Racism and Friendship From My Personal View

(You're stlll at the right place for Women's fitness information. But once and awhile, it's good to shake up the routine. )

I created this "vlog" (video-blog) to deal with and talk about a problem I've had with certain friends.

Perhaps you've had the same problem where some of your, in my case, friends who are White (or the reverse or generally interracial) don't give you proper "consideration" in your friendship, where consideration is a kind of contract that all friendships have -- a contract of basic expectations of treatment.

In other words, while you call them, they don't call you, or if you are dealing with someone who's racist, they tell you that you "see racism" rather than coming to your aide.

Or they are your friends as long as they're able to take advantage of you or get information from you, but when they get around their friends, you suddenly don't exist.

I'd like to know your response to my video and your view.

Thanks.

Amanda Dunbar's Sister Alledgedly Killed By Husband, Darnell Patrick Lauture

Darnell Patrick Lauture Alledgedly Killed Amanda Dunbar's Sister Stacey Lauture, His Wife

I got an email from my friend, IFBB pro female bodybuilder Amanda Dunbar. I've gotten a lot of emails from Amanda over the many years, but this one is the first to totally shock him and it hits me, too. This is what she wrote:

I'm not sure if anyone has heard about this yet, but my sister, 21 year old, Stacey Lauture, was murdered by her husband, Darnell Lauture on Tuesday early evening.

She was beaten, then shot in the head, while her 2 year old beautiful angel, Amiyah, watched. Darnell then took off with Amiyah, and drove from their home in GA to his parents house in Cape Coral, Florida. It hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifas been 4 days since Amiyah has spoken to or seen anyone in her family and she needs to be returned. She is in protective foster care and I am fearful of her mental well-being at this point.

The poor child is only 2. Please, if you see Darnell or have seen him, contact the police immediately. He is an ex-truck driver and "I suspect" he is hitch-hiking on the interstate. Taking showers, eating, sleeping at truck stops. He was in South Florida the last thing we knew, but could be ANYWHERE by now. He has under $1000 on him with no credit available. He was driving my sisters blue, 2004, 4-door Hyundai sonata. We have to catch this killer. He is armed and dangerous. Please.... if you know anything or have seen him, contact the police immediately.

According to this Times Herald article, ..

Police have begun a several state manhunt for 24-year-old Darnell Patrick Lauture who is wanted in connection with the shooting death of his wife, 21-year-old Stacey Lauture, according to local authorities.

The incident happened overnight Tuesday at Stacey Lauture’s townhouse in Lakeside Apartments, located at 3405 Lakeside Way in Newnan, according to Major James Yarbrough of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office.

Stacey and Darnell Lauture were in the process of a divorce, and police had been called to the residence in the past to investigate domestic issues.


From what members of the sheriff’s office have gathered, Stacey was last seen alive around noon on Tuesday. Sometime after that, Darnell Lauture allegedly shot her once, fatally wounding her, according to Yarbrough.

This is shocking. I'm sending this email to every news media person I know, please pass this blog post on and write about it, too if you're a blogger.

I will give periodic updates here and at our main blog, Zennie's Zeitgeist.

Thanks,

Aleesha Young Flexes In Dress At NPC Jr. Nationals

102_0383, originally uploaded by petechons.

Petechons, whoever that is, features rising star fbb Aleesha Young at the 2008 NPC Nationals flexing her bicep in a killer dress. With her almost perfect combination of approachable beauty, and strong woman sexiness, Aleesha Young's becoming a regular here and around the FBB Fan Community.

The video below is from HDPhysiques and shows Aleesha's incredibly cut and buffed figure in a smoking bikini. And of course we have that great smile.

Heather Bayer Shows Super Biceps and Legs at www.ftvideo.com

Heather Bayer at www.ftvideo.com, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Heather Bayer is not just one of my favorite top female bodybuilders, she's one of my favorite people, too. Photoged by GeneX, Heather took the middleweight competition in the 2008 Junior Nationals, and has done very well in every contest she's been in, and it's only a matter of time before she gets her pro-card. Plus, as I explained up top, she's a nice person.

