Top NPC Figure Competitor Brandie Gardner shares with us how she got started in figure, her training and diet philosophies, and finally how he she balances being a mother, a wife, her job and top national level figure competition.

Background and Recent Competitions

[Q] Brandie, congratulations on such an awesome season! You keep looking better and better every single show! Before we get into any specifics, please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in figure competition.

I am a mother of two boys, Reece, ten and Nolan, eight ? I tell you, they are all boys too, Lord help them.

I started running cross country at Plant City High School and was hooked from the get-go. I continued running after high school in a running club with my Daddy. After Reece was born, the running was not as frequent because I did not have anyone to watch him while I ran so I joined the Plant City YMCA to take step classes. I was later asked to become an instructor myself, went on to get certified and that?s where my newfound love happened with fitness.

In March of 2001, a friend encouraged me to compete in bodybuilding and seek out a trainer in Tampa, Tim Gardner. I met with Tim where he asked me my goals and what I wanted to look like. He had a copy of Southern Muscle Plus Magazine on his desk so I pointed to the female bodybuilder competitor on the front. Earlier, I told him that I did not work out with weights other than dumbbells in my classes. He smiled and said: "Maybee we can direct you to a new division called figure; more feminine lines, not as muscular and more like pageantry.

I knew all about pageants now since I had dabbled in the Plant City Strawberry Queen festivities. So that?s how I began in the sport of figure, thank God.

[Q] Excellent. What shows have you done this year and what placings have you gotten?

1. Shawn Ray Pro/Am Classic ? 3rd Tall Class
   
   
2. Jr. Nationals ? 13th Class D
   
   
3. USA vs. Bahamas Invitational ? 1st Tall Class & Overall
   
   
4. Southern States ? 1st Class D
   
   
5. USA Championships ? 14th ? Class F.

I had the most fun at the USA?s. There were 190 wonderful competitors of which 41 where in my class. I made the second callout out of seven. Heck, there were girls in the last callout that had placed in the top-five at other National shows. Let me tell you, it was stiff competition and everyone came prepared.

That same weekend, I had a photo shoot with legendary photograoher Steve Wennerstrom at the Gold?s Gym for 2 ½ hours and just had a blast. He can bring the best out of you.

[Q] What?s your next show?

I?m already preparing for next year and I?m setting my sights on the Jr. Nationals, Team Universe and the USA Championships.

That's awesome. Nothing works better than getting started early for the next season. That way you can work on your weak points, stay in good condition and be that much better the next time around.