World Physique

Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'

At the age of 44, Ms. Cheryl is feeling better then she has ever felt before. She is in the best shape of her life! She had things that she wanted to improve upon in her life. One was she wanted to transform her physique and become stronger into fitness. It's hard to believe that she has a daughter in college!

Once Cheryl began her transformation, she embarked upon a acting career! We are here to talk to Cheryl more about the amazing things she has accomplished since her tranformation.

WP: Sorry it has taken us so long to get this interview up, but by the time we knew who had won for sure, then got the interview out, we had decided to feature it on the next published website. Congratulations on winning our ‘February Ms. World Physique’ Model Contest! How does it feel to be considered for such a title?

CT: Wow! Tammy, this was just exhilarating for me! My first contest EVER and I won! I was so thrilled as it was so close. I was actually behind until the weekend prior to the contest end. But, I have all of my friends, family and supporters to thank for their unyielding support and diligent voting!

WP: I was amazed at all of your friends and family coming together on Facebook to support you. It was outstanding! You are one loved and adored lady! Can you tell our readers a little about what who you are, what you are made of, and where you came from?

CT: Sure! Well, I grew up in the Midwest; Indiana to be exact in a little town 30 miles east of Chicago called Gary. Yep. Just like in the Music Man and home of the Jacksons. I was there until 20 years of age when I relocated to California where I resided with my now ex-husband and our little baby, Taylor who is now in college (so proud of him)! Fast forward to 1994. I returned to college to complete my degree with child in tow in Arizona and then went back to Los Angeles.

I have always prided myself on trying to be the best I could be. Whether it was working an additional job to make ends meet after my divorce or making sure my son had the best education in private schools and supporting him in basketball by being a Mom first and placing personal pursuits later. Just as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis stated, “nothing else matters if you flub raising your children”. I feel that that was the most important job I had. I’m not portraying myself as Jackie O or Mother Teresa as I made mistakes, all parents do. However, I love my son and showed it by being supportive in his endeavors and providing a good education which will take him to whatever places in life he wants to go.

Regarding my personal pursuits, well, after my son graduated from High School and left for college, is when I decided to pursue a career in entertainment. I’ve always wanted to be in entertainment whether singing, dancing, a variety show and most important acting! I signed up at Central Casting and began working background and after only 4 months, I earned all 3 SAG vouchers!! I was so excited! Then, I began taking commercial acting workshop classes as I was taking this very seriously. Subsequently, I landed a commercial agent and a couple of Regional spot ads!! So, I am realizing my dream. My mantra: Dream big, live life to its fullest, do something out of your comfort zone, love with all your passion!

WP: What a great story! You went through this major transformation and decided to change your life and your physique. When you decided for the change, did you decide to go with a Personal Trainer, self knowledge, or a gym?

CT: I went with self knowledge. When I began my quest to become fit 3 years ago, I just started hiking to get my endurance up. I hiked at least 4 times per week. I’d hike up mountains, trails and do it at a fast pace. Once I felt that I had reached a level to get into a gym as I am very hard on myself about achieving results. If I can’t go all out, I won’t do it. I really wanted to spin!! And, I felt that I was at the fitness level to do so without stopping in class. I had a really great spin instructor and I spun 3 days per week. Now, I’m a beast! And, I was spinning 4 to 5 days per week last year. I noticed I started dropping a lot of weight, so I slowed it down to 1 to 2 days and began a total body workout with Kettle bells incorporating upper and lower body.

WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?

CT: No support group other than the members at the gym, trainers and instructors who saw me at least 6 days per week who were extremely encouraging and complimentary! I was not joking around. I really wanted to go all out and get to the best fitness level I could as being in front of the camera requires a certain level of fitness and that can’t be disputed.

WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform?

CT: I just wanted to become fit again. I was a busy mommy and running here and there and stopping at Subway, Panda and other places. I didn’t go to McDonald’s and really unhealthy places, but I wasn’t getting to the gym either. And, of course, my dream of becoming an actor and being in front of the camera which is a very good incentive!

WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time? If so, which ones did you take?

CT: The only supplements I took or take now are a multi-vitamin, calcium, iron, time released protein powder (Syntha-6), wheat-grass, and flaxseed.

WP: What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you.

CT: I didn’t follow a particular program. I have never taken diet pills, or dieting supplements. I just started being pro-active about what I was eating. I cut out sweets, switched to organic foods, drank lots of water and green tea. I increased my intake of veggies and lean meats and began a workout regiment on my own.

WP: Sounds like you did it the healthy way! Good for you! What type of physique did you have to begin with?