The only problem is that Heather's not yet done a movie or commercial. It's mind-numbing to think that someone with her presence has not been promoted or discovered for the movies or even a video show. Get thee an agent!

Here's a video introduction by Heather herself.

Heather Bayer - this girl has muscles

Kira Neuman's Abs, Breats And Biceps Stand Out

Kira Neuman, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Here's another awesome photo of Kira Neuman by our favorite shutterbug, GeneX. Here's Newman shows the great cut and sexy body she's becoming an FBB star for. And that smile! Oh, and the hat? Frank Sinatra would be proud.

Amber Lee Ettinger As Obama Girl v. Collete Nelson as "The McCain She-Hulk"

Collette Nelson God Bless America, originally uploaded by Natureboi.

This is a totally funny movie video by Barely Political and shows both Amber Lee Ettinger as Obama Girl and IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder Collete Nelson as "The McCain She-Hulk".

To see what Amber Lee Ettinger looks like, click here.

Nikki Fuller at nikkifuller.com Shows Super Woman Pose

nikkifuller.com, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Nikki Fuller clip39
Uploaded by strong51

Nikki Fuller is one of the few fbb pros that has a Wikipedia listing. She's a well-known female bodybuilder and actress.

Terra Walther Double Biceps In Costume For Trick or Treat

Terra Walther, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Terra Walther is dressed for the party on Halloween, and decides to show her muscles. She no slouch at all. Terra Walther was a star track and field athlete in Ashland. While not a competing fbb, she could be one. But the photo just shows us how common and popular being a strong woman has become.

Kira Neuman At 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals - GeneX

Kira Neuman, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

GeneX does his commonly masterful work of capturing the best beauty in a female bodybuilder. In this case, it's Kira Neuman, who was the 2007 college champ and this year was in the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals.

Kira Neuman is profiled by "Modelobserver" -- I'll be they were -- here:

Kira Neuman: No problem, it's my pleasure! Thank you! I would define myself as a very outgoing, energetic, funny person. I am very outgoing and personable.

* How was it like growing up in Greenwood, Indiana?

Kira Neuman: Growing up in Greenwood Indiana was definitely great. I don't think I would have rather grown up anywhere else. Well maybe somewhere warmer in the winter!!! I have three brothers so that was an experience in and of itself! I was always a tomboy and got into sports at a very young age.

* How did you first get started into bodybuilding? Did you have a role model that influenced you to get into bodybuilding?

Kira Neuman: I went to Ball State University for four years and in my third year there I attended an amateur bodybuilding show they put on. I saw it, was interested and went for it the next year. I was hooked ever since! My biggest role model who has influenced me to get into bodybuilding has been my father. He used to compete and has always been my number one fan.

* Throughout your life you were so active in sports: participating in gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, softball and even tennis. How is bodybuilding different from other sports?
Kira Neuman Gallery
Pohotographer: Gene X Hwang - GeneX Magazine.



Kira Neuman: Bodybuilding is so different from any sport I have ever played. I was always very athletic and participated in sports year round, but I didn't have to diet!! With bodybuilding I learned very quickly how much of a commitment the sport really is. It is a lifestyle and it has taught me a lot of discipline. So I think the biggest difference is the serious dedication and discipline the sport requires in order to be successful!

* You are the winner of 2007 NPC Teen & Collegiate National Championships! How do you feel as the 2007 Collegiate Bodybuilding National Champion? Was it easy for you to win the contest?

Kira Neuman: Winning the 2007 NPC Collegiate Nationals was awesome! It's a pretty cool title to have and I am very proud! I don't think it's really ever easy to win a contest because of all the hard work that goes into the contest prep. It is a very rewarding feeling to win something that I worked so hard for!

* How do you manage the muscle building process so well? Do you set timeline and specific tasks such as desired weight, level of body fat and measurements, or you just train your muscles as hard as you can?

