Continuing my series looking at some of the women competing in the rapidly approaching IFBB Phoenix Pro, I thought I would take a closer look at the ever popular Dr. Dena Westerfield.
Over the years Dena has built up quite a following and looks set to become one of those women who will be remembered for their part in promoting the sport we love so much. However, there is so much more to Dena than the woman we see on stage as I so amazingly found while chatting with her recently....
First of all, what was it about bodybuilding that initially attracted you to the sport?
"I always had a tight muscular physique. I guess I really got the bug when I took weightlifting as an elective in my sophomore year in high school. I could always do the most abs in the fastest time and do lots of the boys pull ups! I was a hit when I was able to squat a big plate on both sides. I thought all of this was really cool."
How did your friends and family react to your new interest?
"My mom almost didn't sign the permission slip to take the weightlifting class! However, those close to me just understood it as my personality. As the years went on, I would get the "don't get too big comments." Generally though my family is supportive in everything I do and anyone who would call themselves my friend... does the same."
Did you always intend to take it to the level of competition?
"I worked out for 10 years before even competing. I just needed to meet the right people to direct me, or at least see I had potential... and I liked the look working out gave me."
You run a very successful health practice...how do you manage to successfully combine the two aspects of your life since both are so demanding of your time?
"Every year my responsibilities get greater. I am fortunate that this is my LIFESTYLE so anything different would not seem normal. I work great under the gun. I have dedicated this year to myself. I want to prove to
myself that I can do it all, grow as a person, grow my business, make physique improvements and compete. I pride myself on being able to handle many situations and not allow myself to get overwhelmed. It really is all about the time management."
Do you ever feel that there is not enough time for Dena and if so how do you make time?
"I get frustrated at times having to always be strong and in control. I'm lucky I'm my own boss... if I need time I can just take it. It is not often though and many times it's enough for someone close to me to tell me that I handle a lot and do it well. There isn't a better feeling than appreciation for priceless time and energy."
Having seen you on a TV documentary a while back it seems that you lead a pretty solitary lifestyle, is that still the case?
"My home is my serenity. It is hard to get me out of my house. You ask how I get Dena time... a great weekend to me is Chilin with my dog, cleaning my house and listening to music."
Do you think it is difficult to find someone to fit into your demanding lifestyle?
"Of course. I don't have much room to concentrate on someone else when I have my patients to concentrate on and building a stable future for myself."
You did welcome a new companion into your life recently; care to tell us about Halo?
"She is a chocolate standard poodle. I picked this dog as a child. I love their pride and confidence. She is a large, athletic, protective dog with the personality of a lap dog and her non- shedding coat is awesome. They're one of the most intelligent dogs. When others meet her all they can say is ‘she's so beautiful.' I am growing her coat real full and she looks like a little horse... and hops gallops like one! She is everything I dreamt of and more."
Other changes have been the darker hair color (which I love by the way), what prompted that change?
"A couple of people have mentioned my hair. One friend that competes even said it may be distraction on stage. I started looking at pictures and agreed. We'll see. It will take a couple of times to get the color right but I like it!"
In terms of your physique, I hear that you employed some new leg training techniques (e.g. training legs like a skater). What do you think that has done for your leg development?
"I'm really happy with the way my legs look. The glutes and hams are just popping... at least for me. I plan to continue this training style for a bit as it really seems to be bringing my legs alive."
Getting personal...you are one of the few women in the sport who have not had a boob job, do you think this is ever something that you would consider? 
"No. It would make me feel uncomfortable I'm sure. Boobs do nothing for me. They seem to really be a pain in the ass. Breast implants would not make me feel more like a woman. I did however use my ‘boob job dollars' on a set of braces to make my teeth perfect. I'm sporting them right now...a little pain for years of enjoyment!"
When it comes to getting up on stage at the Phoenix show, what are you hoping the judges will notice most about you in terms of improvements?
"They will notice a continued improvement in my physique generally, coupled with increased muscle maturity."
You tend to shy away from giving your opinions on subjects that may be deemed controversial. Is this a conscious decision in your case and what are your thoughts on women who choose to be more outspoken?
"I have a major life outside the bodybuilding world. It's difficult enough managing my life and the care of my patients. I don't think anything about outspoken people. I give my opinion when asked."
Do you give yourself a ‘life- span' in the sport and what would you like to achieve during your time competing?
"The years of competing are coming to an end. I have made and am continuing to make advances with Westerfield Health Center. In the next 5 years, I hope to be running my practice, teaching a CEU course I've designed, writing for a health and fitness publication and continuing to help the sport by judging and assisting other athletes."
You have given yourself a lot of shows to do again this year....how do you avoid burning out?
"I have three shows planned and hopefully the Olympia which would make it four. 2010 is the year I prove to myself that YES I can do it all."
In an ideal world, how would you see your life 10 years from now?
"I gave you the first five years above so the next five would be dedicated to making everything run smoothly. I have plans I am putting together for posture and ergonomics workouts in the work place. I want to get employers involved with employees and ultimately get children in the school system involved so they will reap longer and stronger lives."
Finally, how can readers contact you? www.denawesterfield.com
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