Who are your biggest supporters?

[Siouxcountry]

Few people that compete do it all alone.

Who would you thank right now for all that they have done for you? :)

[Badgergrl]

Good thread!

Let's see...

The people on the boards have helped me SO much. Just having people that relate to you that you can reach at any time of the day. And the few that I've really gotten to know...it's nice to build friendships with people you share a passion with.

My (now) ex-boyfriend. Still very supportive and encouraging.

My family has been cool. Although they don't understand the training and extent of the prep, and they probably think it's all a little crazy, I love that they get excited for me around show time and share pics with their friends. All of that is very motivating.

My gym is pretty awesome too. It's really grown on me. Just the people that ask me when my next show is, or show an interest in the slightest bit. I really appreciate those little things.

[SBT]

Honestly, my BIGGEST supporters are my friends on the boards!!! By far over anyone!! I mean my parents didn't so much as text/call to say good luck at my shows let alone show up for any of them... oh well!!!

Luv you all!!!!!!! :grouphug:

[Siouxcountry]

My family has been cool. Although they don't understand the training and extent of the prep, and they probably think it's all a little crazy, I love that they get excited for me around show time and share pics with their friends. All of that is very motivating.


That has to be cool when you see someone you love get out pics of you to show others what you have accomplished. :)

[Siouxcountry]

Honestly, my BIGGEST supporters are my friends on the boards!!! By far over anyone!! I mean my parents didn't so much as text/call to say good luck at my shows let alone show up for any of them... oh well!!!

Luv you all!!!!!!! :grouphug:

We luv you back, Shannon! :hug:

[Badgergrl]

That has to be cool when you see someone you love get out pics of you to show others what you have accomplished. :)

It's very cool, but also a little funny when my stepdad is showing them to his truckdriving coworkers who live in a conservative small town. :)
I guess they didn't really get it :rolleyes:

[Ondrea]

you guys on the boards. without you all, i am at it alone.

my fam will support asnd help me with anything in life but they dont get it and think its crazy and just a little hobby i will get over soon...little do they know!

definitly not the ex...for those who know the ordeal!

[dallas3]

you guys on the boards. without you all, i am at it alone.

my fam will support asnd help me with anything in life but they dont get it and think its crazy and just a little hobby i will get over soon...little do they know!

definitly not the ex...for those who know the ordeal!

We're always here for ya and anyone else here on the boards :awesome:

[buffbabeGA]

i would have to say my dad when I competed.. i was single (by choice) and my dad and i had a standing sunday dinner together and he would call me and say " so what can u eat for dinner tonight?" and he would cook it for me.... i thought that was so awesome... meant the world to me.. and at my first show he came ,sat in the front row and brought me flowers.

[JLB001]

My boss and co workers, my trainer, several of my girlfriends, my friends on the boards, and two of my ex boyfriends. :)

[Siouxcountry]

you guys on the boards. without you all, i am at it alone.


We are here for you Andrea! :hug:

i would have to say my dad when I competed.. i was single (by choice) and my dad and i had a standing sunday dinner together and he would call me and say " so what can u eat for dinner tonight?" and he would cook it for me.... i thought that was so awesome... meant the world to me.. and at my first show he came ,sat in the front row and brought me flowers.

What a great Dad to have. :)

My boss and co workers, my trainer, several of my girlfriends, my friends on the boards, and two of my ex boyfriends. :)

Now that is huge support network. :)

[Lisa]

Wow! I was just thinking about this the other day....even though we do this "alone",,,it take a huge network of support to do it! And I thank every single person who had a hand in my success! There are too many to list.....

It started on the boards when I met Delphene Balan, Scott Abel, and many many other fine people, including all of you:)

The peeps at my gym are great! The tanning salon is great, co-workers & boss are awesome, Dad helped financially even though he goes not "get" what the heck I am doing...lol! My kids have been great too, busting me every time they see me rumaging thru the kitchen cabinets;)

And all the fans who love female muscle!

[ripitupbaby]

My husband for sure. He's been by my side every step of the way. He pushes me in the gym and keeps me on track at home, takes pics and helps me with my posing. I couldn't do it without him.