Kira Neuman: I am someone who is not concerned with numbers. So, I don't pay close attention to what the scale says because I don't want to overstress or become obsessed with it. I train hard every day and I just try to make improvements on my lifts and in my physique and I don't limit myself to a certain timeline. I just do my best and whatever I end up with in the end is what I end up with! I just have to rock it no matter what!

* Bodybuilders are judged on the overall quality of their muscular development. Judging is based upon the presentation of: Muscles Mass, Definition, Proportion, Symmetry and Stage Presence. How ready is your body in each field? Where do you plan to improve?

Kira Neuman: I feel confident in saying that I my stage presence, symmetry and proportion are all on point. I definitely feel that there is always a need for improvement so the one thing I really want to work on this year is my conditioning which will in turn improve my definition. I also want to add a little more muscle to my entire physique.

* What weight lifting equipment is best for you and which weight lifting program do you use?

Kira Neuman: I love a combination of both free weights and machines. Using both gives me the best results and allows me to vary my workouts. I also use a combination of powerlifting training and low weight, high repetition training. For me, the most important thing is that I change my routine regularly!

* How did you find your bodybuilding diet that helps you to gain muscle mass fast?

Kira Neuman: My trainer, Jon Pedigo, has been a huge help with my contest diet and my offseason diet. He has guided me through my training and given me some great advice which has helped me make a lot of improvements!

Amber Defrancesco Flexes Thighs at 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals

Amber Defrancesco, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Amber Defrancesco was the overall winner of the 2008 NPC Nationals., In this video she flexes her hard and sexy thighs. Amber has placed first in every contest she's been in:

2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest1st2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest - 1st

Annie Rivieccio's One Pound Burger At the NPC Junior Nationals

Annie's one pound burger, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

You can't do a lift and carry like Annie Rivieccio's lift and carry without an incredible level of energy. To get that power, Annie Rivieccio lifts weights and hamburgers, like this one pounder. Come to think of it, it looks pretty good to me.

Aleesha Young Flexes Sexy Muscles In Wow Photo

Aleesha Young, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Here's another wower of an Aleesha Young photo by GeneX.

This one shows the FBB up-and-comer in a cowgirl halter top and blue jeans, flexing. With that smile and page-style hairdo, Aleesha Young presents the best combination of "girl-next-door" approachability, arresting beauty, and super-muscular / sexy female muscle one can see today. It's no wonder folks are going litterally nuts over her.

Lisa Aranda Female Bodybuilder Flexes Biceps; Shows Legs

Lisa Aranda, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Lisa Aranda
Uploaded by sololoymania

(I hate the music in the video, but that's me.)

Lisa Aranda is one to watch. Her early photos on AMG were cool and athletic, but this country girl's got a bod now! Check out the thigh definition. Here's more about her from AMG:

My Dad always said I was the first at the table & the last to leave, so you can see that I have a long history of appreciating food!!!! I graduated from high school where I played varsity basketball and ran track, lettered in both. I have always loved music, and I love to dance. My husband Jim calls me the dancin' Queen!! Speaking of Jim he's the one who got me into bodybuilding in 1998, just shortly before we were married in June 1999. He had been at it for several years and had done some competing, so he really encouraged me to go for it. But without pushing it on me.Of course I loved it right from the start!!!! I did my first show The World Gym Classis in May 2000 in Columbus OH and placed 2nd by a point. However in October 2000 I won the overall at the Monster Mash show in Cincinnati, OH - that was quite a thrill!! In September 2001 I did the World Gym Classic again, an placed 2nd again - the same girl beat me by a point again!! In November 2001 I won the Columbus Bodybuiilding Championship overall, and Jim and I won the Mixed Pairs as well. I took some time off, and then did my next show in April 2004 in Lakewood OH and placed 3rd. In June 2004 I won the overall at the Mountaineer Cup in Chester W Va. In September 2004 I placed 3rd at the Ohio State Bobybuilding Championship in Columbus OH.

