An Introduction ~

Hi Y’all! My name is Elise (aka “Curvy Girl,” a nickname given to me by guys at my old gym). Well, I finally decided to own it and get my butt up and accountable here on RX Girl! Thank you Gail (the Prodigy) for the encouragement! I am thinking this will be the place I can ask tough questions and get good information from other gals living, breathing, eating, dreaming and doing it in this strong and healthy lifestyle.

A little backstory… 2 years ago May 2010, I was an unhappy 41 year old woman still struggling with obesity since my teen years. And I had had just about enough! The flip switched in my brain and all of sudden I was on a hardcore mission to get it together and get my butt healthy and strong!

Fast forward to a year ago, May 2011. One year on a healthy M.E.P. (modified eating plan. I only use diet when it implies the start & end of a set goal.) and consistently doing a variety of fun and challenging training and exercise, brought me down 40 pounds! “Hey Slim! Looking good!” was a call I often heard across the cardio theater from “Mr. Cool Bodybuilder.” (aka my “Gym Crush!” now known as “Bossman.”) And others were taking notice too, giving me a ton of encouragement and support! I was invited to volunteer and work at a few NPC competitions. I met even more cool people, many with inspirational stories and extremely passionate about bodybuilding. I was catching the fever for sure.

By the end of July 2011 I decided to “give it a try.” That is the quote Bossman recalls. I talked with a lot of people living the lifestyle. I researched diets, supplements and training. I started following NPC shows, various BB forums and joined RX. And then I put my plan together and into gear with my eye originally on Figure…but my secret passion and love was for Physique.

I trained hard. I ate clean. My body changed! By Nov 2011 Bossman said “Slim, you’ve got some great muscle going on there! Physique would be perfect for you.” My heart sang with happiness! Physique it would be!

My first ever contest prep began December 1, 2011, 20 week out, giving me plenty of time to continue the body composition switch and lean out. I really began following WP, gathering posing image, looking for posted posing routines, and practice, practice, practice.

And to my surprise, after a two year break Bossman decided to pull it together and hit the 2012 stage! He said he caught a hold of my enthusiasm and excitement and could not resist. By the end of December 2011 we had become very good friends and training partners. I also refer to him as “Coach” because he was now keeping a close eye on my diet and training and sharing his vast knowledge and experience to guide my prep.

Bossman took the stage first at the NPC Simmons in March 2012. He took Heavy Open and got edged for the Overall. He was happy, but restless. Then it was my turn. By April 2012 I was down a total of 73 pounds and ready to take the stage at the NPC Kalamazoo. With WP still being new, the turnout was very small. But I did what I set out to do…bring a beautiful, well prepped, well-practiced, happy Curvy Girl to the stage! It was a pure celebration of 2 years of hard work, determination and discipline! And to my pure surprise and joy, took Overall. The KZOO was the warm up for the big dance 7 weeks later, the NPC Grand Rapids. And again taken by surprise Bossman decided we should do the show together. And we did! May 19, 2012. I took 1st in Short Class and got edged for the Overall…”too much badunkadunk in my natural athlete trunk!” But Bossman…Smashed It!!! Heavy Masters, Masters Overall, Heavy Open & Overall! What a night! What a way to end my novice season as an NPC WP competitor. I now feel I can say I am a bodybuilder!

So there you have it…a little back story…

I am starting my training journal in my first ever “off-season," 2012 - 2013. It has been almost 3 weeks and honestly it took a couple just to adjust to having a little more freedom. It also took two weeks for me to "calm down" and not try to jump into doing another show this year! Having been training and “dieting” for almost two years I felt lost! BUT a new friend and “Sister in Iron” strongly advised to take the rest, eat and heal. BUT to keep my eye on the prize and my body in striking distance. So the goal right now is to build up some muscle all the way around with emphasis on improving the all mighty gluteus maximus and keep an eye on the weight. My next competition season will be spring 2013, when Bossman and I take the show on the road and try out some competitions outside of Michigan!

Thank you for welcoming me and following me on my journey. I probably won’t post every workout I do…too much on any given day for me and for all of you to follow. Please feel free to give any feedback, constructive criticism, information, ideas, tips, tricks, techniques, etc. you may have to offer. I welcome and love the opportunity to hear and learn from multiple perspectives. Any education has to be well rounded!


All my best to you, my Sisters in Iron! Hoping you are having a great competition season! And if you are off season too, keep on killing it! Peace!
Elise