When you first started training at what weight did you max out?
The first time I ever deadlifted, I picked up 175 lbs and I was super excited at the time.
What did it take for you to get to where you are now, deadlifting 350 lbs? Did you have to change your diet at all, commit to a certain weekly schedule, etc.?
I honestly never thought I would reach this point, but I commit to a pretty strict gym schedule every week and I think a change in diet comes with that for most people. I try to dedicate three days to cardio and three days to weight training each week. My diet is mostly fresh foods because I love cooking. Meal prep is fun for me!
Can you tell us what a regular workout is for you? What you lift, what you focus on, reps, etc.?
I mostly focus on squats, deadlifts, and benching. I think one of the most effective workouts is to do 5 sets of 5 reps with 75% of your 1 rep max weight for that lift. It’s a really good starting point because you can tailor it to how quickly you’re improving or how you’re feeling that day. You can try increasing the weight each week by 5 lbs. and if it gets too hard, you can decrease the number of reps in each set. Before you know it, you will have a new personal best and you can start the process over again.
Do you find that sticking to such a strict workout schedule interferes with your daily life at all? Does it bother you?
Sticking to a strict schedule makes it much easier to reach your goals. I wouldn’t say it interferes with my daily life because it’s what I want to be doing.
Do you have plans for doing any competitions in the near future?
This has been a popular question for me lately… I don’t have plans for any particular competitions but it’s on my mind.
As a girl, I personally find it a little daunting to dive headfirst into the weight room at the gym when it’s populated almost entirely by men. Has this ever bothered you? How do you get over it?
Yes, definitely! And it still does sometimes but I’m usually just really focused on what I’m doing. I’ve also had several guys approach me to compliment my skills, which keeps me coming back.
Do you have any advice you’d like to give out to the girls who are interested in weight training, but don’t know where to start?
I am lucky enough to have an older brother that has set an international record for his weight class and an older sister that is a certified personal trainer, so I didn’t have to look far for advice. I would definitely recommend talking to someone with experience about form and programs so you don’t hurt yourself!
Why do you think most girls avoid weight training and stick mostly to cardio?
It’s probably due to the fear of becoming too muscular. I felt this way for a while and even took a year off because I was afraid it was happening to me. But then I realized that cardio was not giving me any sort of tone.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to those girls, or to the guys who don’t think girls can weightlift just as much as guys can?
Guys will always have a natural advantage when it comes to weightlifting but that doesn’t mean that girls can’t be just as impressive. Just don’t be a hater and if you are, IDFWU.