Interview With Tami Bellon
Featured Competitor - February 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
WP: Tami has been competing in bodybuilding shows since 2007 and has placed within the top 5 each time. She is a business major, going for her Bachelor's in Health Care Administration. If this isn't enough, she also is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Consultant, Competition Prep Coach, and a APT Pro Gear Sponsored Athlete.
“Cutting out the cheat meals is really not my idea of fun.”
WP: Let’s begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.
TB: I am a business major, going for my Bachelor's in Health Care Administration, currently. I'm an introvert and tend to be too serious sometimes (can't tell a joke to save my life!) and I'm originally from Fort Wayne, IN.
WP: What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
TB: I've had a few! Ha-ha! I was raised in a home where nutrition and health were main focuses. I was always really annoyed that all my friends had potato chips and Twinkies in their pantry and I got stuck with protein bars and all natural peanut butter! I'm thankful for that now, though.
WP: So, you have competed before? Can you tell me more about it?
TB: I started bodybuilding in 2007 with my first show being the Northern Kentucky (the Beverly International show). In 2008, I did 2 shows and then in 2009, 2 shows; with the last show being my national debut at the North American's. I placed in the top 5 at every show.
WP: Are you planning to compete again in the future?
TB: Yes, I need to qualify again and then I'm planning on doing the North American's again in August.
WP: What have competitions taught you thus far?
TB: Competing has shown me that I really like to challenge myself more than I ever thought I did, but it has also taught me that looking great on stage means being unhealthy for a moment. Competitions are extremely taxing on a person’s body.
WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
TB: I had to overcome stage-fright! Ha-ha!
WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
TB: I love pizza, Mexican food, sweets and sugar. Cutting out the cheat meals is really not my idea of fun.
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?
TB: The key factors are that I don't want to be overweight, out of shape and unhealthy.
WP: How has your training changed over the years?
TB: When I first started in '92, I was using a pyramid scheme. Since then I've liked to implement DC Training, GVT (German Volume Training), progressive training and my own variations of these and other schemes. I like to use a specific scheme for 4-6 weeks and then I'll change it to prevent boredom.
WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far?
TB: 2007 - Northern Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships - light weight, placed 3rd.
2008 - Northern Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships - middle weight, placed 5th.
2008 - Julie Palmer Classic - middle weight, placed 2nd.
2009 - Arizona Open - heavy weight, placed 3rd (was put in the wrong class, I was actually a middle weight).
2009 - North American's, middle weight, placed 5th.
WP: What supplements do you currently take?
TB: I try to get most of my nutrients from actual food, but I do take a multivitamin/mineral, Vitamin E and flax oil. I rarely drink protein shakes, but I do like N2KTS from Needtobuildmuscle.com for a pre-workout boost.
WP: What do you consider to be important in life and why?
TB: My husband and marriage are the most important. I was lucky enough to find the one person who really gets me and calls me out when needed.
I have a couple of other things, too. Trying to treat others with respect and consideration and trying to help people in one way or another are also important to me.
WP: Tell me more about your family.
TB: I am married to Shawn Bellon (aka Future) and I have a daughter and grand-daughter back in Indiana.
WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
TB: Well, I use to think I was a pretty good person, but I've learned that we all should take a good, deep, honest look inside ourselves and tweak a couple of things here and there. I've learned how to bite my tongue (for the most part), and I'm working on patience, which happens to be my biggest downfall. I've always wanted everything yesterday.
WP: Any shout outs?
TB: I would like to thank my sponsors, Needtobuildmuscle.com and APT Pro Gear, I would like to thank Jodi at Fit Wear Designs for making me really awesome suits for my shows and I would also like to thank Shawn for putting up with me during prep and helping me stay motivated all year 'round.
WP: Give me an example of your workout.
TB: Lately, I've been doing a progressive advanced bodybuilding scheme. This is one day of it.
Monday - Legs/back/bi's
Leg Press - 3x3
Hacks - 4x10
Pull-downs - 5x5
Incline DB curl - 4x8
Decline sit-ups - 3x10
Calf press - 3x25
WP: Give me an example of your diet.
TB: Chicken and lean ground beef are my two main sources of protein, fresh and cooked veggies, and I splurge with popcorn or all natural peanut butter with lite whipped cream sometimes for a snack.
WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
TB: I think you've pretty much covered it all.
WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!
TB: Thanks for the opportunity to share my story!