CT: I was voluptuous. Now, that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Mostly, some women try to get away with that when they’re really quite overweight. However, I just didn’t have any definition at all. I was soft. I am ample in all the right places and around a size 10. This was about 12 years ago. Within the last 5 years, I’ve hovered around an 8. Now, I’m a 4. But, when I begin training for competition, I’m sure that will drop to a 2/4.

WP: I'm so proud of you! How does your life compare now to before your transformation?

CT: There is no comparison. I am healthier and fit and feel great! I wouldn’t go back to not being fit again ever!! I live and breathe the gym! Seriously, I get cranky if I don’t hit the gym minimum 3 days per week.

WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused?

CT: The effects have been extremely positive. I know that I would not have gotten my SAG vouchers if it were not for me being fit and being hand-picked for certain roles. This is Hollywood and that’s the name of the game. I don’t have a problem with that as it’s a business as any other and certain roles call for a certain type. I’m glad that I am realizing my dream albeit just starting out.

WP: Do you believe that people can ‘spot reduce’?

CT: No. I believe one can strengthen a certain area or tighten it up such as glutes. But, if you’re trying to lose fat, that is a total body process.

WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a ‘stand still’ in your progress?

CT: No. I never hit a plateau. I read a lot of fitness magazines and realized that one has to switch the routine up and keep those muscles guessing! One makes progress when you constantly change the workout. It keeps you from getting bored and you’ll see a big difference in your body. I am a huge believer in Kettle bells. That is a total body workout. You get a very good cardio workout and awesome strength training.

WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?

CT: Not long once I got started. From the time I wanted to step up my fitness, it was about 4 months! I have a propensity to build muscle quickly, especially since I changed my diet. Once I did that, whew, the fat rolled off and I could see the definition in my abs and when I saw the 6 pack, I was like, ‘Ooooh, yeah!’

WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?

CT: Typically, my workouts are total body varying with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) with a minimum of 4 days per week.

I’ll warm up on the treadmill for 2-5 minutes to get the muscles pliable. Then, I’ll speed rope for a minute or two. Next,

I grab my Kettle bell (15 lbs.) and begin with swinging Sumo squats about 10-12 reps (3 sets). On to the stability ball for dumbbell presses and v-up ab work using the ball with my feet on the ball and hands on the floor, full plank, then pulling the ball in to contract the abs while in a triangle.

Speed rope again for 2 minutes. I do Plyometrics using a bench. Starting out straddling the bench, then jumping onto it and back down into a straddle 10 times (3 sets).

Leg presses -3 sets/10-12 reps one leg at a time. Then, I do plyometrics releasing the board and alternating both legs - 10 times for 2 sets. (No weight added to machine, just my body’s resistance)

Hanging ab work-3 sets/ 10 reps

Pull-ups (unassisted) - 3 sets- 5-7 reps

Speed rope jumping 2-3 minutes

Bicep curls-3 sets/10 reps (30 lb. bar) or dumbbells

I incorporate Yoga and stretching before and after each workout. I do Yoga at least 3 times per week. Also, when I’m in LA. or Chicago, I add spinning at least twice per week.

WP: How does your diet compare now to before?

CT: It’s as different as night and day. If I do eat after 7 pm, it’s typically a protein shake or peanut butter. I don’t eat fast food at all. I don’t drink Soda and haven’t for years. I don’t add extra salt to a meal.

WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?

CT: Morning: Protein shake of Syntha 6, blueberries, almond milk or rice milk, wheatgrass and a banana.

Mid morning: Scrambled egg whites with Turkey.

Snack: Quarter cup of almonds or walnuts.

Lunch: Chicken breast with veggies or sandwich with sprouted Ezekial bread or Rye, or salad, with green tea. Sometimes I’ll have chicken noodle or Black Bean Soup.

Mid afternoon snack: Protein shake without banana or non-fat yogurt and granola with walnuts and almonds.

Dinner: Chicken salad on mixed baby greens with walnuts, granola, tomato, extra virgin olive oil and Honey mustard tossed. Or, I’ll have chicken breast with veggies and green tea.

Late snack: Protein shake, peanut butter or non-fat yogurt with granola and walnuts.

WP: You have accomplished some major things lately, too. What have you accomplished since your transformation?

CT: I’ve accomplished getting commercial work. That was my goal to land commercial gigs and then TV and Film.

WP: That is so great! What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?

CT: Start NOW! Not tomorrow. Today! Just start walking. If you live where the weather is inclement, go inside a gym and just start walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes at least 4 days per week. If you want to integrate weights, which I strongly suggest, just be careful and ask for assistance.