Carla Salotti, of course... my trainer. She's awesome to work with and an inspiration on many levels.
My powerlifting coach has been an incredible supporter and a great inspiration to me. He's had more faith in me than I have had in myself on countless occassions. :cool:

And of course all of my friends on the boards....it's amazing to have so much support when prepping. It's very motivational too!! :grouphug:

[sdahlum]

My husband, my husband, my husband!!! No one keeps me motivated, encourages me, or is prouder of me than he is. I really wouldn't be doing this if not for him. He's taught me that it's okay to do all this crazy training and dieting even though everyone else thinks I'm a bit nutty. He prepares a lot of my food for me and works long and hard on helping me with my poses, tweaking my workouts and diets to benefit me better. It's so awesome to constantly have this encouragement and assurance right by my side :D

[fitlei]

Wow what a great question.

I would say that I would have to thank my boyfriend first and foremost. He absolutely loves and respects all of the women that compete in the sport. He's the one that actually pushed me and got me into competing. I would have never even known Figure existed had it not been for him and for that alone, I'll always be indebted to him. He's such a huge fan of me and has even starting reading some webdesign books (he's a computer geek lol) so he can start building up my website.

Besides him, I would say my family and friends. Everyone has truly been sooo supportive of my lifestyle, when I'm prepping for a show they try to make sure I have everything I need....they've given $$, they made posters and brought them to my last show lol, and they are always there for me when I'm having a low carb day and am bitchy as all hell hahaa.

Last but not least, all of my friends here on the board. It truly is amazing to see so many women supporting each other. In my past, I haven't had the greatest track record when it comes to having female friends but I can honestly say that by being on this site, I have found more women that I'm truly interested in being friends with and sharing my journeys with fitness and life in general with. I love you guys!!! You ROCK! Keep striving :)

Then of course there's people like Sioux that can appreciate strong women instead of being intimidated by them! Thanks so much Sioux, we love you!!!!! :respect:

[sue upson]

My number one supporter is my husband, Craig. He keeps me grounded during my dieting and training. He knows what it takes to compete b/c he competes too. It's nice to have someone at home who knows what you're going through. Not so good when he's eaten the last piece of chicken or cleaned out the last jar of peanut butter :) Love You honey!! Also, my other trainer Donnie and my family/friends. Without them I'm not so sure I could do this and stay focused. So.. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Wait... you guys too! Thank all of you for providing me with your support ;)

[Amy]

DITTO to what Fitlei says about female support. I've never had so much female encouragement then I've gotten since doing bodybuilding. Hats off to all the ladies that are involved in the crazy industry and sport.

The closest support that I get tho..is my children. 15 and 12. They get this more than some of my closest friends. They may not always like me during the diet...but they are there to push me, watch what I eat, and still love me at the end of the day. LOL

And then a big thank you to Sioux for inviting me to this website. The boards are awesome and the people are great.

THANK YOU. xo

[Physedfit]

My biggest supporters are my parents, first and foremost. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be able to do this sport! They buy my food and cook my chicken if I don't have time. They are so stinkin amazing to me!

And of course friends at my gym and on these boards. I get awesome advice, encouragement, and tons of thoughtful and rewarding compliments! Thanks to everyone!

[JenFerFigure]

I thank God first and foremost. I have a strong faith and I believe he sets everything in motion for me -- without him I wouldn't be able to breathe. LOL

My biggest support aside, is my boyfriend. He is absolutely unbelieveable in terms of showing me how to properly train, support, encouragement, companionship. Quite simply without him I would not be able to compete. He's also a role model and strives to do everything to a higher level so I feed off that and strive to better myself off that. His positive energy is vital to me!

I have had numerous other people which I cherish highly for their help and support -- and these are people who've made valuable contributions, namely Dave Palumbo, Carlo Fillipone, Nancy Fuentes and Jennifer Searles.

My girlfriends who don't compete, but who have shown their unconditional support, the people at my current Gym have been quite unbelieveably supportive. I'm speechless by their show of support....

And last but certainly not least all the people on this forum have been amazing and their support is absolutely priceless to me. The people I have met through the forums are also people I deeply cherish for their love of the sport and their support with one another -- this union gives you strength.

As you can see, my level of support cannot get any stronger. I'm deeply grateful to all.

[VictoriaHamm]

You guys!

My husband is also awesome! My parents try but they really don't get it. My mom tries to prepare food that I can eat. At easter, she grilled a chicken breast for me and cooked green beans. She filled my entire plate with green beans. She said she felt sorry for me because that's all I could have :rolleyes: It's cute, though!

[MsGuns]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

i would have to say my dad when I competed.. i was single (by choice) and my dad and i had a standing sunday dinner together and he would call me and say " so what can u eat for dinner tonight?" and he would cook it for me.... i thought that was so awesome... meant the world to me.. and at my first show he came ,sat in the front row and brought me flowers.

