World Physique

WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform? What was your turning point?

In 2006, I really started being unhappy with how my body looked. I have always had issues with my body from pre-teen, teen, and into adulthood. I was constantly trying different diets out there on the market. Seeing the ads, infomercials, etc. but, I always seemed to ‘fall off the wagon’ and thought of no reason to start back. I had already failed. I continued doing what I was doing.

After the beginning of 2007, I became more serious about losing the weight. It came to a point that I was at my heaviest. I’m embarrassed to say that I had 175 lbs. on my 5’4” frame. I weighed the same as when I was pregnant with my son in 2003. I couldn't believe it! I knew I was overweight, but didn't realize I looked that terrible until I saw photos of myself and found that my size 14 jeans were no longer fitting me. I refused to buy bigger jeans. I spent a lot of time in comfy clothes as that was the only thing I was comfortable in, let alone fit me without feeling restrictive. I was shocked by how much weight I had put on without realizing it was piling on.

I started working out, just doing normal cardio a few times a week and a body pump class. I did not know any better. I was so unhappy with how I looked that I was trying to ‘modify’ our first Hawaii vacation pictures in Photo Shop to ‘liquify’ my love handles off. Seriously! I figured I do not know anyone here, I won't EVER see them again, so who cares. But seeing those photos, I was in pure disgust with myself. I started upping my exercising but, never really changed my eating habits, and it was definitely NOT CLEAN. I thought, "I'm exercising, sweating up a storm, so why can't I indulge in this, that, or the other?" I was doing cardio every day, sometimes twice a day, thinking that is what I have to do to shed the chub.

In the end of 2007, while we were in Hawaii once again, I got to talking about entering a figure competition for fun. If I like it; great! If not; at least I will be fitter and healthier.

WP: Later in the interview, we will talk more about competing. What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?

The biggest challenge I faced while going though this transformation is that I have a huge sweet tooth for cakes, candies, anything sweet. Ha-ha! But, I had to have the willpower and discipline not to indulge.

WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time?

I had taken fish oil, a multi-vitamin and BCAA Whey Protein that was low in carbs and sugar; Labrada Charge-Supershot, for a little extra energy when needed.

I now take my multi-vitamin, fish oil, B-Complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, Glutamine and Cellucor Pre-workout; Nzero.

WP: You mentioned you didn’t start with Kathy Savage for a while after you began your transformation. You also mentioned that you just began working out without a clue as to what to do. Where did you go from there? What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you.

As mentioned earlier; to finish the story, I started upping my exercising, but never really changed my eating habits, and it was definitely not a clean diet at all. I started somewhere between September 2007 or October 2007 lifting weights, real weights and not just body pump type classes anymore. I also started going online and 'Googling' competitors and trainers.I had ordered a DVD through an ad I saw in a magazine, I googled online and found people on a message board had mentioned Cathy's camps.

I searched for Cathy Savage Fitness and saw she was having a Boston camp in January 2008. I thought this would be perfect! I contacted their office regarding camp, what it entails, and if I had to be 'in shape' to attend. She made me feel so at ease and very comfortable. I decided to register for the Winter Camp January 2008. Was I nervous? Of course! I thought I would be the only one out of shape but, I met so many great gals from all different fitness levels. Some competitors, some gals just wanting to be healthy, some not so sure. After camp I signed on for her services to guide me through my journey. They would send me what I had to do for nutrition, work outs and cardio. Along with the coaching, support from them and the girls that are part of her team. I would lift 4 to 5 days a week and do cardio at least 4 days a week with a functional training (speed agility type drills). I recently switched and getting my nutrition plan and cardio from Mike. Cardio is the key for me. I make sure to get my cardio at least 45 to 60 minutes. I break it up between machines or doing sprints outdoors. Each cardio session is something different.

WP: Where was your weight localized the most?

I was heavy, out of shape, but a lot of my weight was in my abdomen and legs.

WP: How does your life compare now to before your transformation?

My life now is entirely different. I am healthier. I do not have many stomach issues that I did when I was heavy from when I ate all the processed, junk, fatty foods. I have more endurance. I enjoy doing outdoor activities. I don’t have to worry about being winded. I have the energy. It is like the energizer bunny. I keep going and going and going. Ha-ha.