WP: Great advice! What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?

CT: My strengths are arms, abs and legs. My derriere’ is what I’m working on now which would be my weakness-although my boyfriend, who has competed in bodybuilding competitions, loves my caboose!

WP: Oh, my! Next question! Ha-ha! What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

CT: Motivation has never been an issue. And, I’m disciplined regarding workouts. I’m a gym rat or at least a trainer once referred to me as that because I use to stay in the gym several hours as I took classes, steamed etc. But, it’s my home away from home!

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

CT: My primary motivation is to stay employed! I can’t let myself go if I want to be an actor or compete in fitness competitions. Those are my motivators, although, I want to stay fit for me as I feel great. But, when your livelihood is dependent upon how you look, going to the gym is a walk in the park!

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

CT: I love sweets! Yep. I have managed to find a way to eat sweets by modifying the fat and sugar content in foods. I substitute things such as applesauce or bananas to sweeten cakes or muffins or use protein powder for pancakes and waffles and as a flour substitute! The pancakes are awesome!

WP: That's my weakness, too! I just don't eat them because I can't stop when I do. How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?

CT: Perhaps I’ve mellowed out a bit. I’m an “A” type personality. I have to force myself to relax otherwise I’m always thinking, planning or doing.

WP: Any shout outs?

CT: To all my friends on WP, Facebook, and Twitter! Hey! Yo’, Adrian, I did it! ...uh, I mean, everyone, I did it and thanks for the support!

WP: Ha-ha! Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

CT: My son has the most impact on me. I have such respect and am proud of him. There is a story here, but we’ll have to save it for another time. However, it’s been the two of us for such a long time and we’ve had to rely on each other for support through good times and lean times. When strangers come up to you and say, “we love your son and he has the best personality and character, you’ve done a good job raising him”, that means more to me than any other accomplishments!

WP: What were you like in high school?

CT: I’m pretty much the way I am now. I had a small group of friends and I kept to myself. I wasn’t nosy and a busybody. I was a majorette and held an office, but High School wasn’t the greatest of times for me as I came in as a freshman with a broken leg and was in various casts for over 9 months going up and down stairs! Not fun.

WP: That sounds horrible! Poor thing! If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

CT: You’d find all good stuff! Items such as protein powder, almonds, walnuts, yogurt, chicken, peanut butter, veggies (love asparagus), Rice Milk or almond milk, eggs, wheatgrass. Nutritiously good stuff! And, some yummy cheat treats that are nutritiously yummy, too!

WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?

CT: Well, I recently landed a print/model agency and looking forward to upcoming projects. I will be traveling between the Midwest and LA for work which is exciting!! I am also eager to get started in stepping up training once again to compete in fitness competitions this year which is doing something outside my comfort zone in terms of modeling my physique.

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

CT: Yoga, Yoga, and Yoga! I am so glad I discovered Yoga 2 years ago. It’s relaxing, it allows me to be introspective and rejuvenate from the rigors that I put my body through in working out. That’s how I keep flexible without pains and aches due to the practice of Yoga. I also love going to the spa for manicures and pedicures, steaming and massages.

WP: Tell me about your family. You have spoken previously about your son and your boyfriend.

CT: I do speak about my son who I am extremely proud of and close to. Before he left for college, we did a lot of things together such as hanging out at our favorite eateries in LA, going to movies and just enjoying the LA lifestyle! I am divorced since 1994, but am currently in a wonderful relationship with someone who is kind, has a very good heart and treats me with respect and is trustworthy. That’s important to me. He’s very good looking and I love his biceps! I love everything about him! He has competed in fitness competitions in the past and I hope that in the future we can compete together.

WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?

CT: I’ve improved myself by not being judgmental. As mother Teresa said, “ f you judge people, you have no time to love them”. I’m a spiritual person and just try to treat people as I want to be treated. I use to be quite harsh and hold people to standards that are unreasonable for most. But, I soon realized as I matured that we are human and have frailties. But, more importantly it’s one’s ability to have introspective and improve oneself in order to be a better person.

WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?

CT: I appreciate the initial contact, Tammy! I am so thrilled to have been a part of the Ms. World Physique Model contest! I am thrilled to be a part of WP community. I am looking forward to having a fantastic relationship with WP and all of the wonderful opportunities that I will have in the future due in part to this experience and being a member.

WP: You are so welcome! From us getting to know you through the soical site and the contest, you have quickly won the hearts of us all. You are so loved everywhere you go! We are delighted to have you featured as our ‘Transformation of the Month’. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future. Thank you!