I’ve played sports all my life starting first with gymnastics and then onto soccer. I did some weight training in high school but it wasn’t until after I graduated that I became more interested. I had boyfriends who I would go to the gym with and in 2009 got into the clean eating kick after reading “The Eat Clean Diet; Recharged” by Tosca Reno. After I started to see the amazing results that came from eating clean and training consistently I was hooked. In May of 2011 I purchased a nutrition plan from my AMAZING trainer and best friend Allison Moyer who also put the competition bug in my ear. I competed in my first show in the bikini division that October after a 6 week prep and placed first in my class, won the overall, and qualified for nationals. 5 weeks later I walked out on a national stage mainly for the experience and to prove to myself that I could. My life was at an all-time high! Shortly after nationals that “high” disappeared due to having emergency surgery for a hole in my stomach that still remains undiagnosed. This put me in a slump. Here I was with a 4inch scar on my stomach unable to train like I was used to. Thankfully I have an amazing trainer who kept me positive and focused. I am still in the rebuilding phase but will definitely be back on that stage sometime soon rocking my scar with pride!
What is your favorite body part to train?
My favorite body part to train is shoulders with back training close behind.
Can you give us a sample of your routine?
Right now my training consists of an upper body push/pull day, 2 metabolic circuits and an upper body circuit + Cardio. I do light cardio on one or two other days depending on my work schedule.
What kind of music do you listen to when you are working out?
I mostly listen to house/techno or any type of hardcore/rock music.
We all have at least one, what is the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
I am never embarrassed by music, my taste is my taste!
Favorite sports team?
Unfortunately I don’t really watch sports. I can see all the guys cringe at this! I watch UFC or soccer on occasion but don’t really have time for TV in general.
What does your diet look like when you are trying to get lean?
My diet consists of carb cycling with very little starchy carbs which works best for me, high
protein and low fats.
What kind of cardio do you like best and why?
I love incline interval training as well as HIIT. I’m in love with the stair master. I tend to get
bored with steady state cardio.
If you could give somebody only one fitness tip what would it be?
If you’re not sure of something, ask someone who is knowledgeable. Everyone seems to want to “do it yourself” but your best bet is to team up with a legitimate trainer/nutritionist. Research is also very beneficial. I have learned so much by just picking up a book. Also, results take time. I have seen people simply give up because they don’t see results right away. In order to see results you must work for them and be consistent. Hard work WILL pay off.
Tell us about your biggest bodybuilding/fitness influence?
My biggest influence would be my trainer and best friend Allison Moyer. We crashed into each other only a year ago and have been going strong since. She motivates me to challenge myself, to be different, to go after what I want most in life. I would not be where I am today both mentally and physically if it weren’t’ for Allison stepping into my life! Other influences include Natalia Melo, Ingrid Romero, Erin Stern, and Tosca Reno to name a few.
Allison Moyer and Emily Payne
Favorite cheat food?
I love pizza especially if it’s made with clean ingredients. Ice cream is another weakness of mine.
Do you take any supplements?
I take a variety of supplements on a daily basis and more so when I’m prepping for a show. I’m a big fan of Thyroid and Adrenal supps as well as anything natural.
What does the future hold for you?
As of right now the future is uncertain. I’m in the process of rebuilding my body after surgery which is hard when there are still systems that aren’t functioning as they should. I hope to be back on stage in the near future but only time will tell. Right now my goal is to get back to where I was before surgery and then surpass that by 100%. I have yet to see what my body is capable of and will go to great lengths to uncover it!