[MsGuns]

my trainer- he always is pushing me- i hate it sometimes...
this week i asked could he just treat me like a normal avg person who works out...he said no you are better than that...i was ok let's not train for shows just workout...he said no again...

my coworkers and job (im able to eat bet classes or during)

FB.com and SC.com boards reading journal and chatting help me make it thru the days

my family but they all live on the east coast do they dont see what I go thru day in and day out...

[NPCFigure 40]

I would have to say....

My trainer Richie, he is my rock, and voice of reason. He got me into this and supports me all the way from my training, diet, tanning, posing, pep talks, and being the best friend anyone can have

My husband Michael who deals with my mood swings,my anxiety over getting my meals and cardio in, and dealing with no vacations or eatting out while dieting.

My girlfriend Beth who came to my shows and menatlly supported me through the processes. Even while planning her wedding.

My family tries, but they really don't understand it....

All my friends on the boards!!

[dvsness]

My boyfriend Dan is great. Some of you may know him as Deserusan from some other boards. While he has yet to get on stage (we're shooting to get him to the Eastern USAs this Nov), he gets it and lives the life as I do. Things will get even better since he's moving in with me in Aug. :kiss:

My prep coach Matt Cahill is phenominal. I just love him and his wife Melissa and consider them good friends. I mean, how many people can you drive to their house in the middle of the night and strip in their living room when your camera dies and you can't take progress pics? :D

Prolab has played a major role in my even being able to compete. With the high cost of living in NYC and not the best paying nine to five, I am now able to have all the supplements I need, the money to buy all the wild caught fish I have to eat and enough left over for the higher entry fees and travel expenses.

Having Grace Rivera and Danielle (nellie0703) at my gym is great. There's nothing better than surrounding yourself with other competitors. I train with Colette Nelson sometimes and she is a wonderful supporter. She always has time for a pep talk when I'm unsure of things, though it usually ends with a pitch to switch to FBB. :p

These forums are indispensable. No where will you find a larger concentration of likeminded people. This is the epitome of support. I adore you guys.

[Shelly]

i would have to say hands down Nick, my man.

he trains me in the offseason, wakes me up early on Sat mornings to eat my first meal (YES IN THE OFFSEASON LOL) keeps me grounded, tells it like it is, yet make sme fee good about myself, and pushes me to be the best ME that I can be.

thnx babe :kiss:


OH and how can i forget my partner in Crime.. Bets of course we diet/train together onseason and I couldnt do it without her. ups and down we are there for eachother 110%!

and of COURSE my new sioux family :kiss:

[JenFerFigure]

My boyfriend Dan is great. Some of you may know him as Deserusan from some other boards. While he has yet to get on stage (we're shooting to get him to the Eastern USAs this Nov), he gets it and lives the life as I do. Things will get even better since he's moving in with me in Aug. :kiss:

My prep coach Matt Cahill is phenominal. I just love him and his wife Melissa and consider them good friends. I mean, how many people can you drive to their house in the middle of the night and strip in their living room when your camera dies and you can't take progress pics? :D

Prolab has played a major role in my even being able to compete. With the high cost of living in NYC and not the best paying nine to five, I am now able to have all the supplements I need, the money to buy all the wild caught fish I have to eat and enough left over for the higher entry fees and travel expenses.

Having Grace Rivera and Danielle (nellie0703) at my gym is great. There's nothing better than surrounding yourself with other competitors. I train with Colette Nelson sometimes and she is a wonderful supporter. She always has time for a pep talk when I'm unsure of things, though it usually ends with a pitch to switch to FBB. :p

These forums are indispensable. No where will you find a larger concentration of likeminded people. This is the epitome of support. I adore you guys.

Hi Vanessa - I'm delighted for you about your move in with Danny. I wish you two all the best! That's awesome...when you both live the lifestyle it goes a long way to have your best support there.

Collette is awesome...it's hard not to like her!

I haven't met Grace Rivera but she sure has an awesome last name. haha

[NYCStrongFox]

My biggest supporter and fan is my sister. She's been to everyshow and has been around to buy me my fish and chicken when I needed it. Many runs to Costco...My nieces are also becoming a huge part of it and my boss and co-workers. They surprised me with flowers and chocolate after my last show:awesome:
My ex-trainer and good friend Felipe. I trust him fully and he was the one who helped me get started in bodybuilding. :awesome:
My awesome present trainer, Mike Davies, along with Julie Palmer. Mike's always been there when I reached out to him and he's a HUGE part of my life. Endless encourgement from him. He tells it like it is and I have the utmost respect and trust in him. :awesome::awesome:
Of course, the Sioux Man himself, the moderators, all the ladies & gents I've met on this board and my friends from the gyms I associate with. :awesome::D

[KMS]

Well from my contest writing for the dvd...I think you know who my number one and number two are.....

