Bikini and Figure Competitor - Natural Bodybuilding

I have been competing in physique competitions on-and-off since 1993. I stepped on stage for the first time as a bodybuilder when I was 30 years old. It was a dismal failure. After months of the high-protein, low carb diet that is commonly used for contest prep, my 5’ 7” frame weighed a mere 112 pounds, not the kind of physique that wins bodybuilding shows.

I assumed physique competitions were out of the picture for me. Then, this thing called “figure” came along about 10 years later. The ideal appearance is athletic -- not too much muscle and not too lean. Friends from the gym convinced me to give it a try.

So, at 41 years of age, I took the stage again as a figure competitor. My first show was the NPC (National Physique Committee) Peggy Sue Classic in Saginaw, MI. In all the shows I’ve done since, it remains one of my favorites. I placed second in the master’s class (women over 35) and second in open (women of all ages) tall. I competed at several other shows in 2004 and 2005 and then took a break.

I returned to the stage in 2014 at 51 years-of-age, when I learned there were classes for “older” grand masters like me. I competed in the NPC Natural Cincinnati, where I won the masters 50 class and placed second in open tall. The following year, I won the overall figure title at the Drug Free Athletic Coalition (DFAC) in Youngstown, OH, and earned my "pro" card. This enables me to compete with other women who have also been named overall winners of natural (tested for drugs) bodybuilding shows, and recoup some of the costs to compete through prize money.

In 2017, I transitioned from the figure division to bikini. I competed at the NPC Natural Kentucky, winning the bikini 50+ masters class. The following year, I topped these classes at the NPC Elite Physique and the NPC Natural Northern and won my open class at the National Gym Association Monster Mash.

I now compete in amateur bikini and pro figure classes.

In 2020, I took a different route with bodybuilding, competing in the fitness model and power body divisions at the Natural Physique Federation (NPF) Sandows. Both are newer concepts for the bodybuilding world and new divisions for the forward-thinking NPF.

Fitness modeling is judged in two rounds. Round one is gym attire; round two is a cocktail or evening gown. The ideal physique is one suited to modeling fitness clothes to consumers.

In power body, round one is weight lifting, where one completes as many reps as possible in pull-ups, dips and benches as a sum total. Round two is a one-piece swimsuit. This competition speaks to my heart. Though I have competed in shows where one is judged for physique, I have always loved being strong too. I won this division in the inaugural NPF Sandows in 2020 and defended my title again in 2021. In my most recent contest, my lifting score was 65, the sum of 18 pull ups, 22 dips and 25 benches at 80 pounds.

Though I have not always done so, I now embrace my God-given, gazelle-like figure with the understanding that beautiful women grace the stage in all shapes and sizes. I am committed to competing in a healthy manner, without the use of performance enhancing drugs, cosmetic surgery or extreme tactics. I strive to show others they can take charge of their health and step on stage no matter their age.

Let's Get Started

Want my help getting ready for a bikini or figure competition? Click on the button above and complete the survey to let me know what you need. I'll get back to you ASAP with a quote and plan to get stage-ready. I can help with just a portion or every aspect of competing, from training to nutrition to suits and posing. I love to help others reach their dream to compete in a fitness competition.

Photo Shoot 2016

Peggy Sue Classic 2004

My first figure competition, the NPC Peggy Sue Classic, in 2004.

Peggy Sue Classic 2004

NPC Peggy Sue Classic, Open Tall Figure and Masters Figure (2004).

Ohio Classic 2004

NPC Ohio Classic, Open Tall Figure (2004).

Ohio Classic 2004

NPC Ohio Classic, Open Tall Figure and Masters Figure (2004).

Kentucky Grand Prix 2005

NPC Kentucky Grand Prix, Open Tall Figure and Masters Figure (2005).

Kentucky Grand Prix 2005

Trophies are great, but swords are far and away my favorite prizes!

Cincinnati Natural 2014

NPC Cincinnati Natural, Open Tall Figure and Masters 50 Figure (2014).

Cincinnati Natural 2014

NPC Cincinnati Natural, Open Tall Figure (2014).

Natural Ohio 2014

With Melanie and Stephanie, my support team at the NPC Natural Ohio (2014).

Cardinal Classic 2015

Overall winner and figure pro card, DFAC Cardinal Classic (2015).

Cardinal Classic T-Walk

Cardinal Classic 2015

With Jackie and Ozzie, my support team at the DFAC Cardinal Classic (2015).

Cardinal Classic 2015

Figure competitions brought me together with one of my best buddies, Pia. Here we pose with our trophies from the DFAC Cardinal Classic (2015).

Natural Northern 2015

NPC Natural Northern, Class D Figure (2015).

Natural Northern 2015

NPC Natural Northern, Class D Figure (2015).

Natural Northern 2015

NPC Natural Northern, Masters 50 Figure (2015).

Masters Nationals 2016

NPC Masters Nationals, Figure 45 Class E (2016).

Masters Nationals 2016

Competitor number 664 at Masters Nationals.....and that was just half. Now that's a big show!

Jackie, Pia and Michele

Jackie and me supporting Pia at a competition in 2016.

Pro Figure Season 2017

Candid from natural pro figure competition in 2017.

Natural Kentucky 2017

I tried something new in 2017, the bikini division at the NPC Natural Kentucky.

Friends

Friendships and camaraderie make this sport worth all the work it takes to get on stage. Ozzie, Charlie and I supporting Adam and Mike at the Ohio State Bodybuilding Championships in 2018.

Marjorie and Michele

Posing with my strongest supporter for the 2018 season, Marjorie, who traveled with me to several shows and was my right hand woman!

Natural Northern 2018

NPC Natural Northern, Masters 50 Bikini (2018).

Monster Mash 2018

NGA Monster Mash, Open Class D Bikini and Masters Bikini (2018).

Monster Mash 2018