Kelly Barrett
My One Year Journey of Becoming an IFPA FIGURE PRO
I’m a 42 year old mother of 2 teenage girls. I work two jobs as both a Behavior Analyst and an Autism Specialist for the state of Virginia. I was a bodybuilder for 5 years but my career ended in 2004. After nationally qualifying in bodybuilding, I was strongly pushed into a direction of training harder, getting larger and dialing in leaner. With these goals came health consequences that I was not willing to personally accept, especially caring for children. I took a 7 year hiatus losing about 7 pounds of muscle and changing my body composition from 6% body fat to about 17%. In May of 2011, I went to support a friend doing her first figure competition in Richmond. I had no idea that ONE year later I would compete in that exact show and win my PRO card. While I was in the crowd that day I felt the overwhelming desire to compete again. I missed the competition, the smell of protein and the hard work it takes to get stage ready! My desire to compete was reignited. I had been in the gym over the years trying to self-motivate, trying to cardio myself to death, hitting the weights with no purpose or conviction, and I lacked a goal and a vision. If this sports offers me anything its accountability and the clear goal that I thrive on. I started a clean diet through a concept called Fighter Diet. I entered their challenge and within 6 weeks I was down to 12 % body fat. It was then that I decided to choose my first show date of Oct 8 as my figure debut. I hired a trainer and I was OFF! I placed first in my class at the Battle for Tidewater in Norfolk. I then continued to train and re-evaluated my lean mass and discovered something that I had been reading about for years, MUSCLE HAS MEMORY AT A VERY CELLULAR LEVEL. I am proof because I gained 6 pounds of muscle mass in about 6 months’ time. I could not have done this without the assistance of a personal trainer, Shaun Moore, who guided my nutritional timing and supplementation, trained me by choosing just the right exercises for me, while all along stressing that I not OVER TRAIN (which I was doing for years). I owe it to him for building what I am today as a figure competitor. My second show was in February of 2012, The Hampton Body Sculpting Open, where I also placed first in my division. The judges at both shows indicated that conditioning was my strength and with more relaxed posing I had a chance at my ultimate goal of getting my PRO card. I worked very hard to put size on and my trainer watched me very closely with my nutrition to keep up with the inferno of a metabolism I am blessed with (or cursed sometimes). I did exactly as I was told by the judges and tried to present a calmer, confident and fuller package in Richmond. I was honored to have been awarded my PRO card after competing with so many beautiful women. I am inspired by everyone and I cannot wait for the next chapter as a PRO. Sometimes I find myself wishing this happened sooner, after all I’m 42 years old. It happened when it was supposed to happen. All of the years training as a bodybuilder led me to this path. It’s never too late to go after whatever you want in life. I want to thank the OCB and the IFPA for welcoming me and appreciating my physique, I look forward to years to come!
Kelly Barrett
IFPA Figure PRO
I’m a 42 year old mother of 2 teenage girls. I work two jobs as both a Behavior Analyst and an Autism Specialist for the state of Virginia. I was a bodybuilder for 5 years but my career ended in 2004. After nationally qualifying in bodybuilding, I was strongly pushed into a direction of training harder, getting larger and dialing in leaner. With these goals came health consequences that I was not willing to personally accept, especially caring for children. I took a 7 year hiatus losing about 7 pounds of muscle and changing my body composition from 6% body fat to about 17%. In May of 2011, I went to support a friend doing her first figure competition in Richmond. I had no idea that ONE year later I would compete in that exact show and win my PRO card. While I was in the crowd that day I felt the overwhelming desire to compete again. I missed the competition, the smell of protein and the hard work it takes to get stage ready! My desire to compete was reignited. I had been in the gym over the years trying to self-motivate, trying to cardio myself to death, hitting the weights with no purpose or conviction, and I lacked a goal and a vision. If this sports offers me anything its accountability and the clear goal that I thrive on. I started a clean diet through a concept called Fighter Diet. I entered their challenge and within 6 weeks I was down to 12 % body fat. It was then that I decided to choose my first show date of Oct 8 as my figure debut. I hired a trainer and I was OFF! I placed first in my class at the Battle for Tidewater in Norfolk. I then continued to train and re-evaluated my lean mass and discovered something that I had been reading about for years, MUSCLE HAS MEMORY AT A VERY CELLULAR LEVEL. I am proof because I gained 6 pounds of muscle mass in about 6 months’ time. I could not have done this without the assistance of a personal trainer, Shaun Moore, who guided my nutritional timing and supplementation, trained me by choosing just the right exercises for me, while all along stressing that I not OVER TRAIN (which I was doing for years). I owe it to him for building what I am today as a figure competitor. My second show was in February of 2012, The Hampton Body Sculpting Open, where I also placed first in my division. The judges at both shows indicated that conditioning was my strength and with more relaxed posing I had a chance at my ultimate goal of getting my PRO card. I worked very hard to put size on and my trainer watched me very closely with my nutrition to keep up with the inferno of a metabolism I am blessed with (or cursed sometimes). I did exactly as I was told by the judges and tried to present a calmer, confident and fuller package in Richmond. I was honored to have been awarded my PRO card after competing with so many beautiful women. I am inspired by everyone and I cannot wait for the next chapter as a PRO. Sometimes I find myself wishing this happened sooner, after all I’m 42 years old. It happened when it was supposed to happen. All of the years training as a bodybuilder led me to this path. It’s never too late to go after whatever you want in life. I want to thank the OCB and the IFPA for welcoming me and appreciating my physique, I look forward to years to come!
