when I feel like I need more I will do things at home as well (that’s the OCD part of me).

What is the toughest part about getting ready for the show? By far the diet, it can be extremely difficult at times especially around holidays and now, the summer. I always say the working out is the fun part, the diet is the hard part.

What is the most enjoyable part about contest prep? Watching your body change, it is amazing to see what a clean diet, cardio and weight training can do. Seeing the results is what keeps you going.

As told to MichiganNPCnews

Age:27

Height: 5'6"

Weight: (contest/before/after, etc)

158lbs before, 135 after

What motivated you to start working out?
-I wanted to be healthier overall and break some bad habits.

How long have you been working out?

-I have been working out on and off for a long time, with a trainer for about 17 months.

Have you competed before? (where, when, and placements)

-no.

How did you hear about the Flint/Mid-Michigan, and why did you decide to do that particular show?

-I heard about it through my sister in-law, she's done several shows and I sparked an interest for a trainer through her and my trainer actually talked me into doing the Flint show.  It's a good start and local.

Have you competed before?

No

Where do you train, and who is your trainer/nutritionist?

-I train with Pam Soper 4-5 days per week and I get my diet and cardio plans from her trainer, Mike Davies.

How many hours do you work out and how often?

-For show prep I do about 1-1.5 hrs of cardio a day 6 days a week and weights for an hour 4-5 days a week

What is the toughest part about getting ready for the show? (Diet/ weight training/ cardio/ posing/ etc)
-Due to bad habits, the dieting can be pretty tough at times, and making time for work AND work-outs.

What is the most enjoyable part about contest prep? 

-making friends and finding confidence in yourself to do what was thought to be the unthinkable!!!!

As told to MichiganNPCnews

Age: 46

Height: 5'1

Weight: 130 before/ 112 after

How long have you been working out?

1 year 2 months

Have you competed before?(where, when, and placements) No

How did you hear about the Flint/Mid-Michigan, and why did you decide to do that particular show?

Pam Soper because she motivates me and I think I might be ready for this next step.

Have you competed before? No

Where do you train, and who is your trainer/nutrtionist?

Flint YMCA -Pam Soper/MIke Davies for nutrititon

How many hours do you work out and how often?

5 days a week and about 2hr and 45mins

What is the toughest part about getting ready for the show? Posing!!!!!! Its so hard!

What is the most enjoyable part about contest prep?

Getting a cool suit that looks good on yourself.

As told to MichiganNPCnews

Age:  45

Weight: Contest:  130

What motivated you to start working out?

I was tired of trying the yoyo diets that did not work.  So I decided to try working out.  In the beginning it didn’t do much for me since I continued to try the yoyo dieting along with working out.  I even went as far as getting a personal trainers certification thinking it would help motivate me, as well as educate me on the proper way to work out.  It wasn’t much help. I was still motivated because the pounds were not falling off fast enough.  (Of course I have always struggled with patience.)  Then I started going to a boot camp class, met a few new friends, and a great trainer, Matt Greshock.  That was where it began. Then I attended the Flint/Mid-Michigan show to watch an acquaintance from the gym (who is now one of my best friends).  My friends convinced me that I could get on stage and compete and one year later I was there.

How long have you been working out? On and off for years. 

How long have I successfully worked out? – 3 years. 

Have you competed before?  Yes

How did you hear about the Flint/Mid-Michigan, and why did you decide to do that particular show?

My trainer, Matt Greshock informed me of the show.   It is a good show that is close to home and was the first show I had ever attended as a spectator.

Where do you train, and who is your trainer/nutritionist?  I train at the YMCA on Pierson Road in Flushing with Matt Greshock.  Matt and Mike Davies are my nutritionists.

How many hours do you work out and how often?   I work out between 12 and 15 hours per week doing cardio twice a day 5 to 6 days a week and weight train one hour 4 days per week.

What is the toughest part about getting ready for the show?  For me the toughest part is posing.  It takes lots of practice, and just when you think you are going to hit your pose every time, I miss a pose.  

