Interviewed by Kellie Davis

If one word could describe figure competitor Nicole Gray, it would be “self-motivated.” Five years ago, she invested her life in fitness and hasn’t looked back since. Along her journey, Nicole has accomplished incredible feats and overcome challenges to reach her goal of being an IFPA figure competitor. I had the distinct pleasure of discussing Nicole’s accomplishments with her, and here is what she had to say.

OliciousLife.com: Let’s start out by learning a little bit about you. Where were you born and where do you live now?

Nicole Gray: I was born and raised by my Mom, Dad and two older brothers in Levittown, PA. I currently live in Bristol, PA with my boyfriend, 2 doggies and a kitty.

OL: Was your family health-conscious growing up? If so, how did this affect your views as an adult? If not, when did you decide to make changes?

NG: My family was not health-conscious at all growing up. I think my parents did their best, but they just really didn’t know what a healthy and balanced diet looked like. I tried to make changes through my teen years, unfortunately by following extreme fad diets and of course, it was never successful. A little over 5 years ago I began to research the fitness industry and educate myself on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

OL: What has been your greatest fitness/health accomplishment? How did you feel when reaching this goal?

NG: My greatest accomplishment, without a doubt has been competing in my first figure competition. I have battled poor self esteem and a distorted body image since I was a child, so the feeling of challenging myself and stepping on stage, displaying my hard work with pride is a moment I will never forget.

OL: Were you active or an athlete as a child? If so, did this stick with you all the way through, or did you have a period when you were inactive? If not, when did you decide to start training?

NG: I was never an athlete nor did I participate in organized sports, but I was an active child. I was a tomboy so there was a lot of bike riding, running, climbing, etc. As I got out of my teen years I fell out of an active lifestyle and even into my 20′s I was lazy, out of shape and very unhappy with my weight, so I finally joined a gym and decided to take control.

OL: Is your family supportive of your goals? If so, in what ways? If not, how do you overcome this obstacle?

NG: My boyfriend has always been my biggest cheerleader…He has given me unwavering support. Unfortunately, most of my family was not as encouraging. The called me ‘obsessive’ and just didn’t understand my passion. I chose not to let anyone derail me; I stayed focused on my goals and what I wanted. Once my family saw my first competition, their attitudes completely changed. Everyone saw the transformation I’ve made, the drive and determination I have…They are so proud of what I have accomplished, they even brag about me

OL: What has been the biggest challenge with your fitness and dieting goals? How do you stay focused?

NG: My biggest challenge is avoiding self-destructive diet and training techniques. I have struggles with emotional/stress related binging/under-eating and over-exercising. I try to ask myself if what I am doing is getting me closer to my goals or pulling me further away from them. The key for me is to deal with stress and the ups and downs of life in a more productive manner…I find that journaling and support from friends, helps gets be back to a healthy frame of mind when I begin to slip.

OL: Where do you see yourself in the future of fitness?

NG: My future is focused on earning my Natural Pro Figure card with the IFPA…and then who know where my dreams can take me!

OL: What is your favorite clean eat?

NG: I LOVE breakfast! Protein pancakes topped with sugar free syrup and cinnamon…YUM!

OL: Do you have an irresistible cheat?

NG: EVERYTHING!  I love cookies, brownies and desserts…Depending on my craving, I will reach for pizza, pasta or a cheese steak!

OL: What is your favorite workout day? Why? Describe a typical training regimen in that day.

NG: I love body part splits and my favorite day is back and hamstrings. My rear shot on stage is a strong feature of mine and very important for a figure competitor, so I love training it.

My training varies every few weeks, so this is one example:

Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns (2x12reps, 3×6-8reps)
Deadlifts (2x12reps, 4×6-8reps)
T-Bar Row (1×12, 3×8-10reps)
Straight Arm Pulldown (3×10-12reps)
Lying Leg Curls (2×12, 3×8-10)

OL: Do you have any favorite supplements? If so, what are they and why do you take them?

NG: I love my supplements and never train without them!

Pre-Workout: My favorite stack is Beta-Alanine, Jack3d and PlasmaJet…I have a high tolerance for stimulants, so while I get plenty of strength, energy and killer pumps, I never get shaky or jittery.

Intra-Workout: I sip Xtend throughout my training. It tastes delicious and it keeps my muscles fuels while I train. For me, BCAA’s are vital during contest prep…especially during those tough cardio sessions.

Post-Workout: I have a shake with ON Hydro Whey and Creatine Monohydrate…Mixes well and tastes great with water. The perfect combo to repair my muscles after an intense workout!

OL: What is the best compliment you have received since you started training?

NG: The best compliment to me is when women tell me that I inspire them! It amazes me that I can make an impact in another person’s life. I love sharing the strength and confidence I gain from the gym, so if I can help another women step into a weight room and transform her life…it means the world to me.

OL: Do you have any websites, blogs, or event dates you would like to share or promote? (Even personal dates can be shared such as weddings, births, anniversaries, ect.).

NG: My next Figure Competition…

The OCB Mid-Atlantic Battle for the Belt on August 28th 2010

OL: What is a quote that inspires you?

NG: I have countless quotes that inspire me, but when I hit a rough patch in life this song lyric keeps me going:

“You’re the fighter you’ve got the fire
The spirit of a warrior, the champion’s heart
You fight for your life because the fighter never quits
You make the most of the hand you’re dealt
Because the quitter never wins
No!”

OL: Is there anything else you would like to share to help empower other women?

NG: I hope that every woman out there looks deep inside herself and follow their dreams…. Believe in yourself; know your value and that you deserve the best.