Kelly Barrett
IFPA Figure PRO
Maggie Senter
Goal: Maintain Healthy Weight
Workout History: Unfortunately, I gained the freshman 15 and was not happy with the way I felt and just my overall appearance. I began bodybuilding and working out after my freshman year at college, so I have been working out for about 3 years now. I learned a lot from reading articles on the Bodybuilding website. I am inspired by Jamie Eason, who is a Fitness Model/Writer, which is where I got my list of healthy foods and various workout routines
Current Workout Regime: I currently workout 5days a week. As a female, I was afraid to lift heavy weights because I thought I would get big, bulky muscle. I soon learned that women do not have that bulky muscle building testosterone, like men do, so now I am not afraid to lift heavy weights. Actually, lifting heavy weights has proven to be more beneficial as far as seeing the transformation I wanted. When I do cardio, I do HITT cardio training, such as interval training. For example, run for 30 second, stop for 30 seconds; do this for a total of 15 minutes.
Diet: I maintain a very clean diet. I have learned to cook and bake delicious foods by using healthy ingredients that I know will benefit and provide the proper nutrition to nourish my body. I drink protein shakes and use casein with my bedtime snack. I eat every 3 hours, but my meals are small, consisting of only about 300 calories each. I make sure to eat protein at every meal also! I do not consume foods with a lot of carbohydrates after 6 pm. I drink water and diet green tea and sometimes add sugar-free drink mixes to my water to add flavor
.
Reasons for Working Out: To gain more muscle mass while maintaining a healthy weight, but staying lean, and getting the proper nutrition for my body; all while living a life for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love doing cardio & weight training because it allows me to create an overall toned body definition and transform my body with every decision; therefore, giving me a wonderful feeling of accomplishment afterwards. Since then, going to the gym is a huge passion of mine! Working out is now a huge part of my lifestyle and I am always motivated and looking forward to the next day so I can work out! I stay motivated by tracking my progress in a journal, which allows me to see how my strength is growing, how my body is changing for the better, and how I am feeling more confident in myself.
I am also motivated by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! For God said in His word he will never leave you nor forsake you. The world may walk out on you but God never does. They may judge you and form their own opinion about you but God loves you just the way you are! I know that no matter what I go through in life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13; you should realize the same as well :)
Thoughts about Jim's Gym: In my opinion, the ideal gym is a place where one can feel completely comfortable accomplishing his or her goals in a public place. It also is a place where one can be known by his or her name and have an established relationship with the owner’s. Jim’s Gym definitely has a family friendly and positive, motivational atmosphere, as well as a welcoming atmosphere! The employees really care about their members and are willing to help or give advice whenever necessary. They make sure to put your name with your face and establish a relationship with you. I love going to Jim’s Gym because I know that I will get a great and productive workout in while socializing with others. Whether you are just beginning to work out or have been for a while, Jim’s Gym is able to accommodate your needs and wants and there is never a dull moment at Jim’s Gym!
Workout History: Unfortunately, I gained the freshman 15 and was not happy with the way I felt and just my overall appearance. I began bodybuilding and working out after my freshman year at college, so I have been working out for about 3 years now. I learned a lot from reading articles on the Bodybuilding website. I am inspired by Jamie Eason, who is a Fitness Model/Writer, which is where I got my list of healthy foods and various workout routines
Current Workout Regime: I currently workout 5days a week. As a female, I was afraid to lift heavy weights because I thought I would get big, bulky muscle. I soon learned that women do not have that bulky muscle building testosterone, like men do, so now I am not afraid to lift heavy weights. Actually, lifting heavy weights has proven to be more beneficial as far as seeing the transformation I wanted. When I do cardio, I do HITT cardio training, such as interval training. For example, run for 30 second, stop for 30 seconds; do this for a total of 15 minutes.
