Shaking my head, in disbelief, was my first exercise! I was 30, with three kids, and kept asking myself: “Is my sexy-self history? Must I melt into the mold of becoming a frumpy mom and housewife? Will I never look and feel as good as I did when I was 20?” My answer was a whole-hearted NO. That let me mash those myths, not just for myself, but for others.
What is your favorite body part to train?
My favorite workout is ‘leg day” which is also my favorite body part. I have worked so hard to bring in my legs! I genetically do not have a lot of muscle, so its been a work in progress…..and still is!
Can you give us a sample of your routine?
Since legs are my favorite, I have hundreds of sample routines!
Here is one of many:
Killer Legs Workout
10 min warm up (5 min walk 5 min light jog) stretch
3 Sets
Wall ball squats holding DB 15 Reps
super-set with
Walking lunges with DB 20 Reps
3 Sets
Split squat holding DB10 Reps L&R
super-set with
Step ups holding DB (on bench) 10 Reps L&R
3 SetsStiff Leg deadlift
s with BB 10 Reps
super set with
Weighted bridge 20 Reps
What kind of music do you listen to when you are working out?
My genre mix is all over the place! Hip hop, dub and when I am feeling it, country.
We all have at least one, what is the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Now, why would I have a “most embarrassing” song on my ipod? Ice Ice Baby?
What does your diet look like when you are trying to get lean?
When I want to get my leanest, I go to a 100% clean eating plan. I can get the extra leanness needed for a shoot or competition in that amount of time because I stay fit year around. I take out any alcohol consumption, limit fruit to once a day and keep daily fat intake under 20 g per day. I also add in more circuit training and a few days of “am” cardio on an empty stomach.
List the top 10 foods we would find in your kitchen:
Chicken breast
Ground chicken and turkey burgers
Fresh green beans
Fresh asparagus
Plain non fat greek yogurt
Unsweetened almond milk (plain and chocolate)
Eggs eggs eggs
Brown rice
Red kidney beans (Its a Monday staple in New Orleans weekly meal planning)
Bananas
What kind of cardio do you like best and why?
Never been able to tap into that high that the “cardio junkies” get. So, I will confess, “I am not a lover of cardio, at all!” However, I manage to find ways to incorporate it since it should be part of a well rounded fitness routine. I like to take it out doors as much as possible (roller blading), weight train circuit style and more recently started doing HIIT.
What is advice would you give someone wanting to be fit at forty?
I branded myself as “THE NEW FORTY” when I turned 40. That was 5 years ago. Guess there is no lying about my age now? lol That was really the point. I branded myself to encourage others turning forty. Life, as previously thought, is not over the hill at 40. Its not being 50 and “looking” 40. or even being 40 and “looking” 30. That’s just window dressing. And, who likes doing windows? The New Forty is about being authentic, being a wife, a mother, being a friend, being a sister, being a business owner and still being sexy! Its about creating a balance in your everyday routine, so that YOU have time to enjoy the things you love the most. The New Forty is an attitude. Its a state of mind. Its about respecting that you are 40, and loving it! Remember that body you had at 25? Well, you can have a better body now. Remember all the energy and vitality you had years ago? You can get it back. The great thing now is you now have the poise and practicality …to put that energy to good use.
I enjoy life in a way I never did in my 20’s or 30’s. My new motivation is to be an example to all the people out there, who might have gotten too busy to realize that like if their 40’s and beyond can and really should be better than ever! You can embark on new things, its never too late, and you can be successful at them. After all you deserve to be happy and fulfilled at this stage of life. Think of all you have been through to get here. Its time to have a blast!!!!
Tell us about your biggest bodybuilding/fitness influence?
I have been in the fitness and health industry for over a decade. Nailing down just one influential; rolemodel would be tough for me. Actually, impossible.
As I get older (and better), my appreciation grows for Rachel McLish. She is an icon and an ultimate example of timeless beauty for women. Rachel exemplifies we CAN be strong and sexy at any age!
Favorite cheat food?
I am known to be the “Krispy Kreme Kween”. I will let you figure it out from there!
Do you take any supplements?
A multi vitamin/mineral supplement is my insurance policy. Even if you take special care to eat a balanced diet, many natural foods lack enough nutrition by the time they reach your plate.
I love protein powder supplements. They’re a simple, tasty way to boost your daily protein intake. They’re like a milkshake that’s good for you! For strength gains and rapid recovery between workouts, creatine is my favorite.
What does the future hold for you?
I will be doing more of what I love most. I will step back on stage next year, write, model and inspire others, God willing!