But honestly I think the easier question here for me would be WHO doesn't support me and add but expects support back. LOL

There are so many that support me....JNL, My trainer, so many of you girls here. Claire girl you are the bomb, Cherine Fons...I couldn't even begin to list everyone and give them all justice. But one last one............................................... .........SIOUXCOUNTRY :kiss:

[Siouxcountry]

You women make me smile! :hug:

My favorite part about moderating, and now administrating a board, is to see you all enjoying yourself, and supporting one another. :respect:

Our goal is to create a large community of female competitors, fans, and people in the industry, who all come together to support one another, and promote the women's side of the sport. :)

For anyone who is lurking, please unlurk and join the fun, and help us promote this great sport!

:cool:

[NYCStrongFox]

You women make me smile! :hug:

My favorite part about moderating, and now administrating a board, is to see you all enjoying yourself, and supporting one another. :respect:

Our goal is to create a large community of female competitors, fans, and people in the industry, who all come to together to support one another, and promote the women's side of the sport. :)

For anyone who is lurking, please unlurk and join the fun, and help us promote this great sport!

:cool:


Here, here!! :awesome::yourock::sc:

[fitmomma3]

What a great thread!!!! It so true it takes great inner strength to succeed in this sport but our outer support system can give us the extra help when even we cannot do anymore. I hands down could not do it without my HUBBY! The sacrifices and compromises we make to compete with our family is unbelievable it takes a special person to embrace and encourage and understand that! My mother in law is actually second on my list...she is amazingly supportive! And the boards and online friends have got me through many of down times, are here to encourage, dish, bounce stuff off of,and motivate I love you guys!:kiss:

[Rainy]

I would have to say my husband is my number one supporter. Although he is more of a leisure lifter (3x a week, takes a break for golfing in the summer etc.) and doesn't train nearly with the same intensity as me, he has supported me 100%.
He put up with my crappy mood during the last weeks before my first show, when I was going crazy eating all that chicken and broccoli. He made sure he munched on chocolate after I had gone to bed.
He totally understands when I need to go to bed early for AM cardio and if I'm being extra strict with my diet and don't want to go out for dinner or cook something juicy.
Now that I'm off -season and thicker, we just joke about my huge belly and call me Homer Simpson. He says he's glad there's more of me to love now. He says he can't wait for the next contest as he is sure that I will make some progress since my first show.

My main training partner is a gold medalist in powerlifting and has also competed in bb. She makes sure I do my lifts right, and we kick each other's butt every workout. She also takes note if I'm making progress with my diet from week to week.

The people at my gym have been great. The PT's and other members are always asking and very interested in how it is going with my diet/training.

Heidrun Sigurdardottir, the top female figure girl in Iceland, was my number one source of knowledge during my firs prep. She never got tired of answering my endless questions about diet and training.

My sister has also been really supportive. She always asks about my training and diet, and how it is going. She sat in the front row at my first show and screamed her lungs out supporting me.

The people on this site have been a huge support. In the last weeks since I joined the advice and encouragement I get from reading other's journals, as well as their comment on mine, has really sparked my training and quenched my thirst for more knowledge on the whole prepping process. Thanks you guys, you are great :kiss:

My parents totally don't get it. My mum didn't even come to my first show. My dad showed up but sat there criticizing the whole thing, saying the girls were all too big and muscular and way too tanned :nuts:

My old friends are a fat bunch who don't exercise much, if at all. They came to my show to support me, but I can't talk about diet or training to them as they have no interest in the matter and quickly change the subject. I think my training madness makes them guilty about their couch potato life.

[Siouxcountry]

My main training partner is a gold medalist in powerlifting and has also competed in bb. She makes sure I do my lifts right, and we kick each other's butt every workout. She also takes note if I'm making progress with my diet from week to week.


