World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'

WP: Hi Nichole! Let’s begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.

 NT: I am a 27 year old NPC Figure competitor, fitness model and single mother of one beautiful daughter, Celeste. I am also a personal trainer and nutritionist. I have trained national level athletes and am looking to go pro in the next year or so. I love animals and live in the gym! I have been a trainer for 7 years and competing for 5. After I had my daughter in 1999, I was 80 pounds overweight! After losing the weight, I found my passion in training and wanted to help others so, I got certified! Then, met a few people that said I should compete and here we are!

WP: Wow! What a story! You lost alot of weight! Now you are trained to teach others! That's so inspiring! What has it been like to maintain your physique today? Has it been a tough road?

NT: Lots of training for 5 days, weights 6 days, cardio and diet! I am working with a new trainer, Dave Liberma. I want to go pro in a years time!

WP: You sound determined. Just keep your eye on what you want. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

NT: My grandmother was my rock and supporter. She passed in 2003. I want to make her proud and fulfill my dream of becoming pro and a famous fitness model.

WP: You have to make her proud because you know she's watching over you right now. Since you've been in competitions before, can you tell me which ones and what place you won?

NT: Yes, I have Tammy. I competed in 'Fitness America Dayton' and placed 3rd in 2002. Competed in 'Bikini America' and placed 2nd in 2002. Then, I competed in 'Natural Northern Figure Championships', and won 6th in 2005. Then on to the 'Pittsburgh Championships' and placed 14th in 2008. Recently, I competed in the 'Mike Francois Championships' and placed 13th in 2008.

I love it! It is my dream to be a Pro Figure Competitor for the IFBB! It's exciting and I love the attention! Plus, you learn so much about yourself while training for a show. It's a spiritual journey! You can always be better so, it never ends!

WP: I don't compete but after hearing how excited you are when you talk about competiting, I'm wanting to jump in and start competing. You make it sound so addicting. Where are you planning to compete again in the future?

NT: I am doing the April 4th, '2009 NPC Natural Ohio' (open) drug - tested, Bodybuilding, Figure, & Bikini Championships BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS and 'The Dexter Jackson Classic' on August 1st 2009, for sure! 'The Dexter' is being sponsored by my sponsor, which is fbbandfitnessadmire.ning.com so, these two, for sure. And, I am working the 'Arnold Classic' and doing some photo shoots there.

WP: Jeff with fbbandfitnessadmire.ning.com is a friend of mine! Small world. I think the world of him. He is making such a difference in this industry. We need more people like him! You mentioned that competing has taught you things. What has figure competitions taught you thus far?

NT: It has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to with a lot of hard work and determination! It has also taught me to never give up. And strength, both physically and spiritually!

WP: That’s powerful! What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

NT: The diet! And it still is! I love food! And, being tired all the time during my pre - contest time. It's hard with kids, plus I am grouchy when I am dieting!

WP: Always let me know ahead of time before you start dieting. Ha-ha! Low carbs alert! Red flashing sign! Ha-ha! What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

NT: You hit the nail on the head, Tammy. Not having carbs. I am very carb sensitive! I eat basically no carbs, except veggies and, as we know, carbs equal energy. So, add that to two a day workouts pre - contest and well…you get the idea…Ha-ha!

WP: Oh yeah! I got the idea! Run for your life! Ha-ha! What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?

NT: I enjoy tennis, horseback riding, and basketball. I grew up on a farm and rode horses for 10 years. We had 9 horses!

WP: Now, you're talking! I own the butt of a horse. Long story. But, I got it after a divorce and my ex told me since we were splitting things in half, that we will split the horse down the middle and he gives me the butt end since I was always a butt. Ha-ha! So, there you have it! But, I love horses! What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

NT: The key factors that dictate my training are: I go heavy on my upper body because, I tend to lose it when I diet down. I always super set and use active rest and I train super light and high rep (50-100 per set) for legs. My legs are huge and just grow like weeds!

WP: So, then, how has your training changed over the years?

NT: I have become so much smarter and I listen to my body. If it hurts I stop. I also have that mind - muscle connection so, that I feel every rep and set, just the way I should to makes a huge difference.