Diet: I maintain a very clean diet. I have learned to cook and bake delicious foods by using healthy ingredients that I know will benefit and provide the proper nutrition to nourish my body. I drink protein shakes and use casein with my bedtime snack. I eat every 3 hours, but my meals are small, consisting of only about 300 calories each. I make sure to eat protein at every meal also! I do not consume foods with a lot of carbohydrates after 6 pm. I drink water and diet green tea and sometimes add sugar-free drink mixes to my water to add flavor
.
Reasons for Working Out: To gain more muscle mass while maintaining a healthy weight, but staying lean, and getting the proper nutrition for my body; all while living a life for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love doing cardio & weight training because it allows me to create an overall toned body definition and transform my body with every decision; therefore, giving me a wonderful feeling of accomplishment afterwards. Since then, going to the gym is a huge passion of mine! Working out is now a huge part of my lifestyle and I am always motivated and looking forward to the next day so I can work out! I stay motivated by tracking my progress in a journal, which allows me to see how my strength is growing, how my body is changing for the better, and how I am feeling more confident in myself.
I am also motivated by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! For God said in His word he will never leave you nor forsake you. The world may walk out on you but God never does. They may judge you and form their own opinion about you but God loves you just the way you are! I know that no matter what I go through in life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13; you should realize the same as well :)
Thoughts about Jim's Gym: In my opinion, the ideal gym is a place where one can feel completely comfortable accomplishing his or her goals in a public place. It also is a place where one can be known by his or her name and have an established relationship with the owner’s. Jim’s Gym definitely has a family friendly and positive, motivational atmosphere, as well as a welcoming atmosphere! The employees really care about their members and are willing to help or give advice whenever necessary. They make sure to put your name with your face and establish a relationship with you. I love going to Jim’s Gym because I know that I will get a great and productive workout in while socializing with others. Whether you are just beginning to work out or have been for a while, Jim’s Gym is able to accommodate your needs and wants and there is never a dull moment at Jim’s Gym!
Faye King
Goal: Overall health and fitness
If you want to know what a lifetime of fitness looks like, look no further than Jim's Gym regular Faye King. Faye embraced a fitness lifestyle over 50 years ago and has never looked back.
Faye became interested in working out when she met Jack King in 1955. Jack was competing in various bodybuilding competitions, including Mr. America. They married in 1956 and Faye began working out after the birth of her first child. At that time, a woman in a gym was almost unheard of. Jack and Faye purchased their own gym and women worked out on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (when men weren't in the gym!).
Faye became interested in bodybuilding/physique contests after seeing a demonstration by Besty Barbell, a female bodybuilder of the time. She competed in her first area wide competition and came in 2nd. Since that time, Faye has competed in dozens of competitions, often against competitors half her age. She placed 5th in the Miss Natural America, a National pageant in New York. Faye has a number of local titles, including multiple wins in Miss Ocean View and Miss Virginia Beach.
Jack and Faye continued to live an active lifestyle after their children were grown. Despite their circumstances, they always tried to train in gyms whenever they could. At one point, they lived on a sailboat for several years. Each time they docked, they headed to the nearest gym.
Even today, Faye and Jim lead an active lifestyle that would put most of our couch-potato society to shame. They are active canoers, participating each year in the "Paddle for the Border" from Great Bridge to North Carolina. They are avid bikers and can often be found in events with the Tidewater Biking Association. Both work out at Jim's Gym regularly, alternating between cardio and strength training. Faye says she refuses to let age be a factor in her fitness routine and continues to push herself every day. Her currrent goals include improving her mile speed running on the treadmill and completing a free-hand pull up.
She and Jack are still active on the competitive bodybuilding circuit, serving as judges for many local and regional competitions.
Favorite Thing About Jim's Gym:
Faye loves the fact that Jim's Gym isn't exclusively a "man's gym". The equipment is suited for both males and females and the atmosphere is one that both men and women can enjoy. She also loves the accessibility of the trainers. At other gyms, trainers are often unable to interact with regular customers because of their personal training clients. She finds that the trainers at Jim's Gym are always helpful to offer advice and suggestions to anyone working out in the gym.
Advice to Others:
Faye offers the following advice to everyone - from beginners to regulars:
1) Keep pushing yourself. Set goals and conquer them - then set more goals!
2) Get a trainer. Learn muscle formation and names and know what part of your body you are working at all times.
3) Set up a daily routine and stick to it. Establish a routine that includes strength training at least three times a week. Don't let anything get in the way of your routine.
4) Shy away from the color white. On your plate, strictly limit the amount of white you eat. Green is good, yellow is great - in general, the more colorful the food, the better it is for you.
By following her own advice all these years, Faye is a walking testimonial to the benefits of a lifelong commitment to health. Come on in to Jim's Gym and meet Faye. Just don't arm wrestle her - you'll probably lose.
If you want to know what a lifetime of fitness looks like, look no further than Jim's Gym regular Faye King. Faye embraced a fitness lifestyle over 50 years ago and has never looked back.
