Spotlight On: Christy Merritt

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Published on Monday, 20 June 2011 18:27

Written by Christy Merritt

Spotlight On: Christy Merritt

Category you compete in: IFBB Bikini

Date of birth: 3/28/78

Hometown: St.Louis, Mo

Career: Dance studio owner/instructor

Competition history:

2010 Missouri State Overall

2010 Jr.USA's Class D 1st, 2nd Overall (earned pro card)

2010 John Simmons Pro 2nd (Olympia qualified)

2010 Bikini Olympia 16th

2011 St.Louis Pro 5th(tied)

2011 Optimum Classic 14th

2011 New York Pro 13th

Next competition: Tiajuana Pro

What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? I have a horrible sweet tooth, so the hardest thing for me is staying away from the baked goods!  Lol, first thing I eat when I get off stage are donuts.  And yes, that was plural :-).

Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? Typically I do a 5 day split so that I can concentrate on one muscle group at a time.  I lift quite heavy and do many of the ‘old school' lifts, ie- squats, deadlifts, military press...So far this type of training has worked well for me, and I really like seeing week to week if I can out do my previous self bests. Like most women, I was skeptical at first of lifting SO heavy - worrying about getting too bulky, lol.  For me, though, it hasn't been an issue.

If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? Please excuse my one track mind...(I have been dieting either for a photo shoot or competition for about 11 of the past 13 months)... So, my first thought on this answer is taste - it would make dieting easier if I couldn't experience all the wonderful flavors that tempt me everyday.  BUT...if I can smell all of those  temptations it would be REALLY miserable, right? haha.  My final answer is smell.

If you could change one things about this sport what would it be? Hmm, this is a great question.  I love being involved in a sport that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and that requires discipline, strentgh, perserverance, and self control.  I grew up competing in swimming. Having come from a competitive background where if your hand hits the wall first, you are the winner - no questions asked, it is sometimes frustrating not to have that control.  In many individual sports the outcome is all in your hands - if you do the work, put in the time, and perform the best, you win.  In this sport you can do everything correctly to a ‘T' and the panel of judges that you go in front of on any given day, may or may not be looking for what you determine to be your ‘best'.  I currently teach dance and my dancers that compete deal with this same issue - some judges will like your choreography, some won't; some judges may place performance over technique;  maybe they like your costume, maybe they don't.  On occasion, it is a tough pill to swallow, but it does give an added dimension of suspense and degree of difficulty to the sport.

If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? If i were to make a time capsule that would give whoever opened it a good idea of who I am at this point in my life, I would include: a picture of my daughter because she is by far the most precious and important part of my life; one of the personal letters I have received from a dance student because, although they are not actually my children I care about them like they are;  a card from my husband because second to my daughter, he is closest to my heart; and probably a swimming medal, dance costume, and IFBB pro card to show my interests and hobbies.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Lol, I can't even remember the last time I went on vacation.  But, anywhere with palm trees and a nice sandy beach on the ocean suits me just fine :-)  You will probably never hear of me planning a vacation anywhere with snow, I am not a fan of the cold.

What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? First and foremost, find a trainer that knows the sport and listen and follow their advice.  Not only will that set you on a path towards a successful first competition experience, but it will be very instrumental in keeping you on your toes and sticking to the required gym and diet regimen  required.  Also, if you think you can't stick to the diet, trust me - if I can, you can.  Definitely go for it if it is something you want.  Where there is a will there is a way!  And ladies, do not be afraid of the weight training.  It is hands down the best way to re-shape your body.

What is a day-in-the-life of Christy Merritt like?

I am not a morning person, so my 3 year old daughter is my alarm clock.  Typically, we get up and get breakfast down, then head to the gym for cardio, I usually lift in the afternoon or evening depending on whether or not I have teaching duties.  During the afternoon I spend time playing and reading with the little one as well as sneaking in  household chores, errands, and studio paper work.  Usually the evenings are dedicated to teaching class at the dance studio and spending time with my husband.  Nothing too extravagent or exciting.  We are a pretty low key family and tend to spend our free time with each other :-).

Favorite Motivational Quote: an oldie but goodie: ‘If you think you can you can, if you think you can't, you're right.' The mental aspect of achieving any goal is never to be overlooked!

In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?

Of course rxmuscle, I love that you guys give equal time to the ladies and the gents and you also keep up with the NPC.  It's great to be able to get on here and see new faces all the time :-).

Also, my trainer Tony Freidrich and sponsors Hydrolyze Ultra and ProBody Solutions.  I am sure lucky to work with such great companies and people!  And finally to my husband Neal and friends and family for being so supportive and helpful in this endeavor that I have taken on.

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