After I lost a good amount of the weight, I had wanted to do an adventure race which involved 10 miles of kayaking, 7 miles of trail running, and 7 miles of mountain biking. When I saw a sign for it, I was ‘out of shape’ so, I figured I would do it the following year; in 2009. When I saw the sign again the following year, I told myself that I was going to do it; just to do it. I never kayaked, hated running, and only went mountain biking maybe once. A friend of mine taught me how to turn on the kayak and get the movements down. I had only went 3 times before the race; once to learn the turns on a river, once on the inlet straight away, and a week prior on the river we were to race on. I started slowly running outdoors, I started at .5 mile and bumped it up each time. I was up to 10 miles the week before the race!! I love running now! Mountain biking, I had went a few times, but felt that would be ok. I went in and did the adventure race myself. After flipping entirely the first 20 minutes (the tree jumped out in front of me), getting stuck on the crook of another tree later, running on the trails and falling, lots of scrapes and bleeding from the brier bushes. In the end, I came in SECOND out of 6 women!! 4 hour and 43 minutes! I do 5K’s for fun with no prep or anything for them. I would like to do a half marathon and find another adventure race to do sometime the next year, along with competing again.

WP: What a story! Wow! You are making me want to do that! Since you have learned so much, do you believe that people can ‘spot reduce’?

I don't think you can spot reduce. You can make that muscle stronger but, to lose the fat in that area; no, I don't think so. It is an all-over body process.

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

After I lost a good amount, I hit a plateau. To overcome it, I would change something in my nutrition and training to shock it.

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

My body is still a work in progress. I lost a good amount the first 6 to 8 months. As time went on, it was about body re-composition. I am working on a leaner me to bring the muscle out that I am working on.

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

Mon: Cardio in the morning then I hit bi’s and tri’s. Warm-up, 3 sets, a set to failure.

Tues: Cardio in the morning then a brutal leg day with warm-up, 3 sets, a set to failure.

Wed: Rest.

Thurs: Cardio AM/Chest; warm-up, 3 sets, a set to failure.

Fri: Cardio AM/Back; warm-up, 3 sets to failure.

Sat: Cardio/Shoulders; warm-up, 3 sets to failure.

Sun: Rest.

WP: You said your diet wasn’t clean. How does your diet compare now to before?

Before, when I was heavier, and did not care about my health and working out. I ate a lot of fast foods, ate out at a lot of restaurants, and ate a lot of processed foods. I would go back for 2nd’s and 3rd’s. I ate larger portions of food.

Now, I pre-cook my protein; especially my ground turkey, chicken breasts, and sweet potatoes. I figure out a weeks worth of food and bake it all. I, then, weigh it out and bag each serving into Ziploc bags. I keep 2 days worth of food out and everything else, I put in the freezer. When I need it, I pull it out the night before. The tuna I eat, I use the pouches, so I can just eat it from the pack with a little mustard. My veggies, I go ahead and steam a couple days worth and put in Ziploc bags.

I take ground white turkey and multi-colored bell peppers chopped up and saute it all up. I, then, portion it out into Ziploc bags or little Tupperware containers. Same thing with my celery, fresh asparagus, french beans. I bag them all up into portion sizes.

I can eat pretty much anything cold, with the exception of fish. Ha-ha! I actually enjoy cooking, weighing, and portioning out my meals. I’m all about grab ‘n go!

WP: You being prepared will also help you from eating out or stopping by the store for a candy bar. You have it all ready. Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?

Meal one: 4-5 eggwhites, 1/2 cup plain oats, frozen blueberries
Meal two: Packet of tuna and asparagus
Meal three: Chicken, 4oz sweet potato and green beans
Meal four: Protein source and broccoli
Post-workout: Protein source and rice cake
Meal five: Protein source, salad, balsamic, and french green beans
Meal six: cottage cheese or tuna

WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation?

I have so much more energy now. I completed an adventure race as I mentioned. I have done countless 5k races for fun on spur of the moment. I have been featured in the winter 2010 Fat Loss Collector issue, in the swimsuit issue of World Physique, and Alister Magazine.

WP: And that is just the beginning! What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?

I would like to tell them that they have to be in the mindset and ready to start. Until you have that mindset, you will always feel that you fail when you fall off the wagon. I have been through every diet you can think of. Once I realized I wanted this to be a LIFESTYLE, it became so much easier; along with looking and feeling better, and having the energy. I was your typical person. I have been there, done that. If i can do it, so can you.

WP: You have since become a model. I have seen some BEAUTIFUL shots of you. Who have you worked with? What are you goals?