What is the most enjoyable part about contest prep?  Lifting weights and watching my body transform.

As told to MichiganNPCnews

Age: 25

Height: 5’10’’

Weight: 155lb off season; 145lb in competition

I have worked out since high school, but I seriously started lifting and training 3 yrs ago. Originally I became involved in competing because my mom was doing Figure competitions and she wanted me to compete with her. This year will be my 3^{rd season competing and I am officially hooked! I still compete with my mother (this is her 5th season) but now I compete for me, because I love the sport! We have become so involved in the sport of Figure that we now own a competition suit company. "Suits by Sassy" has become a growing company and we are now in our 3rd year of business. We have made hundreds of suits, most of which are worn by Michigan competitors. Our business is owned and run by my mother and myself. In many ways Figure Competitions have changed my life both personally and professionally.}

Kristin and her mom were featured in a front page article in the Flint Journal Sunday issue on April 26, 2009. She also recently placed 5th in the tall division on the open figure at the 2009 Flint/Mid-Michigan.

PDF of the Flint Journal front page article

As told to Michigan NPC News

RACHEL DELMOTTE is the sales and marketing director for FitWorld LLC. Rachel has been active all her life and finally in 2008 decided to make her dreams come true by competing in figure shows. Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge to FitWorld with not only experience but a true desire to help others live a healthier life.

Rachel chose an educational track in social work due to her interest in helping others empower themselves.  She worked as a case worker in Detroit, MI; assisting low income families find needed resources to improve their lives.  Her interest in people, lead her to move her career to the UK.  While in England, she worked as an educational assistant in a community center; designed to provide services to low income families.  Back in the US, she decided to move her career into a field she had always held a passion for personally. That field was fitness. 

She then moved on to work as a boot camp instructor for a community center that provided discounted classes for those on a limited income.  Her next move was to become certified in personal training and aerobics.

Rachel then chose to pursue a career in sales for a well respected medical laboratory. She currently works as a Sales Representative, while still pursuing her fitness passion.  Currently, she teaches kickboxing, and has worked as a personal trainer.

Rachel’s constant drive for improvement and thirst for knowledge, led her to decide to take on the challenge of figure competing in 2008.  Competing has opened her eyes to the dramatic changes a healthy, balanced diet can have on your physique.  Staying active and working out was the easy part, for a woman who had always been a runner, a cheerleader, a softball player and a gym "go'er".  Yet having personally witnessed the amazing transformation that the "right eating" can have on positively changing your body, led her to want to share and help others seeking solutions.

Rachel is hopeful and determined to live her fitness dreams and to continue to help others on their quest to feel great, stay motivated, and discover their potential.  Rachel wants to help you get excited about how simple it is to stay healthy, eat right, and live active! www.fitworld.org

Certification in process for Nutritional Counseling – Trinity College
Certification in Personal & Group Training
Certification in Aerobics
Member of Healthy Quest

3rd place - 2008 Central States - Michigan
3rd place - 2008 Natural Michigan
Overall winner - 2008 Great Lakes & Ironman - Michigan

