Pamela Wilson
WPM's Rising Star of the Month - June 2011
Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Photos by: James Patrick
Growing up in a working class family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Pamela Wilson’s family didn't have time or money for sports programs after school, so she became a book worm instead. She attended the University of Alabama and decided to try the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp program. They offered Pamela a scholarship because of her grades, but it took her two years to be able to pass the physical fitness test. Once she finally passed, she never looked back. She commissioned into the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2003 after graduation. She spent 7 years an active duty communications officer. She is now a Captain in the Air Force Reserves and works full-time as an Army contractor.
She was introduced to a National Level Figure Competitor in February 2010 and she changed Pamela’s life. She taught Pamela everything she knows about weight training and eating clean. Pamela didn't realize before she met her that she was over-training and essentially starving her body. Pamela now competes in the NPC.
In June 2010, Pamela competed in her first figure competition and received fourth place. She was hooked after that first competition and continued training.
At the same time, she entered a military challenge contest bodybuilding.com was hosting to find a spokes model on a whim. In October, 2010, Pamela found out that she been selected out of hundreds of female applicants as the winner.
From being someone that couldn’t pass a physical fitness test for the Air Force to becoming a first place holder in competition, to becoming a spokes model for bodybuilding.com, to being a Certified Personal Trainer, Pamela has come a long way in this industry in such a short time. Read on to see where she’s headed next.
".... As I age, I start to question what is more important in life. I am more patient and only worry about the things that really matter in life."
WP: Congratulations on winning our ‘Rising Star of the Month’. How does it feel to be considered for such a title?
I am deeply honored to be considered for the “Rising Star of the Month” award. I should admit I was a bit stunned when I learned about my nomination. Without false modesty, I feel that so many other athletes are also worthy of this reward. I am very pleased to receive this title.
WP: How long have you been in the fitness industry?
I’ve been in this industry for one year as a competitor.
WP: You are not only pretty but, you’re smart. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?
WP: What competition titles have you won thus far?
They are as following:
WP: How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?
I add another cheat meal to my week and a little more carbs. Even in my off-season, I try to stay 3-5 lbs. of competition weight, because I never know when I need to be photo shoot ready.
WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?
I love the thrill of being on stage and getting ready the day of the show. I always feel so beautiful on those days.
I dislike the post show blues. Seeing your body put back the weight is mentally hard, because I know how hard I worked to lose every single ounce.
WP: Are you aiming for a pro card?
I would love a pro card! I have decided not to do any more local shows because I want to go to Nationals in the fall.
WP: From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?
I need larger quads and a stronger core. After running for so many years, it is difficult for me to put any meat on my legs.
WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?
My legs are my weakness. They are so small, so I have been doing two heavy leg days a week to try to gain some mass on them.
WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your work-outs?
My husband is in the military, as well. He spends a lot of time deployed. I am so focused on training and dieting when he is gone because it’s a healthy distraction. When he is only home for a few weeks that time is precious and I just want to soak it up with him. Getting out of bed and leaving him there is a challenge.
WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?
I spent my high school years watching television every single night and never putting a healthy food in my mouth. It took me two years to be able to pass my Air Force fitness test in college. Once I started running, I never quit. I never wanted to be the last girl on the track again.
WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?
Setting new goals and knowing I have something to look forward to after I meet that goal. I always try to go on a vacation after a competition.
WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
I took cake decorating classes. My husband and secretary ate all of the cakes. I never even tried them, but the reviews were wonderful.
WP: How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?
As I age, I start to question what is more important in life. I am more patient and only worry about the things that really matter in life.
WP: Any shout outs?
Yes, my trainer Shelly Howard has been my rock this past year. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her wisdom and guidance. I can only aspire to have her rock hard abs and mental toughness.
WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?
My husband has had the most impact on me. He has always believed in me from day one. He allows me freedom to shoot for the stars and do what makes me happy.
WP: What were you like in high school?
I was the big “L”. I definitely wasn’t in the yearbook’s “most likely” section for anything.
WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?
Meat! Lots of meat, eggs, Greek yogurt, lettuce, grapefruit, tuna and every flavor of Ms. Dash made.
WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?
I only have a ball, leg weights and a resistance bands set.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
We moved from Japan in January of this year, so being new homeowners has consumed a lot of time. Decorating and landscaping have been my hobbies. But, I really love hiking, road biking, scuba diving and spending time with friends and family.
WP: What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?
I want to compete at NPC Nationals in the fall. I will be at the bodybuilding.com booth during Olympia, which is a dream come true in itself.
WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?
I go see a chiropractor once a week and get occasional massages. I also make it a point to watch “Modern Family” each week, because laughter is so healthy.
WP: You were sponsored this year by a competition suit designer. Can you tell me more?
Yes, I am! Suits by Amy sponsored me this year and I love working with Amy Ardizzone. Her suits are gorgeous and creative. I got so many compliments on the one she made for me in March.
WP: Tell me about your family.
I have been married for six years. We met in a McDonald’s on Easter Sunday eight years ago. We don’t really eat there anymore, but the restaurant definitely has a special place in my heart.
WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?
The Air Force saved my life. It allowed me to travel the world, meet amazing people, introduced me to the love of my life and my passion for fitness.
WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?
Thanks, again, for selecting me for this award.
WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our “Rising Star 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.