Faye became interested in working out when she met Jack King in 1955. Jack was competing in various bodybuilding competitions, including Mr. America. They married in 1956 and Faye began working out after the birth of her first child. At that time, a woman in a gym was almost unheard of. Jack and Faye purchased their own gym and women worked out on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (when men weren't in the gym!).
Faye became interested in bodybuilding/physique contests after seeing a demonstration by Besty Barbell, a female bodybuilder of the time. She competed in her first area wide competition and came in 2nd. Since that time, Faye has competed in dozens of competitions, often against competitors half her age. She placed 5th in the Miss Natural America, a National pageant in New York. Faye has a number of local titles, including multiple wins in Miss Ocean View and Miss Virginia Beach.
Jack and Faye continued to live an active lifestyle after their children were grown. Despite their circumstances, they always tried to train in gyms whenever they could. At one point, they lived on a sailboat for several years. Each time they docked, they headed to the nearest gym.
Even today, Faye and Jim lead an active lifestyle that would put most of our couch-potato society to shame. They are active canoers, participating each year in the "Paddle for the Border" from Great Bridge to North Carolina. They are avid bikers and can often be found in events with the Tidewater Biking Association. Both work out at Jim's Gym regularly, alternating between cardio and strength training. Faye says she refuses to let age be a factor in her fitness routine and continues to push herself every day. Her currrent goals include improving her mile speed running on the treadmill and completing a free-hand pull up.
She and Jack are still active on the competitive bodybuilding circuit, serving as judges for many local and regional competitions.
Favorite Thing About Jim's Gym:
Faye loves the fact that Jim's Gym isn't exclusively a "man's gym". The equipment is suited for both males and females and the atmosphere is one that both men and women can enjoy. She also loves the accessibility of the trainers. At other gyms, trainers are often unable to interact with regular customers because of their personal training clients. She finds that the trainers at Jim's Gym are always helpful to offer advice and suggestions to anyone working out in the gym.
Advice to Others:
Faye offers the following advice to everyone - from beginners to regulars:
1) Keep pushing yourself. Set goals and conquer them - then set more goals!
2) Get a trainer. Learn muscle formation and names and know what part of your body you are working at all times.
3) Set up a daily routine and stick to it. Establish a routine that includes strength training at least three times a week. Don't let anything get in the way of your routine.
4) Shy away from the color white. On your plate, strictly limit the amount of white you eat. Green is good, yellow is great - in general, the more colorful the food, the better it is for you.
By following her own advice all these years, Faye is a walking testimonial to the benefits of a lifelong commitment to health. Come on in to Jim's Gym and meet Faye. Just don't arm wrestle her - you'll probably lose.
Noel Hurt
Goal: Maintain Active Lifestyle
Stop by Jim's Gym just about any morning and you're likely to see a familiar Mr. Jim's Sandwich Shop car in the parking lot. If so, you know that Noel is in the house! Noel Hurt is a former personal trainer, award-winning bodybuilder and a Jim's Gym regular.
Workout History:
Noel began working out in 1986 when he was ia high school football player in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. After high school graduation, Noel worked as a personal trainer and continued that work when he moved to Chesapeake with his family in 1992.
In 1989, Noel began bodybuilding in earnest, garnering several local titles.
Current Workout Regime:
Noel does both strength and cardio training 4-5 times per week, 30 to 40 minutes each workout. His routine is to work an individual set of muscles each day.
Diet:
Noel maintains his physique with a high protein/moderate carb diet. He advises that diet is a crucial component to great overall fitness.
Reasons for Working Out:
No longer trying to make an impression on the football field or the competitive bodybuilding circuit, these days Noel works out to stay in shape and keep his energy level high enough to enjoy his active lifestyle.
Stop by Jim's Gym just about any morning and you're likely to see a familiar Mr. Jim's Sandwich Shop car in the parking lot. If so, you know that Noel is in the house! Noel Hurt is a former personal trainer, award-winning bodybuilder and a Jim's Gym regular.
Workout History:
Noel began working out in 1986 when he was ia high school football player in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. After high school graduation, Noel worked as a personal trainer and continued that work when he moved to Chesapeake with his family in 1992.
In 1989, Noel began bodybuilding in earnest, garnering several local titles.
Current Workout Regime:
Noel does both strength and cardio training 4-5 times per week, 30 to 40 minutes each workout. His routine is to work an individual set of muscles each day.
Diet:
Noel maintains his physique with a high protein/moderate carb diet. He advises that diet is a crucial component to great overall fitness.
Reasons for Working Out:
No longer trying to make an impression on the football field or the competitive bodybuilding circuit, these days Noel works out to stay in shape and keep his energy level high enough to enjoy his active lifestyle.