2009 Arnold Classic March 5th in Columbus, Ohio
2009 Northern Kentucky, March 14 in Covington, Kentucky

Submited by MichiganNPCnews

Youtube video

Michele recently competed in and won the 2008 Figure Tall Class in the All Forces National Military Championships, which is now open to athletes retired from military service. She will be competing in the Masters Nationals in July 2009. She is originally from Taylor, MI. She has been competing in the Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure arena for many years. She competed the first time in the USAF (United States Air Force) while stationed at F.E. Warren, AFB, WY. She decided to enter her first bodybuilding show so she would lose all her weight from a pregnancy, where she won the Mixed Pairs and took fifth in the 1987 Wyoming State Bodybuilding Championships. Since then Michele has competed in and placed in several state levels shows. In the Air Force she spent her career in Fitness and Recreation. She has two Degrees in Applied Science in Fitness, Recreation and Services Management and Instructor of Technology in Military Science. She retired from the USAF in 1995 and is currently the Fitness Program Coordinator for Hurley Health & Fitness Center in Flint, MI. She is a certified Physical Fitness Specialist through the Institute for Aerobic Research. Some of her other certifications include Aerobic Fitness Association of America, Johnny G. Spinning@ Trainer, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Leader and Pilates Trainer. She has competed and won various Figure, Fitness, Strength and Bodybuilding competitions. Michele won several Michigan Overall Bodybuilding Shows prior to crossing over into Figure in 2007.  Michele has over 20 years experience in personal training and is also an NPC state level judge.   Michele can be contacted at mthorin1@hurleymc.com.

Submited by MichiganNPCnews
Deborah Halas recently competed in her first figure competition placing 2nd in Grand Masters, and 4th in her height
class of the open division at the 2008 Natural Michigan. She is 43 and a mother of 4, ages 21, 19, 15, and 3 and starting training a year and half before the event! She would like to share her story to inspire others, who may feel that it's just not possible to start a figure career later in life, or after children. She had many obstacles to over come to reach my goal, including being hit by a drunk driver half way through training. She was told that it just wouldn't be a good idea to keep training, but with the guidance of her Doctors, and her trainers, she kept on training and made the show. in Detroit. She plans on competing again in the spring.

Over all she says "I had a great first experience". Prep for this was difficult. Being her first time competing, she didn't have anything to gauge her progress by. But she really had expert training, nutritional, and posing guidance.   

She says, "my hardest body part glutes and hammies! At first I thought it would be my abs.  After 4 kids, and layers of, well, FAT, I was so trilled to see my new mid section. One of my trainers, (Kenneth Jackson, 2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding Championships 1st place,) told me cardio, and water, and more cardio! Seems so simple, but when you look for immediate results, it can be disappointing, so don't (look for immediate results).  Just keep training and it (abs) will happen!"

Submitted by MichiganNPCnews

Diana Sesto’s figure career did not start out as well as she had hoped.  As her first show she entered the 2007 Mellissa Frabiele classis in June of 2007, and finished dead last in a class of 8 competitors.  This 22 year old from Clinton Township did not give up; she dug in and trained harder with her eye of the 2008 figure schedule.  You see failure was in athletics was something she was not used to.  Diana had excelled in sports at Chippewa Valley High School.  While in high school she competed in 3 sports, Basketball, Volleyball and track. She continued her volleyball and basketball career at Macomb Community College, where she was captain of both teams, and made their hall of fame as a basketball player. She was also a member of the 2005 Modonna University Volleyball Team that went 47-0 and was ranked 3rd in the nation.  So you can understand that completing and excelling in athletic events come natural to Diana.

So there was never any doubt Diana would get back into the gym after her last place finish in 2007.  She focused on 2008 by taking 2nd place in the tall class division at the Great Lakes Ironman in June.   She stuck with her training program and entered both the Natural Michigan in July and returned to the Mellissa Frabiele in August, taking tall class wins in both shows

 How long have you been training?

I started training when I was in fifth grade and starting in 6th grade I would wake up at about 5am before school to train in my room every morning. I would do crunches, push ups, tricep dips between my bed and dresser. Basically anything I could create and think of to enhance my body. Bigger faster stronger was the moto I lived by once I realized how gaining muscle strength and speed allowed me to advance in any sport than the rest of my teammates and components I began to take it to the next level.

Have you always been health conscious?
 I've always been health conscious and intrigued by the human body. I started drawing at a young age and my favorite thing to draw was always a physique of a muscular body. What is most fascinating to me is how I can manipulate any part of me into any shape I want by applying training and dieting. It's not an easy process in trying to perfect a symmetrical shape and this is by far the hardest sport I've ever competed at. Although I may be the only one on stage to present the final product of my body on the day of the competition, it really does involve a team of people to guide, train and provide support throughout the weeks of preparation leading up to that day to get me there.
 
