Category you compete in: NPC Figure

Date of birth: 7/7/1986

Hometown: Fort Branch, Indiana

Career: By day, I'm a veterinary assistant, and by night, I'm a personal trainer, and also teach my own Bootie Camp classes. "Bootie Camp" is a class that I developed myself. It's a high intensity "boot camp" type class that focuses on core strength, power, abs, & legs. Since its cardio based, my campers are always dripping sweat by the end.

Competition history:
2010 NPC Indianapolis Championships; Indianapolis, IN-1st Place Novice
2010 NPC Great Lakes/Ohio State Championships; Columbus, OH-1st Place Medium Class
2010 NPC Nationals; Atlanta, GA
2011 NPC Midwest; St. Louis, MO-1st Overall
2011 NPC Southern Indiana; Evansville, IN-1st Overall

Next competition: 2011 NPC Jr. Nationals; Chicago, IL

What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? The worst part of prep for me is the sacrifice. Going out to dinner with friends, cookouts and wedding receptions are definitely not the same when you get to watch everyone around you eating the "good stuff" while you're eating chicken out of your purse.

Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
Monday-Core
Tuesday-Biceps/Triceps
Wednesday- Legs& Bootie Camp
Thursday- Shoulders& Abs
Friday-Back
Saturday-Glutes& Abs
Sunday- Off

Cardio (of course) every day except Sundays.  I'll either run on the treadmill, elliptical, or hit the road for some sprints.

If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? If I had to pick, I would choose my sense of smell. When you smell something really good cooking, it usually makes you hungry. And, when I'm in prep, I would rather not have that temptation. Plus, I wouldn't have to smell the people in the gym who forgot to wear deodorant. ;)

If you could change one things about this sport what would it be?I wish that it was 80% gym and 20% diet! LOL! But, even though the diet is rough, it's still part of it. Personally, I enjoy prep for the most part. I like being disciplined and having a routine. It keeps me on track.

If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? I would probably have to throw in my "bucket list" and my list of goals that I have right now. Just to see in 20 years what I have accomplished. I set very high standards for myself, and with hard work, I've been able to cross several things off these "lists" already; not only with fitness, but in my personal life as well. My lists are pretty long, but I have no doubts that I will eventually cross everything off.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere tropical is ideal for me! I like to go south at least once or twice a year to Florida. A typical day on vacation is an early morning run in the sand, catching some rays on the beach, and ending the day with some grilling, yummy drinks, and some Bob Marley tunes.

What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of figure? Competing is something that requires heart and drive. Motivation has to be high on your list of personality traits, as well as sacrifice. You have to be able to push through the hard days, because believe me, there are plenty of them. It takes a lot of discipline, commitment, determination, and strength (not only physically, but emotionally). But, I would recommend anyone who is on the fence, to try it at least once and prove to yourself that you can do it. And, you never know, you might just get addicted to the stage. ;)

What is a day-in-the-life of Ashley Lemmons like?
My day starts at 4am, when my alarm goes off. I head to the gym first thing to get in my cardio & weights. I then head home to pack up my meals for the day and head to work. After working at the vet clinic, I head back to the gym to train a few clients or to Bootie Camp, which is once (sometimes twice) a week. Once I get home, it's time to shower and bed, just to start it all over again the next day. I usually prepare my meals on Sundays & Wednesdays when I don't work at the clinic. Saturday nights and Sundays are my "catch up/relax" days. And, Sunday naps are a MUST!

Favorite Motivational Quote:
"Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. You are in control. Do what makes YOU happy, set your goals high, and shoot for them with everything you have."-personal quote from yours truly. =)

In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I have so many people who contribute to my ongoing fitness journey. However, a few stand out above the rest.
My husband, Brad; who puts up with my moodiness during prep, and my long hours of work. Even though during prep, he may have to fend for himself for dinner, he will always be my number one fan.
My aunt, Kelly; my best friend, my go-to person to listen to me vent, cry, or to jump up and down with when there's good news.
My sister, Kaci; she can always lift me up on bad days, and tell me that I am strong enough to get through anything. She will forever be on my side.

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