I AM ISSUE 21 JULY. 2015 | Page 21

April 2014 “The diet is high protein, moderate carbs and some fats. It [the diet] changes as comp date draws nearer. October 2014 Training involves a lot of heavy lifting and some cardio. Peak week is the week leading up to the big day, and it is usually the hardest of the 12 weeks. [Peak week] consists of water and sodium loading, then depleting so your skin literally sticks to your muscles. There's also carb loading just before too. What is the biggest sabotage for you when training for a comp like this? “Chocolate and sweet stuff is my biggest vice! You can say I'm totally unsocial for those 12 weeks, as it's impossible to eat out, drink with friends or go to parties. Friday nights, when most people are going out, you'll find me in the gym! What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter a body-building comp for the first time? “I would say they need to make sure they are prepared to go through not only the physical challenge of the 12 week prep, but also the mental challenge. You need to stay focused, trust in the process and keep your eyes on the prize - and, have a good post comp plan too. There is such a thing as post comp blues. It's very common, especially in female competitors. I went through it after my first comp last October. Preparation is vital! I have to ask … Is your swimsuit really taped to your butt? “Haha - Yes! Your bikini bottoms are stuck to your butt with something called Bikini Bite. It's like superglue you roll on to the inside of your bikini to stop it from riding up your butt!” -Interview by Samantha Jane-