Oh yeah you wanted to know about competing - well I have been athletic all my life, but bodybuilding was new to me so I think it grew on me to the point where I thought let's do a show & see how it feels. If it's fun maybe we'll do more. I have found such positive feedback and support from the fans that it has motivated me to keep going & do more, even when the judging has been frustrating!!!!

A typical day???? well let's see - when the kids are in school I get up at 630 and take Zachary school at 730. then I come home and fix breakfast for Jim and Heidi and Natalee, also myself of course. i take the girls to school at 9 and then I head to the gym. I spend 2 hours at the gym about 5 days a week, I take Thursday and Sunday off. I have a precontest training schedule that I follow pretty religiously when I am preparing for a show; otherwise I might go a little heavier, and just have some fun trying to hit a Personal Best or whatever. I leave and go home for lunch and a shower. I do my housework and stuff before 230 when I go pick up Zachary; I have an hour to kill before I go get the girls at 330. We come home and I get them a snack, and help them with homework. Grocery shopping and other errands are usually done between 430 and 630, then it's time to start thinking about dinner. In bed by 11 most days. when I have to work during the day, I go to the gym after I fix dinner for the family, so that puts me there at about 7 PM and I work out until about 8:30 - 9:00. When I get home the first thing I do is eat!!!! then I can relax a bit with Jim, and see how his day has gone ( he is a lawyer, and one of the owners of his Firm ). I find that you can't always get everything done that you want to, but you establish your priorities and go for it!!!! So every day is a balancing act: children, husband, household needs, training. Somehow it all comes together.

Well. I'm really looking forward to 2005. I haven't yet decided what shows I'll do, it depends on a couple of things. Have to keep my priorities straight. But you're at a show and I'm onstage, I sure hope you'll shout your loudest for me, that will mean a lot to me.

Sarah Hayes Female Bodybuilder

Sarah Hayes, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

From this GeneX photo, it looks like Sarah Hayes , the next FBB star, has lost some water weight on the way to the Las Vegas NPC Championships.

Angela Rayburn Flexes Thighs and Calves

Angela Rayburn, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Angela Rayburn Flexes Thighs and Calves

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Angela Rayburn is captured here by GeneX as part of his photo shoots during the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals. Angela Rayburn is a perenial competitor here. She's from Mississippi and sports a tall 5-9 frame with great abs definition (note the six-pack).

Ali Huston By GeneX at 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals

Ali Huston, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Ali Huston is "one of the strongest figure models around" according to FigureRx

Monique Hayes At 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals

Monique Hayes, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Monique Hayes strikes a pose at the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals.

Amber Defrancesca Winner of The 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals.

Amber Defrancesca, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Amber Defrancesco is the overall winner of the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals. Here are the results. Congrats to Heather Bayer for making the top of her class.

Middleweights:
1) Heather Bayer
2) Kira Neuman
3) Angelita McGhee
4) Lisa Aranda
5) Lilsa Janusz

Light Heavyweights:
1) Justine Dohring
2) Roxanne Edwards
3) Sherrie Enos
4) Deanna Harvick
5) Dominique Durand

Heavyweights:
1) Amber Francesco
2) Monique Jones
3) Angela Rayburn
4) Robyn Mentgen
5) Andrea Wanek

Sherrie Carnicle Female Bodybuilder

Sherrie Carnicle, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Sherrie Carnicle's a contestant in the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals Contest. She's 30 years old and live in Eden Prarie, Minn according to her MySpace page .

Aleesha Young Female Bodybuilder By GeneX

Aleesha Young, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

GeneX photographically captures Aleesha Young here as part of a photo shoot. You can read more about Aleesha Young by clicking on this link sentence.

Aleesha Young, Fbb Webcam Star With Great Legs, Biceps, Is Rising Fast

Say, click here to read about C. Donatello Winery, while you're at it!


Aleesha Young is as of this writing a 23-year old female bodybuilder who's making waves via the use of webcams. She says her best body part is her arms, but I think her legs can give pros like Heather Armbrust a run for their money. To be sure, her biceps are well-peaked and her back and traps are things of beauty. So's her smile.