That is pretty cool, what is her name? :)

[lisaperson]

My husband is my absolute biggest fan. He has been the best support ever. I could never have made it this far. i would never had a photo shoot, or sponsors. he is so selfless. He spends countless hours promoting me, supporting me, going out of his way to help me and find me all the information to better myself in this sport. He is incredible and I am so very lucky. I owe all my success in this sport to him. He is what I call my "back stage bitch" haha :p He never leaves my side and does absolutely everything for me when it comes to contest prep, including making sure the kids are taken care of and all the final plans are set.
My brother and sister in law also support me. My sister in law deals with my crazy texts backstage when I am flipping out and my brother does my diet. He spends a lot of time weekly to fine tune it. My trainer has also been a great support and helped me achieve so many gains in a short time. he listens to me which is so important. My parents don't really support it and think I spend way too much time in the gym. The funny thing is I am up before my kids are to do morning cardio. It does hurt though. Finally I really am happy to have the forums to support me. You guys are great here and I can tell will be a great support for my next show. I am so glad Ondrea directed me here. It is so hard to do this without the encouragement and support of people who care about you.

[JenFerFigure]

My husband is my absolute biggest fan. He has been the best support ever. I could never have made it this far. i would never had a photo shoot, or sponsors. he is so selfless. He spends countless hours promoting me, supporting me, going out of his way to help me and find me all the information to better myself in this sport. He is incredible and I am so very lucky. I owe all my success in this sport to him. He is what I call my "back stage bitch" haha :p He never leaves my side and does absolutely everything for me when it comes to contest prep, including making sure the kids are taken care of and all the final plans are set.
My brother and sister in law also support me. My sister in law deals with my crazy texts backstage when I am flipping out and my brother does my diet. He spends a lot of time weekly to fine tune it. My trainer has also been a great support and helped me achieve so many gains in a short time. he listens to me which is so important. My parents don't really support it and think I spend way too much time in the gym. The funny thing is I am up before my kids are to do morning cardio. It does hurt though. Finally I really am happy to have the forums to support me. You guys are great here and I can tell will be a great support for my next show. I am so glad Ondrea directed me here. It is so hard to do this without the encouragement and support of people who care about you.

Hi Lisa!

Is your sister in law Tanya?

[roeperson]

Hi Lisa!

Is your sister in law Tanya?

Hey Jeanette how are ya
I should be in bed but am a loser on a friday night looking at forums WTF:banghead:
Any way Lisa's sis in law is the reaigning Cal state Over all bodybuilding Champion she just guest posed along side Jay Cutler last week. Her brother is Mike Jackson he won The Contra Costra last year.
All three wil be competing together at the USA's this will mark the first time in the history of this event that 3 people from the same Fam will be doing USA's.
Pics of Mike and Tammy and Lisa
http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/3/W/90000000f8c1735/1/225/dHJGusp46j_kpIKlk9ut6py3NjCWZBIA.jpg[/URL[URL=http://www.slide.com/s/rA9zCEOL2j8BzH2eOrUjbVgJIETfSNbP?referrer=hlnk]http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/3/W/90000000f8c11b1/1/86/nONe-iQe0T9j9CSwgNgDruR0J-BD_Jcb.jpg (http://www.slide.com/s/HvRokL0O7z_eBHe7QEsRlGWNPJBuxJ58?referrer=hlnk)
http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/3/W/9000000164aaba0/1/82/zqXUMZB76j93Xaui3qn9NzjKAWpW02nz.jpg (http://www.slide.com/s/YRNbMc6j7z_QvefkKjYfps6FYf0PNKqB?referrer=hlnk)

[Dawn Melanie]

That's SWEET, Roe! U've married into Fitness 'Royalty' (lol). :awesome:

[Siouxcountry]

Which show did Tammy guest pose at?

[SBT]

You women make me smile! :hug:

My favorite part about moderating, and now administrating a board, is to see you all enjoying yourself, and supporting one another. :respect:

Our goal is to create a large community of female competitors, fans, and people in the industry, who all come together to support one another, and promote the women's side of the sport. :)

For anyone who is lurking, please unlurk and join the fun, and help us promote this great sport!

:cool:
Agreed!!! :D

[Siouxcountry]

Agreed!!! :D

We have a fun board here. It would be hard to find a more friendly bunch than us. :)

[Hannibal]

Our goal is to create a large community of female competitors, fans, and people in the industry, who all come together to support one another, and promote the women's side of the sport. :)


Hmmmmm....so if those are my only 3 choices I guess that means I am JUST a fan. That makes it sound so casual....lol :popcorn:

[Rainy]

That is pretty cool, what is her name? :)

Her name is Johanna Eivindsdottir, Icelandic of course, not sure if you're familiar with her. She still holds the Icelandic female record in BP (300 lbs) and Squats (400 lbs) although she has been out of competition for a while due to shoulder injury. She is a police officer.

[roeperson]

Which show did Tammy guest pose at?

She Guest posed at the Fresno show last Saturday