MF: Tell us a little about yourself Angela.
AH: I was born and raised in the East Texas area – Tyler, TX. I’ve been married for 9 years to my high school sweetheart. No kids at the time, but our Yorkie – Cutter is like our child. He travels to all of the competitions and everywhere we go. Growing up I was in dance/drill team and cheerleading….so I’ve always have loved performing. I currently work for Heckler & Koch as a Senior Graphic Designer/Public Relations. My background is in print, design and marketing. I graduated with my BA degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. This is my first year competing and I’m so excited about the new bikini division.

MF: When and how did you start working out?
AH: I’ve always have been active through dance and cheerleading, but I didn’t start seriously weight training until 2005. I went to my first Mr. Olympia and it changed my whole outlook towards working out.

MF: What made you want to compete?
AH: My first competition I attended was the 2005 Olympia. Before attending, I didn’t realize how much of a presence the women had in the sport. It inspired me so much; I started weight training with my husband. One day we were driving into work together discussing attending the Arnold Classic. At that time, out of the blue, I asked him….what does it take to be a member of the NPC. As he looked it up, he noticed that there was a new bikini division starting. So we attended the Arnold Classic in 2009, learned about the new division and started prepping the day we got back for my first show – NPC Jr. USAs.

MF: Explain how we set up your training and what you did to train for this last show
AH: I visited NY to train with Lishia Dean (http://www.lishiadean.com/) and meet with Mike (http://www.drbigmike.net/) . We practiced posing and went over the next steps to prepare for the Team Universe. I started weight training 6 days a week and cardio 7 days a week. We added some healthy fats into my diet, which I was lacking before. Mike had me send photos to make sure I was on the right track or to know what adjustments we needed to make.

MF: Explain how you felt about the nutrition and how you think it affected your showing
AH: One thing I really like about my nutrition plan is everything I eat or the supplements I take are all natural. There is so much out of the market that can be bad for you over a long period of time and Mike focuses on overall health and wellness of his clients.

MF: What were you feeling when you found out you won your pro card?
AH: Honestly, I didn’t stop smiling the entire way home from NY. After training for six months it was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.

MF: What is your next step?
AH: The next step is to start preparing for the 2010 pro shows. I will begin my off-season program next week.

MF: What piece of advice would you give other ladies looking to compete or looking to better themselves at shows?
AH: Never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve something and never cheat yourself. Have fun and present yourself with confidence…you work weeks on end for this opportunity. Remember the harder you work, the luckier you get.

MF: Is there anyone you would like to mention or thank that supported you through your journey?
AH: Through my journey it was very hard for friends and family to understand what I was doing or trying to achieve. My husband was there for me the entire time and was there in the gym with me everyday. I want to thank him, Lishia for her awesome training plans and Mike for a great job with my nutrition. Also, thank you to Jen Hendershott (http://www.jennyh.com/) for her banana routine at the 2005 Mr. Olympia. That was the day that I said, “I want to get up on that stage.”

MF: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
AH: I want to encourage everyone to set goals. Once you set your goals, stay positive and focused. You would be amazed at what you can achieve with a little hard work and dedication. Remember: Shoot for the moon, if you miss you will be among the stars:)

MF: Thank you Angela!

MF: Tell us a little about yourself Jen.
JH: I was born in the island of Jamaica, I have been living in the us for 23yrs , I have a daughter and I just become a grandmother …..

MF: When and how did you start working out?
JH: I have been working out for many years but started competing about 4yrs ago.

MF: What made you want to compete?
JH: I was working out in a gym in NYC and a gentleman Mr. Robert Lewis who is a bodybuilder approach me and ask if I ever thought of competing. I never though of it but he convince me to go with him to a bodybuilding show. I was very intrigue and that’s where it all started.

MF: Explain how we set up your training and what you did to train for this last show.
JH: Well training with Mike is no joke. It’s very intense and very effective. He knows how to produce champions. I have been competing for 4yrs. I was doing great but not getting the placements I needed to earn my PRO CARD. So training with Mike totally changed my body . I am very happy with my results.

MF: Explain how you felt about the nutrition and how you think it affected your showing
JH: My nutrition is amazing and the result is in my success…

MF: What were you feeling when you found out you won your pro card?
JH: It’s the most amazing feeling knowing that all your hard work has paid off….

MF: What is your next step?
JH: Looking forward to my first PRO show in 2010.

MF: What piece of advice would you give other ladies looking to compete or looking to better themselves at shows?
JH: Believe in yourself and find a trainer/coach that believes in you. Listen and follow what your coach tells you. I listen to Mike following his guidance and directions. He his the best.

MF: Is there anyone you would like to mention or thank that supported you through your journey?
JH: First I want to thank you, Mike, for believe in me. And to my soul mate (he knows who he is). Without him my journey would not be possible.

MF: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
JH: I just want to say thank you xoxoxo

MF: Thank you Jen!

For more photos of Jen at the 2009 Team Universe please visit:

http://www.musculardevelopment.com/browse/index.php?mode=browse&id=10479&eventcode=1359