Currently, she's living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Watch out for this new star on the rise. Aleesha doesn't have a website, but she does have this MySpace page.

Aleesha
Uploaded by smileyfbbluvr

Elena Seiple In Red Dress

elena seiple, originally uploaded by kafbb.

How would you like to go into a conventional office to see someone who looks like Elena every day? IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder Elena Seiple shows us what we're missing in a workday without buffed women, especially in red dresses. She's the boss.

Elena actually does work in the Information Technology industry.

Lisa Arksey Video and Information

DSCF1099, originally uploaded by HerBiceps.

Lisa-Arksey - Hosted by Putfile.com

LISA ARKSEY
http://www.amg-lite.com/lisa_arksey/

Where and when were you born?
Hamilton ON Canada

What is your profession?
Accounting / personal tranier

What kind of activities/sports did you do before you started lifting weights?
As far as my athletic background goes, I have played various sports since grade 2 including Basket Ball, Volley Ball, Track & field, Soccer, Rugby, Baseball & Wrestling. Through out my schooling I have had dreams of being a professional athlete of some sort...flirted with the thought of being a track star, then basketball then a WWE Diva and finally a Lenda Murray...I have always had an obsession with muscle.I had a passion for bodybuilding, which i had always thought it was unattainable, which I am proving that theory wrong right about now.

How and when did you get involved into lifting weights?
I had kept active and been weight training since 1990 off and on trying to build my physique. Deep down inside i was not going to give up! I started to read a bit and try many different diets and started to experiment on ways to try and lean out! Well that was impossible! My body was and still is a hard one to figure out! (I am very middle heavy and is abs are playing hide and seek an awfull lot!)

Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body?
I did work out for 14 years off and on, but it was not evident by looking at my unappealing physique! I decided to get serious in March 2003 and hired a trainer, which was a huge ego crusher...I thought i knew everything and could not believe I had to now pay someone? My original motivation was simply to lose some body fat and tone up. I also needed to finally learn the tricks of the trade! However, as time went on I became more serious, my motivation switched to fulfilling my dream of bodybuilding. This became more attainable after I saw a drastic change in my physique in the summer of 2003. I went from 24% body fat in March 2003 to 10% in August 2003 and all of my years of weight lifting finally became evident. From then on I have set my goals high to continue to sculpt & fine tune my physique.

What was your first competition and how did you place?
My first competition was October 2003, and there was two of us…I came in second lol * that was a trial competition to get me warmed up for my first one in November 2003 (where I placed 4th place)
Then I advanced to Level 2 competition & competed the following year June 2004 where I place 1st overall.

And which contest has been the biggest success for you yet?
Mississauga South Central Championships (Laura Benetti & Melanie Horton’s show) Where I advanced to Provincial (level 3) *placing FIRST OVERALL!!

Could you please add a history of all contests that you have entered so far?
October 2003 – Windsor Cup – Placing 2nd
November 2003 – Western Ontario Championships – 4th place
June 2004 – Mississauga Southern Ontario Championships – 1st –OVERALL

Please tell me something about your daily training routine.
How often do you train in a week?
I generally work one body part a week:
Mon – Chest /Triceps (Seeing the triceps are the secondary muscle used during chest, I tend to do High rep triceps at the end of my chest day.
Tues – Back / Biceps (Also biceps are the secondary muscle used during back workouts, so I do high rep biceps at the end of back day)
Wed – off (cardio if training for a show)
Thursday – Shoulders
Friday – Arms
Sunday – Legs

*During my dieting time I am in the gym every morning doing cardio(30 –40 mins) abs, lower back & calves.

What are the main differences when you train for a competition and in off-season?
There is not much difference in my off season/competition training during the first 12 weeks of dieting. I still lift heavy & do moderate reps (8 to 10) The only major difference is the cardio added in the morning along with the after workout cardio for 20 min. The last 8 to 6 weeks is usually when I try to do higher reps but still maintain a working weight. I add some variation in as well, like on leg days *walking lunges.. more cardio based movements.

