Having enough of being sick and tired, I resolved to change my life for the better at the start of 2015 and stuck with it. Got a gym membership at Fit For Life and the feel-good endorphins I got from exercise helped change my outlook and forge a healthy lifestyle. I lost 15lbs in the first three months by cardio. After finding a smarter way to eat and train (thanks to my coach Corey Pedri) I NEVER LOOKED BACK. Five years later, earning my IPE pro card, being able to slash my body fat to 14% and lose more than 40 lbs, and take on the stage I mentally feel like I can take on anything. Bodybuilding is more than just a sport or hobby; it is also a life-changing activity.
I started out competing in NPC shows. That federation doesn’t test for steroids. I did good being a natty bodybuilder with local shows but National shows were a whole different story. I decided to compete in Natural Bodybuilding in 2020 and won my pro card the very first show! Now my goal is to step on that pro stage this year.
Here is my journey:
2015- Started strength training.
2016- Competed in my first bodybuilding show. Figure division. Med City Muscle Classic in Rochester, MN. I won 1st place took overall in the figure Division.
2017- NPC USA Championships (Nationals) in Nevada, Las Vegas on July 28th. I won 2nd call outs 9th place.
2017- NPC North Star Championships in Burnsville, MN on October 8th. I won 1st place Figure Division.
2018- NPC North Americans Championships (Nationals) in Pittsburgh, PA, on August 30th. Unfortunately, I didn’t place.
2019- Took a year off to build muscle.
2020- Mr. and Ms. Natural Minnesota in Burnsville, MN on June 27th. I won 1st Open Figure Division, 1st Masters Division. Overall Champion in Figure. Won my IPE PRO Card.
Age:
37
City:
Faribault, Minnesota.
Occupation details:
Supervisor at Aldi / Bodybuilder.
Fitness goal:
Step on stage for my pro debut this fall, October 2nd at NANBF Clash of The Titans.
Who is your trainer? What makes him/her so special to you?
Corey Pedri – We have a love-hate relationship. He’s pushed me to the max! There have been many tears shed. He is so supportive, focused, goal-oriented, knowledgeable, observant. He means the world to me. If it weren’t for his push every day, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has trained me for 6 years. He knows exactly how far to push me.
What do your parents mean to you? What did they teach you?
My parents mean the world to me. They have supported me through this journey.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
I love that I can relate to articles in Status and learn from other hardcore competitive athletes. I’m always learning bodybuilding. I know what it means to put in the work, so reading some of the bodybuilder articles makes me happy that they get a chance to talk about their journey. It’s a lifestyle. It takes time, a lot of time!
What would it mean to you to become the next Status Fitness Cover model?
It would mean the world to me if I become the next Status Fitness Cover. It’s hard to put into words. I’m from a small town and not a lot of people understand my lifestyle. It’s hard to get noticed in the bodybuilder world. I’m not looking for fame. I’m just simply saying to “fit in” the group of bodybuilding is hard. I have the town of Faribault behind me. They all know how hard I work. I would love to tell my story. All the sacrifices it takes to become the best version of yourself. The deep into prep mind, getting down to 10% body fat, nutrition, late-night meal prepping, so fatigued but still have to do cardio. Trying to lift so heavy all the way up to show day. To be flexible in a magazine would be a dream come true. Show my town that never gives up on your dreams. Even for the small-town girl, you just never know!
Special skills?
They call me “Ali” at the gym! BB walking lunges would be my freakish skill. My PR is 250 × 8, 4 sets of 8.
3 things people would not know about you:
- Three-time State Champ for dance line.
- Wanted to go to College for radio broadcasting.
- Wanted to be a WWE Diva.
Who do you wish to inspire?
I want to inspire the young generation. You got to work for it. It’s not going to just fall on your lap. Work hard!
5 lessons you have learned?
- NEVER GIVE UP.
- Be around people that support you.
- You are stronger than you think.
- During the process of trying to master one thing, you’ll learn to master other things.
- Quit telling yourself that you are not good enough.
Photographer: Jeff Binns