WP: That mind-muscle connection makes a total difference in how someone progresses! Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

NT: I plan to be a IFBB Pro; as mentioned earlier, own my own gym, and my own line of posing suits. I also want to coach other Fitness and Figure Competitors. I also want to be famous in the fitness community, of course!

WP: With your determination, I bet you will have your goal reached within 5 years, if given the break! You're already pretty famous in the modeling world. What companies do you model for?

NT: Famous? Me? Thank you! I work with VPX Sports, Shemuscle, Herbiceps, and House Of Pain. I love showing off for the camera!

WP: Stop being modest! What supplements do you currently take?

NT: Oh my gosh! What don't I take?! VPX Redline, Meltdown, Whey Protein, Fish oil caps, Vitamin C, B6, St. Johns Wort, and Ultra Vitality and Genesis. Ultra Vitality and Genesis are great! Everyone should take them. Be sure to check out their website, which is www.symmetrydirect.com/msmithii

WP: I'll check that link out after I get home! You seem so down to earth but, I bet you have some pet peeves. Share them with me! We all have them!

NT: Tammy, I can't stand rude people! And, I don't like being bothered when I train!

WP: I would definitely say those are good pet peeves! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

 NT: My family, my health, my friends, my career, and reaching and exceeding all of my goals are all important to me.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

NT: I have matured a lot and learned that the world does not revolve around me. I also learned that I have to be independent and strong for my self and my daughter. And, to always put my loved ones first and not be selfish!

WP: That does make a difference in a person's quality of life! What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?

NT: I am 5'4 1/2" , 5'5" on a good day. Ha-ha! 135-140 pounds off season, 127 pounds during contest season. My measurements are 36-25-38 and my bi's are 11 inches.

WP: I like how you said 5'4 1/2. That is so cute! Any shout outs?

NT: Yes, I do. I want to thank Jeff Olive; my sponsor, Dave Liberman; my trainer, my daughter; Celeste, sis Danae and, niece Madi. Of course, my Mom. I love you! All my friends and supporters, I want to say thank you and if I missed anyone, I am sorry and I love you!

WP: You must eat pretty clean since you are a model, you compete, and you train. Give me an example of your diet.

NT: Egg whites, oatmeal, protein shakes, almonds, chicken or fish and red meat once a week. For diet tips go to my website.

WP: When we get your interview on our site, we will put your website link at the top of your page. So, everyone will know where to look for your website. Give me an example of your workout.

NT: Thank you. I train one body part a day using all super sets. I do anywhere from 4-6 exercises per body part for 4 sets each. I hit the weights 5 days!

Mon: Shoulders
Tues: Legs
Wed: Chest
Thur: Back
Fri: Arms and Lt. Shoulders

I do abs everyday! I also do cardio every day and twice a day for competing.

WP: With all of your goals, I bet you have a lot of future projects lined up already. What are they?

NT: I have two photo shoots at the 'Arnold' and my two shows that we talked about earlier. I also have several demos and appearances scheduled with VPX. And, I am always looking for shoots, to be in magazines, and work with supplement companies! So, If anyone is interested, please direct them to email me or go to my website.

WP: I sure will, Nicole. We will have all your information on your interview page. We will make it easy for everyone to contact you. I respect how you network yourself. Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?

NT: Oh, yeah! One more thing. It is so expensive to compete ($3000a year). I have a donation button on my sponsor site fbbandfitnessadmire.ning.com/. My donation button is second to last. It's listed under Nikki Taylor. I will send autographed pictures to anyone who donates! Thank you in advance!

WP: I urge everyone to go to Jeff's website and help Nichole. Any amount will be appreicated and will help her. It's tough these days for great athletes to pay for all of their supplements, fees, suits, and training. This industry is tough. I know you are also trying to take care of your child. So, please go donate anything you can!

It has been a pleasure interviewing you! We wish you the best of luck in your 2009 competitions! Go get that Pro Card!

NT: Awwww. Thank you. I am so honored and humbled that you would want to interview me! Thank you for the support.