If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)?
Measurements
Biceps: 14 1/2”
Chest: 38”
Forearm 11 3/4”
Quads: 25”
Waist: 30 - 33”
Calves: 15 3/4
Hip: 35 -37”
125- 135 competition weight / off season (ranging from 155 to 180 lbs YIKES)
Maximum lifts:
Dumbbell Press: 75lbs 8 reps / Flat Bench Press : 160lbs 6 reps
Dead lift: 305lbs 5 reps / Leg Press : 720 lbs 20 reps / Bicep Curls: 45 lbs 8 reps / Dumbbell Shoulder Press : 50 lbs 8 reps
Squats: 225lbs 10 reps / Dumbbell Rows : 75 lbs 10reps

Which body part is your best in your opinion?
I have been told my quads, I have noticed there is a different shape to them. I have also been told my shoulders too.

What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much?
My favorite is deadlifts!!! And my definite least favorite is calves & abs!

Judging in Women’s Bodybuilding has always been criticised in one or the other way. Please tell me your honest thoughts about today’s judging in Women’s Bodybuilding.
In my opinion Womens bodybuilding is following in the footsteps of the mens… where the “monsters” seem to be winning. The real meaning of bodybuilding is forgotten. I do agree that muscle mass is important, but I do also agree that symmetry & conditioning is also just as important. The total package is in my opinion the winner not just size. That is my goal …to keep the femininity into the sport…and keep going as far as I can naturally but trying to get and keep the overall package. I am hoping that oneday the judging follows that route as well.

Please tell me about what else you are doing when you don’t work out.
When I am not working out I am spending all of my spare time cuddling with my boyfriend, or my two favorite animals: Monster & Tipper (my cats). I really like to hang low. I do however bartend every Friday for 8 years at NRG Kingdom in Burlington ON … that has been my “night life” (keeps me out of trouble) Since I have got into bodybuilding it really is hard to do much as I am usually eating every few hours.. and cannot drink or eat junk. In the summer, I do enjoy rollerblading & playing Beach Volleyball.

What are your future plans for 2005?
My future goals are to keep training hard and sculpt and refine my physique. Try and keep the competitive juices flowing, i have sucessfully made it into level 3 bodybuilding as my next competition will be the Ontarios in June 2005. I also have interest in exploring different avenues in the fitness industry, whether it is some type modelling or promotional venues… I will continue try to expose myself as much as I can to do what I can to fulfill all of my dreams and work towards my pro-card. Trying to bring a more feminine side back to female bodybuilding, as i do it naturally!! ! I love this industry! To top it all off I have “the best workout partner” anyone could ever ask for! My boyfriend Jimmy has definitely changed my physique with his training techniques & his continuous support. For those of you that don’t workout with your significant other, you do not know what you are missing!!!

**Maybe one day I will be the next addition to the WWE!!!!!

Please note:
Lisa does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!!

Britt Miller of www.BrittMiller.com

DSCF3099, originally uploaded by HerBiceps.

Britt Miller of www.BrittMiller.com

Birthdate: October 4th, 1984
From: Born & Raised in North Carolina

School: East Carolina University - Nursing

Height: 5'4"
Weight: 120-125 lbs conteset; 150-165 lbs offseason

Forearms: 11.5"
Biceps: 12.75" unflexed, 14" flexed

1999 Elite NC Show -- competed in figure
2001 Metrolina -- 3rd place lightweight bodybuilding

2003 NC States -- 3rd place lightweight bodybuilding
2003 Metrolina -- 3rd place figure

2004 NC States -- 1st place lightweight bodybuilding and overall champ
2004 Jr Nationals -- 2nd place middleweight bodybuilding

Athletic & Physique Competition History:

"I played basketball while I was in high school and had planned to play in college. But towards the end of high school, I became 100% focused on trying to put on muscle size for bodybuilding. I also played softball my senior year. I then started to spend most of my free time training at the gym which ended up being to my advantage because my strength had increased and really helped me to succeed.

