Interview With Mindy Michelle
Inspiration of the Month - March 2010
Interviewed by: Angela Courduff
WP: Being a full-time working mother and wife, taking care of herself and eating right were not always at the top of Mindy's to-do list. After being diagnosed with a PFO, patent foramen ovale, migraines and hypogylcemia over 2 years ago, Mindy decided it was time to take care of herself so she would be healthy and energetic enough to take care of her family. She began working out on a regular basis and started on a nutrition plan designed for her by her dietician. It wasn't until she got serious with the eating plan that she begin to notice the transformation of her body. She had always been on the thin side, but now she was really beginning to tone. She liked seeing the muscle definition and it pushed her to work harder.
Now, she's preparing for her first competition...
“I actually make the time I am at the gym my time. I grab my iPod and get to work. I only have to concentrate on what I am doing at the moment. No room for other things to enter my mind at that time.”
WP: Hi Mindy! You have really been through a lot: Two years ago, you were diagnosed with some medical conditions. How did this impact your life?
MM: Hi Angie! First, I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia and migraine headaches. Then, my Cardiologist found a hole in my heart (Patent Foramen Ovale). This all happened within one year and it was at this point I decided my lifestyle and eating habits needed major changes.
WP: That is a lot for anyone to absorb in one year. Not only did you revamp your lifestyle and eating habits, but you took it one step further by setting your sights on competing in your first show! Are you excited?
MM: Yes, I am getting ready for my first show and I am getting more and more excited as the date gets closer!
WP: What made you want to pursue competing in fitness?
MM: My friend, Melinda Meyer, told me about competing and told me I should try it. I couldn’t quit thinking about it. So, in January I made it a goal to compete in 2010.
WP: What a great New Year’s Resolution! What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started training for this show?
MM: Not having a cheat day has been really hard for me. I just picture myself on stage and I know it will be worth sticking to my nutrition plan.
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train?
MM: I was very lean to begin with so I am working on bulking up and filling out. My legs and my shoulders are what need the most work.
WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?
MM: I always warm up with about 15 minutes of cardio, and I don’t usually train the same body part the same day every week. An example would be:
Monday: Legs and abs
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Back and shoulders
Thursday: Biceps and triceps
Friday: Chest and abs
Saturday: Legs
Sunday: Back, shoulders and abs
WP: Switching up your routines is a great way to shock your muscles. Would you say your new fitness lifestyle has changed you?
MM: Fitness has made an amazing impact on my life. I love to work out; it gives me the energy to get my day started. I have implemented clean eating into my diet and I can’t get enough new information when it comes to nutrition. By getting a little time to myself each day, it makes me more productive and relieves any stress I may have.
WP: What do you feel has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
MM: I attended an FMI (Fitness Model International) conference last year, and the knowledge and friends I gained from it are outstanding. I learned so much about the fitness industry as well as being introduced to competing! It pushed me to set higher goals and work even harder to achieve them.
WP: Can you give me an example of your current diet? What do you normally eat in a day?
MM: Oh wow, I never thought I could eat as much as I do now. Funny thing is that I am starving before the next meal!
Breakfast: 4 Egg Whites and 1 yolk, 1/2 Ezekiel muffin and almond butter.
Snack: Protein shake and apple.
Lunch: Ground turkey, brown rice and black beans.
Snack: Greek yogurt with protein powder mixed with blueberries and almonds.
Dinner: Fish, sweet potatoes and veggies.
Snack: Protein shake and almond butter.
WP: You definitely have the fitness diet down pat! How does your diet differ now that you are in training?
MM: Well, the quantity is certainly more than I’m used to eating, and the menu doesn’t change too much from day to day.
WP: Now that you’re in training, are you taking any supplements?
MM: I always take a fish oil supplement, multi-vitamin, L-Carnitine and vitamin C.
WP: What is the hardest thing you have had to deal with when it comes to your diet?
MM: I eat very clean even when I’m not in training so it isn’t too difficult. I know what to pack everyday without having to think about it. Like I said earlier, not being able to cheat is probably the hardest thing.
WP: Are you involved in any other sports or activities?
MM: I love to hike and we have so many great mountains around where I live. I will never tire of hiking them! Other than that, it’s hard to find time unless I am doing something with my family.
WP: Tell me more about your family; I hear you are married and have a son!
MM: Of course! My husband and I have been together for 11 years and have been married for 7. We have one son who is 5, and he is the absolute best thing that has ever come into our lives! I have to be fit to keep up with his energy.
WP: What does your family think of the new, fitter you?
MM: They are so supportive. My husband is like my personal coach who’s always motivating me. If we ever have time, we love to work out together. My son will participate in exercising if I am working out at home. They both have embraced the clean eating and I love to see them making healthier choices.
WP: It’s great that you’ve all embraced the fitness lifestyle. With all you have going on, how do you make time for you?
MM: Good question! I actually make the time I am at the gym my time. I grab my iPod and get to work. I only have to concentrate on what I am doing at the moment. No room for other things to enter my mind at that time.
WP: You recently began fitness modeling. Can you tell me some of the photographers you’ve worked with? Anyone you’d like to work with?
MM: I have been blessed to work with some great photographers early in my career. I have worked with Mike Byerly, James Patrick, Mark Taylor, Harvey Elkins, and Russ Elloway to name a few. I would like to work with Wendi from Satio Photography, Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold, and Dan Ray.
WP: All are fantastic photographers. You are one lucky girl! Who are some of your idols? Who do you admire most in the fitness industry?
MM: I have to tell you, Jamie Eason and Amber Elizabeth are two people I really admire in the fitness industry. They both have accomplished so much and I love their work!
WP: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MM: Hopefully, I will continue with my fitness journey and continue to be in the best shape of my life. I would love to be able to help others achieve their fitness goals whether it’s through diet and/or exercise. I would love to continue on my fitness modeling path as well. It’s a journey and we’ll see where it goes.
WP: Given your dedication and persistence, I think it’s safe to say you will definitely achieve any goal you set your mind to. Do you have any pet peeves?
MM: I am pretty easy going, however bad drivers can really get to me sometimes! Ha!
WP: I think that one may be on a lot of pet peeve lists! What do you consider to be important in life? Why?
MM: Family and enjoying each day to the fullest are most important to me. We are only blessed with a short time here; spending it with the people who are closest to me is extremely important. I try to squeeze every last minute out of each day to do all the things I want while I am here.
WP: Do you have any future projects in the works?
MM: I have a couple a photo shoots coming up as well as trying to advance in my modeling career.
WP: Any shout outs?
MM: I have to thank Clark Bartram and Gary Warren for sharing their vast knowledge of this industry with me. I would also like to thank Mark Norton and Patty Wilson for helping me to achieve my goals with competing. Also, Lauren Showers for introducing me to this wonderful industry. Last but certainly not least, my family and friends who support me and motivate me.
WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to add?
MM: I would just like to end by sharing this: Dream as big as you want, but you have to act on those dreams and follow through. Persistence is key!
WP: Truer words were never spoken. Thanks for taking the time for this interview, Mindy! It has been a pleasure! Best of luck in your first competition!
MM: Thank you, Angie.
