The Prodigy Goes 1 on 1 With IFBB Figure Pro Monica Specking
TP: Thank you so much for sharing yourself with me! Would you please tell your fans a little bit about yourself?
MS: I'm 26, single, and I currently live where I was born and raised in Northeast Arkansas in the town of Paragould. I am an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and I plan to go back to school in the near future for my Master's in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics....But at the moment I have put my life on hold to work towards my first and greatest passion, which is becoming a successful IFBB Pro Figure Athlete!
TP: Wow! Your single.....I will start accepting resumes after this interview... I am sure when men hear this they will go crazy! How did you get started in Figure?
MS: I have always been athletic and growing up I played pretty much every sport you can think of. At the age of 16, while on the basketball team, I began lifting weights. I was amazed of how quickly I transformed my physique and soon began getting compliments from others. I loved how powerful I felt in the weight room and the confidence it gave me...I became hooked! It wasn't until college though that I discovered the sport of figure by reading about the competitions in my favorite fitness magazines. I was completely blown away by how amazing and inspiring these women were and I said "I want to do that!" It was then I became intrigued with the world of bodybuilding and began doing research.
My passion for competing took off when I met Monica Brant for the first time at the 2007 Europa Expo in Dallas. Through her advice she gave me the drive to finally make changes in my life to become a healthier, better person and the confidence to want to step on stage. I competed in my first figure competition in August 2008 at the NPC Arkansas State Championships and won the overall title. The journey I went through during my first contest preparation was an incredible experience I will never forget. One month later I competed at the Northwest Arkansas Classic and took the overall title there also! I trained and dieted myself for my first 2 competitions until I met the wonderful Kim Oddo in February 2009 at Monica Brant's F.E.M. Camp.
TP: Since you were inspired by those magazines, it must be strange now to see yourself in them! So far in your journey what has been your favorite, most memorable moment? I bet your going to say winning your pro card! LOL!
MS:There are two moments that stick out in my mind. The first is winning the figure overall title at my very first competition in 2008. I did my own research and trained and dieted myself for that show. I felt so accomplished when I won because I knew how hard I worked and that I deserved it. Also, my friends and family were in the crowd cheering for me and they knew as well all the hard work and sacrifice I put into it, so it was a very rewarding experience. Second would have to be when I won the Figure Class C and overall title at the 2010 NPC Nationals in Atlanta earning my Pro Card!!! It was very unexpected! I worked so hard that year and went through many ups and downs such as not even placing at my first show that year! Knowing that I beat out hundreds of girls in one of the biggest national shows to date is an amazing accomplishment that I sometimes still cannot believe! I am now living my dream of becoming an IFBB Pro Figure Athlete.
TP: I knew you would say that! Looking forward what are your future goals?
MS: I am a very ambitious person and I have a long list of future goals that I want to accomplish, but the ones that stick out in my mind as of now are first to be successful in my Pro Figure career. If I could make even half the impact Monica Brant has made in the fitness industry I would feel very blessed. I hope to be a positive role model to others as she is to me and so many other people.
To own my own gym or personal training studio as well as becoming a Registered Dietitian, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders is also at the top of my list. I am passionate about health and fitness and also helping others, so this would be very fulfilling for me.
Also, another goal I have, is to finally learn spanish fluently. My mother is from Spain and all my family on her side live there. I haven't seen most of them in about 8 years, but we still keep in touch through letters and email. I continue to learn Spanish and I hope to one day possibly live there and have the close relationship with them that I've always wanted.
Finally, I just want to make a difference in this world and find happiness in life
TP: It is funny how many people are seeking to find happiness in their life! What do you enjoy doing away from the gym that ultimately makes you happy?
MS: I enjoy getting lost in a good movie, cooking, volunteering with the NAFA (Northeast Arkansans for Animals), which is another passion of mine, and spending time with my little nephews and niece. Playing with them and watching Disney movies together makes me feel like a kid again. I don't go out a lot, but on occassion I do like going out dancing with my girlfriends.
TP: What is a day-in-the-life of Monica Specking like?.
MS: A typical week day for me is to wake up 5:30am, eat my first meal of oatmeal and egg whites ( I have to eat right when I wake up or I get cranky lol!), pack my cooler for my next couple of meals, get ready and head to the gym. At 7am I do my first cardio session, which is usually a 45min run. Then it's back to back clients from 8-12 and then 1-4 on most days. Then it's finally time to train myself! I drive 30min to my "second home" the Trim Gym. I have been going there for years and I have many friends that work and train there. It is also bigger than the gym I work at. Besides it is refreshing to change the atmosphere after I've been working all day at the other gym! I do my weight training, posing practice and other cardio sessions at the Trim Gym and usually finish about 8:30pm. I then do any grocery shopping if needed before heading home to shower, prepare for the next day and get to bed! I try to hit my pillow at least by 10:30 to make sure I get my 7-8hrs each night.
TP: What's currently on your iPod?
MS:
1) Nicki Minaj-Go Hard
2) Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna-Fly
3) Black Eyed Peas-The Time
4) Lady Gaga-Born This Way
5) Usher-More
TP: I need to add those to my iPod! I am always looking for new cardio music! What show are you currently preparing for?
The Pittsburgh Pro, which is May 7th. I competed in the St. Louis Pro where I took 4th place! After Pittsburgh I plan to do the California Pro May 28th and then I will give my mind and body a little break until the end of June when I begin my prep for my very first Figure Olympia!!!
TP: How do you feel you look compared to your last competition?
MS: My physique continues to get better with each show that I do. I always take away something from each competition that helps me improve for future shows and become a better competitor.
TP: What will be the first thing you eat when the show is over?
MS: Pancakes!!!...Drowning in syrup lol! For some reason right before a show I always crave pancakes. Also anything with chocolate and peanut butter together...Reese's is my fav!
TP: I am with you on the Reese's! The Reeses PB Eggs are the best this time of year! What has helped you stay focused for this show?
MS: This is my chance to show everyone how much I love this sport and that I'm here to stay! I want to display the best package I can on stage and show off my hard work. I also want to represent the IFBB well.
TP: What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
MS: I first would recommend going to watch a local show and ask any questions you may have to the competitors that compete in the division you are interested in. Then do research on training camps or seminars to help you get prepared. I would also recommend finding a reputable trainer that can help you and only listen to that person. Importantly, just have fun at your first competition!...you will know if it's for you or not after you step on stage for that first time.
TP: Good tips! It has been a pleasure. In closing who would you like to thank?
MS: I would love to send a big Thank You to Gail! Thanks girl! xoxo
TP: The pleasure was all mine! It has been fun learning more about you!
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
