| I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 24, 1980. Currently, I am a fitness specialist at General Motors Corporation in Toledo, Ohio. Before bodybuilding, I was active in many sports. Growing up, and through high school, I played soccer, ran track, was on the dance team, and competed in gymnastics. After High School, I started running long distance, and eventually completed the Columbus Marathon and the Glass City Marathon, along with several mini-marathons. When I started my job at General Motors two years ago, I decided to take advantage of our facility, and began weight training. I knew nothing about bodybuilding until I met my boyfriend, who has since been training me for competitions. Initially, I just enjoyed the training. But, after three months of training, I decided to do a small competition in Columbus, Ohio for the NANBF. I won the lightweight class and the overall in that show. I had so much fun being on stage, I knew I was hooked! My next competition would be the GNC BodyRock, where I took my class and the overall win. That was an amazing show with amazing competitors, with whom I made friends and have immense respect for. A typical day for me allows for only a few things. I wake up, eat, train, eat, work, eat some more, then sleep. I wish there were more hours in the day!! I typically train 4-5 days per week. I have also begun competing in Powerlifting, so my training varies between a bodybuilding style and powerlifting. In the offseason, I train as heavy as I can. Some of my heavier lifts include:
For Bench press : 200 x 8
Deadlift: 335 x 8 and 405 max
Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 70 each x 12 Leg Press – 850 x 12
Barbell Curls – 80 x 10
Tricep Pushdowns – 170 x 10 My favorite exercises in the gym are deadlifts and dumbbell shoulder press. I love these exercises because of the intensity they bring out in me. It’s also fun to freak people out with the dumbbells I use for the shoulder presses! From my background in sports, I always had thick, developed legs, but a smaller upper body. So my main focus, lately, has been adding size to my arms and chest, plus thickness in my back. Some off-season measurements are:
Arms – 14”
Quads – 25”
Calves – 16” As for judging in women’s bodybuilding, I have not formed any kind of opinion about it, either way. I try not to spend too much time thinking about it. I put all my energy into my training and developing the body I want, and believe that, if it’s meant to be they will like it! My only focus is to bring the best package I possibly can to the stage. Right now I am training for, and plan to compete in the 2005 Junior Nationals. I hope to get a powerlifting meet or two in, between now and then, also! Please note: Laura does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! |