I have been lifting seriously since I was a freshman in high school. Although I couldn't take weightlifting as a freshman in school, I did manage to work out everyday. The coach of the weightlifting class went to the gym that I went to in the mornings before school. Since I wasn't old enough to drive, my mom would wake up and take me to the gym every morning at 4:30am. I would work out, do cardio, tan, take a shower, and then I would ride to school with the coach.

This is how I trained to compete in my first competition. I competed in my first figure competition, the Quincy Roberts "Elite," when I was a freshman at 14 years old. I looked awesome for my age, but yet I was obviously a little underdeveloped! I think I was about 110lbs! It was a great experience and I fell in love with the enviornment. It was a big thing for me to become a sophmore because I could take weightlifting class.

My next competition was when I was a junior in high school. I did Roger Morrison's Metrolina Show. I competed in the bodybuilding division for my first time. Unfortunately, I had to compete against one of the best female physiques ever from North Carolina, Melanie Thompson! Remember,I was only 16 at the time, and Mel was, well... HUGE compared to me! There were three girls in the lightweight class, and I got third. But hey, another learning experience out of the way! I was still happy, and I got my first trophy!

My next show was when I was a Freshman in college. I competed in the NC State Championships, lightweight bodybuilding class, and got third. I hadn't planned to do this competition; I had been dieting for about 7 weeks to do figure at the Metrolina and my brother asked me if I thought that I could get ready for bodybuilding at the NC States in 1 week! I thought this would be impossible, but of course I took it as a challange and preceeded to do so. I dropped 15 pounds in one week and placed third in bodybuilding.

I still did the Metrolina about 1 month later and, once again, placed third; but this time in figure. By then, I was tired of placing third! I took a year off to try to put on some size.

Last year, 2004, my Sophmore year, I decided to do bodybuilding at the NC States. I completed an 18 week diet and dropped down to 124 lbs from 160 lbs for the competition. I was, what I thought, in excellent condition. I placed 1st in the lightweight class and then went on to win the 2004 Overall NC State Women's Bodybuilding title. This made me eligible to compete nationally.

The 2004 J. Nationals were only 4 weeks after the NC States, so I decided to give it a try! I busted my ass for those next 4 weeks and weighed in at 120lbs. What I thought was excellent conditioning for the NC States, didn't even compare to the difference in conditioning that I had at the Jr.'s. I placed 2nd in the middleweight class at the 2004 Jr. Nationals.

I have taken the time since the show to put on as much muscle possible. I am now planning to compete at the 2005 USA's. From where I started out, I think that I have come a very long way and am so thankful that I am where I am right now! I only want to better my overall physique.

Bodybuilding is the one thing that I can turn to, to free myself from anything that might be bothering me. I go in the gym to get my mind off of everything and to just focus on what I love the most, training! I like the off-season look as well as the in-season look; I like being full and muscular, but then again I like being shredded when it comes competition time. The week by week progress during competition is awesome to look at the whole way through. The competitors and the competition that they bring with them to the stage is great and the backstage enviornment as well as on-stage time is an adrenline rush. Bodybuilding is my dream and I am loving every minute of it!

My future goals in the sport of bodybuiding are to compete in the 2005 USA's. I'm taking it one step at a time. I'm sure that you all can imagine what my future goal is, going pro would definatly be the most awesome thing ever. But as for right now, I am just taking everything as it comes. I am hoping to bring a new physique to the 2005 USA's, and in turn make a name for myself on the national level.

Sarah Hayes By GeneX During Emerald Cup

Sarah Hayes on www.ftvideo.com, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

After Tre Scott discovered her three months ago, Sarah Ann Hayes has developed an Internet following.

Finally captured here by GeneX, I continue to hold that the talented Sarah Hayes can be an excent product spokesperson for cars, cosmetics, and other mainstream offerings, rather than just doing photos for female bodybuilding fans.