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Technobarbie Profile & Interview
by by Newgirl, Admin @ www.worldclassbodybuilding.com
(For more information on Technobarbie, Newgirl and worldclassbodybuilding.com, please click on the above banner.)
Recently when asked if I would interview a female competitor in the world of bodybuilding/fitness, I was feeling a little uneasy about it. However when I was told it was someone who is deeply immersed in our lifestyle boards and came to realize it was Technobarbie – I was both excited and honored.
Most recently, Technobarbie walked away with First Place for her division in bodybuilding. She generously and graciously moderates at about seven fitness boards. Her advice is invaluable and her spirit is motivating more than words can ever do justice.
PROFILE
Age: 35 years old
Height: 5'3"
Weight On Season: 122 lbs.
Weight Off Season: 145 lbs. (Got up to 160 lbs. this last time- too heavy)
Profession: Paralegal
Years Training: 16 years
Years Competing: Off & on for 10 years
Number of contests: 7
Favorite body part: Back
Least favorite: Abs
Favorite body part to train: Arms
Hobbies or interests: Camping, hiking, cycling
INTERVIEW
- Newgirl: How did your passion for bodybuilding start? Were you athletic as a young girl?
I played various sports in High School and started weight training with the boys – at that point I found out that I was really strong for my size and put on muscle easily and the competitive part of me kicked in.
- Do your family and your partner support your quest and dreams? In what ways? Are they involved as well?
Yes – I am very lucky to have someone in my life that understands the peaks and valleys of the sport and has the knowledge to guide me in regards to training, diet, etc. – as well as put up with the mood swings.
The rest of my family is very supportive as well – They don’t necessarily “get it” but are supportive and proud of me anyway.
- Do you feel that the discipline necessary for this lifestyle has crossed over into other areas of your life?
Yes – I am a very habitual type personality- I like to live life by a schedule. Both my job and my training reflect this. I think that this lifestyle actually just played into my core personality.
- What is, or was, the hardest part about being involved in fitness?
The weight fluctuation has been very hard on me both physically and mentally – especially the older I get. I really hate the bulking part – I hate feeling heavy and bloated and clothes shopping – UGH!
- How has being a competitor changed your view of fitness and bodybuilding in terms of your everyday life?
It has really changed the way that I view eating and nutrition. I analyze everything that goes into my mouth even off season. That’s not to say I don’t eat junk food because I eat my fair share when not dieting – I just tend to actually feel bad about it as I know it’s not really going to benefit me in any way. Also, going from very lean, competition shape back to normal can be very hard mentally. It’s hard to view the weight when it comes back on as “healthy weight”.
- Most women new to the fitness/bodybuilding culture believe training and training hard will change their bodies dramatically. Do you agree with this statement? And if not, why?
If done correctly – yes I do agree. What most people tend to do is give up and stop before they see the results that they want. As a society we want quick results. Training to make changes has to be a lifestyle thing – change comes with time and consistency. There is also a difference between training hard and training right – training right will yield permanent results with less risk of injury and burn-out. That’s not to say you can’t or should not train hard but it should be done correctly.
- Through your career in fitness/bodybuilding, what injuries have you suffered?
I have been in several car accidents. As a result I have a bad knee and elbow. Both have a tendency just to give out with no warning even when lifting light. The only injuries I have as a result of training is shin splits.
- Did they ever cause you to contemplate quitting not only training but competing?
NEVER – I’m just really careful on exercises that I know will aggravate them and make sure I have a spotter.
- What would you recommend to help keep someone injury free?
Stretching is a big one – I am terrible about that – always have been and it really is important to warm up those muscles before diving right into weight training. Also, just pay attention to your body. There is a difference between soreness and pain. If you are feeling some real pain in a certain body part – DON’T ignore it and don’t train it. Have it checked out and if your body needs some healing time then do it!
- What do you think is the biggest misconception about women and training – for the average female gym goers?
In my opinion the biggest myth – the comments I hear the most from women is that weight training will give them big, bulky muscles. LOL – do they not realize how hard it is and how long it takes for the average woman to put on muscle? I get the “Oh I don’t want to look like you” comment almost daily.
- I totally agree! I have had women tell me this body part gets immediately bigger when they train – and they get bulky. However, they fail to realize that if they put muscle OVER body fat, of course that will happen. How do you approach this time of situation?
DIET, DIET, DIET!! Take a look at your nutrition. If you are still eating tons of calories or the wrong kind of food – of course you are going to get bigger and look bulky – Not necessarily because of added muscle but water retention and fat. Once you get your nutrition in line – a lot of that bulky look will resolve itself – nice, toned up muscle does not have to look bulky.
- What do you think is the most misunderstood about proper eating?
I still see women that eat nothing but cottage, cheese, yogurt, fruit, CEREAL – just eat like birds and then wonder why they still look fat and gushy even though they might be losing some weight. Eat some real food – get active!!!!
- What epiphany have you had during your bodybuilding training that resulted in the biggest positive change to your body?
I’ve always had the training thing down but once I got more educated on the role that food plays whether you are bulking or cutting then the changes started to come. I used to be the typical eat like a bird, too many carbs, not enough protein kind of girl. Once I started viewing food as a means to an end and was more goal oriented towards my nutrition I started actually reaching my goals, achieving the look that I wanted too.
- How do you feel when you see your body that is contest ready as opposed to the rest of the year?
That’s a tough one – I love the way I look when I’m in contest prep but I know it’s unrealistic to expect to stay that lean, especially since I usually try to put on a little mass off season. In all honesty I think I tend to look and feel my best at about 15 pounds over contest weight. I still have some definition and vascularity but also have some size. 135-140 is an ideal weight for me; it’s just a healthier weight all the way around.
- What is next for Technobarbie? How far will this journey take you? When do you say “when”?
I just got back into the gym after almost a month off and it felt GOOD. This year I am not really going to try to put on anymore size, just work on a couple of weak points and the quality and density of the mass that I have. I really wasn’t planning on competing next year but since I was not 100% happy with the results this year I would really like to take that knowledge of learning from my mistakes and see where I can go.
(A special thanks goes out to Technobarbie and Newgirl for a wonderful interview and their time and effort on a great project. Both proud members of basskillers' worldclassbodybuilding.com. For more information on Technobarbie, Newgirl and worldclassbodybuilding.com, please click on the above banner.)
* Article by by Newgirl, Admin @ www.worldclassbodybuilding.com.
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
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