I have done countless photo shoots. It is fun to get out there and see yourself in a different light. Finding photographers that make you feel comfortable is important!

I have worked with John Lathrop 5 or 6 times. John Atherton twice. Harry Grigsby and Leigh Hagen (with Imirage Photography). Everyone I have worked with have made me feel so at ease and very comfortable. Harry and Leigh have since teamed up together and created LHG FX, simply amazing work for female and male competitors.

WP: I was so happy to see them two team up. They are going to blow this industry up! How does your trainer differ when you are modeling and when you are not?

I am constantly training. When I have done the majority of the shoots is around the times I have competed.

WP: What future projects do you have planned?

I will be shooting with LHG FX (Harry and Leigh) at the Olympia along with shooting with David Ford.

WP: Okay, now we’re getting to the competitions. I am so happy to ask this question. After your transformation, you decided to compete. Which competitions did you enter?

I have competed in the Emerald Coast SNBF - June 2009/2010

Fitness Universe Miami- June 2008/2009

Fitness Nationals Las Vegas - Nov. 2008

Midwest FAP - Oct. 2008

I am tentatively planning to compete at the Monster Mash on Oct. 30.

WP: How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?

Really, the only difference is that my food choices are more open in the off-season. I still eat clean but, go ahead and indulge here and there. When it is time for contest; it’s game on!

WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?

I go through some blocks of ‘what if's’ but, I always keep that before photo burned in my brain. I never want to go back to that person! I like competing because it sets a REAL goal. A goal of I am going to be on that stage. Whereas, yes, it’s easier to set 'pretend' goals but, if there isn’t anything in sight, it’s easier for people to fall off the wagon.

I dislike what one judge may like, the other one may not.

WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?

In competitions, in general, if there was some sort of across the board judging and no politics. Ha-ha!

WP: What federation do you compete in?

I have competed in the FAP federations, but plan to compete in NPC for this next show.

WP: From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?

I want to come in with a tighter, leaner package.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique?

I feel I have a stronger lower body, but working on my upper and abdomen. It’s always a work in progress.

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

I love fries dipped in chocolate shakes. Ha-ha!

WP: Oh my! My tummy just churned! Ha-ha! On with the interview! How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years, except for this french fry and chocolate shake issue? Ha-ha!

I have become a self confident person, higher self-esteem, a bit more vocal and voicing my opinions. I was very insecure for the longest time; all the way back to grade school.

WP: You have to tell me, what were you like in high school?

I didn't play any sports, no cheer-leading, no clubs; nothing. Not social at all. I just had my own little group of friends. I think back now and realise how sad that is.

WP: Awww, but look at your now! Loved by just about everyone that knows you! If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

Oats, stevia, tuna, chicken, tilapia, orange roughy, array of fruits, an array veggies, sweet potatoes, rice, eggs, fat-free dressings. Tons of Ziploc in the drawer. Not much else for me.

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?

As of right now, just a stability ball, 40 lb. dumbbells, and resistance bands on the door.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, with friends & family. Just to hang out and relax. Enjoy life but, also to find that balance that is needed.

WP: What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?

I want to continue to get my name out there and start placing at higher levels I want to improve my physique and take it to the next level. I am READY!!

WP: How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

I enjoy time friends and family to just hang out. I take a nice walk or run outside followed by a nice hot soak in the tub. When I need to alleviate stress I go to the gym. Ha-ha!

WP: Is there anyone you would like to thank in this industry?

Yes! I want to thank my family for understanding and coming along the ride with me. To Cathy Savage for believing in me and for believing that I am worth it; for being my stepping stone. I have made some life long friends that I have been truly blessed with. The clan and spinners, you know who you are!
Thank you JD and Mac at EggWhites International for letting me part of the demo crew!

After moving to a new state it's the friends I have made that understand that has helped to maintain my mindset. Peeps at TRH. Dave Parker for introducing me to Randy & Kelly; who then, introduced me to Tom at Premier Fitness. ADO (you know who you are) THANK YOU!! Tammy; I have to thank you, too. Thanks you for having me with open arms and you to believing in me. There are many others I have forgotten. I am sorry.

WP: You know we love and believe in you, Carrie. You give back to us what we give you. You stand behind us, too. The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?

Thank you for wanting to feature my story. I hope I can inspire and motivate others.

WP: 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. Keep inspiring!