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Published on Sunday, 28 October 2012 18:54
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Written by Michelle Lin
Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Michelle Lin
Category you c
ompete in: NPC Figure
Date of birth: 10/16/1989
Hometown: Fremont, CA
Career: Student Pharmacist
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
There is no specific comic book superhero I would choose to be. I respect the everyday superheroes that do their best to contribute to the world. I think superheroes can be anyone who goes out of his/her way to help people for no personal gain.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
I grew up as a swimmer and my favorite event to compete in was the 100 yard butterfly. I swam throughout junior high and my freshman year of high school and then decided to try out gymnastics in high school. I began as a JV gymnast my sophomore year and made it to the Varsity team by junior year, which I feel was quite an accomplishment since many competitive gymnasts start a lot younger. I also ran long distance track in high school and my events were the mile and half mile. After high school ended, I wanted to stay in shape so I started to lift weights regularly at my local gym. I couldn't afford a personal trainer so I just tried out different machines and tried exercises I learned about in magazines.
I've been hooked on lifting weights ever since- being able to see the changes in my body and feeling myself getting stronger have been so rewarding! By the time I left for college at UCSD that fall, I knew I would continue to hit the weights at school while adjusting to a new life and new responsibilities. The gym became my place to reflect and get rid of stress from my classes and gave me a reason to get out of my chair after endless hours of studying.
During my junior year of college, my boyfriend and I attended our first bodybuilding show together, and after seeing the bodybuilders pose and flex on stage, I knew I wanted to compete someday.
I graduated a quarter early and was able to come home to the Bay Area and have six months to myself before I began pharmacy school at UW, so I decided to train for my first show. I tried out the bikini division and realized that I was definitely not a bikini girl! I switched over to figure for my next show and have been training as a figure athlete ever since.
What approac
h do you take to dieting...carb cycle…keto?
I’ve tried carb cycling and that seemed to work well for me. I am still figuring out my diet and believe it will be an ongoing process. I’ve been using different foods for each contest preparation to see how my body responds.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
I think a lot of people do not understand how much time can go into a full contest preparation. I think people who do not compete think that competitors may just take a couple weeks to prepare, when in reality contest preparation occurs over months. It takes a lot of dedication and planning.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
I sang “My Heart Will Go On” at a wedding in the fourth grade during the reception when people were taking turns using the karaoke machine. I thought I nailed it, like I was channeling Celine Dion. My parents told me later on (lovingly of course) that I actually sang terribly and people were probably giving me sympathy applause.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I struggle with figuring out how much I should demand of my body. When my joints ache, I wonder if it’s a sign I should rest. My knees often ache when I incorporate more cardio into my routine. On one hand, I know I should listen to my body. On the other hand, I know I would feel like a quitter if I went off plan because of joint pain. I also feel really hungry at times and wonder if I am lowering my metabolism by cutting my calories but then remember that being hungry is a normal part of dieting. I always strive to find a balance because my priority is to be healthy. At the same time, my competitive side is always urging me to work harder.
Who do you look up and admire and why?
Jamie Eason was my first fitness idol and I respect that she puts health as her first priority and although she does not compete, she is always in excellent condition. She is also very classy and honest and seems like a sweetheart.
I really admire Dana Linn Bailey because she has so much energy and she has amazing delts! She makes me want to try women’s physique.
Erin Stern is one of my figure favorites- she has looked unreal in her last 2 competitions and completed her prep with no steady state cardio, which I find amazing. I think her focus on inner growth ha
s tremendously helped her this year. She inspires me to work on my inner peace.
I also admire all the bodybuilding competitors who have made it to the stage at their goal condition, because I know it can be a tough road and I think regardless of what the judges decide, if you show up knowing you’ve done your best and you’ve reached your personal goals, you’re a winner.
Competition history:
2011 NPC Contra Costa Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, and Bikini- Bikini A- 5th place
2011 NPC San Jose Bodybuilding, Physique, Figure, and Bikini Championships Figure A – 4th place
2011 NPC Washington Ironman 5th Figure A- 4th place
2012 NPC Emerald Cup Figure A: 12th place
2012 Washington Ironman Figure A: 2nd place
Next competition:
Team U or USAs in July 2013
Favorite Motivational Quote:
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” T.S. Eliot
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents for providing me with love and support. I would also like to thank my boyfriend and his mom for supporting me throughout my preps and at almost all of my contests so far. I would also like to give a shout out to IFBB Pro Alden Gamet of All Done Fitness for being my coach and helping me learn about what works for my body.
Find me on:
Personal:
Fan/Recipe Page:
Instagram:
CutLikeDiamondz
Tumblr:
