World Physique

Interviewed by: Leesa Paul
Most Photos by: Stan Moore.

WP: Let's begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.

MB: Always the toughest question! I'm 28 years old and living in Austin, Texas. Growing up, I was always an athlete. I was a gymnast for 7 years until my height took over and then I found my love for volleyball. I played volleyball for 9 years, and then was on the women's rowing team at UT.

After graduating from college, I fell in a rut of not working out, no longer had a gym membership, and was pretty unhealthy. I met my husband, who is a fitness fanatic and he reignited my competitive fire, and got me back in the gym. He's a great motivator and inspiration.

WP: What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

MB: 100%; it’s my husband. If it wasn't for his dedication of getting into the gym every day, I think it would be so much harder for me to train at the level that I do.

WP: What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

MB: I am currently training for Team Universe in September. So, I'm currently doing a lot of things differently. Soon, I will cut out the going out and spending time with my friends on the weekends and that is always hard. Going to bed before my husband is always really hard, as well.

Throughout the off-season, I try to keep a pretty clean diet. I will have my cheat meals on the weekend. I have to have some fun!

WP: Got to have fun in life or you will become too stressed. Life is wonderful for that! I heard you just did your first competition. How did it feel?

MB: Yes, I competed in my first figure competition in April, which was The Texas Shredder Classic, and I placed 3rd in my class. I gained such a feeling of accomplishment and it was so empowering to be surrounded by such motivated and strong women. I completely understand how you can get addicted to this sport.

WP: Since you got the bug, do you plan remaining in competing?


MB: Yes! By placing 3rd in the Texas Shredder Classic, I qualified to compete at Team Universe in New York City in September. I am currently training for that competition.

WP: What have figure competitions taught you thus far?

MB: It has taught me anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it. There were times I just wanted to give up and not compete, because the closer you are to the competition, the harder it is to stay on track. You just have to fight through it and know that it is completely worth it at the end.

WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

MB: The dieting is the hardest part. A person never realizes how much food they are confronted with in everyday life. There are so many people that just don't understand the dedication that it takes to compete and the reasoning behind it. So, no, it's not okay to have a piece of fried chicken.

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

MB: My husband is Italian and eats pasta about twice a day. Being able to control my carb intake and my addiction to his cooking was the hardest part! Let's just say, I'm always looking forward to the night of the competition so I can have my pasta dinner!

WP: Oh, pasta sounds good! What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

MB: The key factor is to train as hard as I possibly can and then I know I did my best. I also keep photos of Rachael Cammon in my training journal to keep me motivated.


WP: How has your training changed over the years?

MB: I have been lifting heavier. It's funny to look back at my training journal from the time my husband first got me back into working out, and looking at it now. I don't do the same amount of cardio as I used to do and I'm no longer curling 15 pound dumbbells. My workout schedule also went from hitting the gym 3 days a week to 6.

WP: Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

MB: I'm not sure what I will be doing in 10 years. My husband and I just purchased a plot of land, so hopefully by then we will be living in our big beautiful dream house!

WP: What supplements do you currently take?

MB: I take BCAA’s, L-Glutamine, Creatine, and CLA’s.

WP: What are your pet peeves?

MB: The most obvious are: people who don't wipe sweat off the equipment, don't re-rack their weights, get on your machine when you are super setting without asking.

Outside of the gym; I hate wire hangers and people who don't use their blinkers in traffic. Whew!

WP: Ha-ha! Good pet peeves! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

MB: Love is the most important in life. Surrounding myself with supportive family and friends is so important to me, it keeps me grounded.

WP: Any shout outs?


MB: Yes, to my husband, Adam Bacia. You are the best thing in my life and my best friend.

WP: Give me an example of your workout.

MB: I do early morning cardio 4 days a week.

Evenings are:

Sunday - Shoulders
Monday - Back
Tuesday - Cardio only
Wednesday - Biceps and Chest
Thursday - Shoulders and Triceps
Friday - Cardio Only
Saturday - Legs

WP: Thank you so much for your time, Morgan! It has been a real pleasure!

MB: Thank you. I have enjoyed it!