How did you know you wanted to compete?
I can remember the day I was working at the gym when I was 19 years old. I had just signed with Madonna University to play volleyball and I came across a magazine with a picture of Amanda Jo Savell (my prayers are with her). I read up on the sport and a week later I had called the Madonna coach and told him that I did not want to play and I was sorry for the inconvenience but I wanted to start training to compete instead. After a long conversation he had talked me into playing and after 4 months of a wonderful season I ran home, bought a couple books and started the process. I've been training ever since and I grow to love it more and more each day that goes by.   

Do any of your friends compete?
Yes in fact my Boyfriend Casey competes. I’m so blessed to have him in my life. He is not only encouraging but just such an inspiration to me as well. To have someone understand what it takes to compete with all the time and dedication is really something I’m grateful for. The best part is getting into my side pose quarter turn only to find him off to the side with a thumbs up at the curtain smiling and cheering me on backstage. We are both such competitive people and being able to share this is important. A friend once told me that Bodybuilding is not just a hobby…it’s a way of life. “We” love what we do and that’s what makes it so much fun!!
Are you going to compete again?
Oh for sure, in fact we are currently debating over which shows would be best for me to do next season. I would love to do two if can and I’m hoping to compete in one of them at the next level to see what it’s like and be able to experience that level of intensity and competition. Doing a national show would be a dream come true for me.  I would like to do the Flint/Midichigan or Ironman Great Lakes show again.  Those shows are both well run and fun to do.  Christine Hardy is the one who is currently helping me out and guiding me through this process and what she says goes. We met at the gym I work at and after seeing me train and hearing that I was cutting for a show she pulled me aside and basically has been a big sister to me through out all of this ever since. Her heart is bigger than life it’s self and to have her in the final weeks, backstage and even now is more than I could have ever hoped for. 

Age: 22
Born/Raised In: Clinton Township, Michigan.
Current Residence: Michigan
Height: 5'10"
Contest Weight: 151 lbs.
Off-Season Weight: 160 lbs.
Current Occupation: Personal Trainer
Favorite Healthy Food/Meal: I love Oatmeal and Whey!
Favorite Cheat Food: Chocolate and Vino!--what I'm a girl
Favorite Music: Any music I can shake my booty to.
Favorite Exercise: Lower back extensions
Favorite Body Part to Train: Glutes
Least Favorite Exercise: Decline Bench Press
Least Favorite Body Part to Train: Calves
Days p/Week I Train: 5-6
    Monday- Chest
    Tuesday- Back
    Wednesday-Arms
    Thursday-Legs
     Friday-Shoulders/Abs  
Amount of Aerobics p/week: I do aerobics only as needed and increase the intensity coming in for a show.
Favorite Aerobic Exercise: Kick Boxing and Rollerblading.
Least Favorite Aerobic Activity: Running is okay but I'd rather do sprint intervals because I get bored easily.
 

Diana is currently a Personal Trainer and Manager for    Fitness 19 in Clinton Township.  She also attends Eastern Michigan University pursuing a degree business Management and Marketing Technologies

Personal Training Contact Information:
      Fitness 19 (586) 226-1915

Submitted by her husband Joe Leahy

Tina Leahy competed in her first show the Mid-Michigan Championships and fulfilled a life long dream of stepping on stage.  Tina dared herself to get into her best shape ever and over the course of twelve weeks transformed her body into a contest ready physique.  Tina was driven by fulfilling her dream of one day stepping on stage and never lost sight of her goal to compete.  20 grams of carbs a day and 12 hrs of cardio a week didn't stop her but only made her more motivated to succeed.  I am proud of her and all she accomplished.  Once again the Mid-Michigan show helped to make competitors dreams come true.

    Tina Leahy is a Lieutenant with the Michigan Department of Corrections and has been training seriously for the last year and a half.  Tina hopes to continue to compete and one day win an overall title, more importantly she wants to enjoy the rewarding feeling of a good workout when she has given it her all.