by Heather Colleen

How It All Began

In September of 2007, I was lying in bed after my total hysterectomy as I recounted the illnesses that have plagued me over the years, and thought of ways I can take back the control.

I’m no stranger to surgeries. In fact, I’ve lost count as to how many I’ve had. This time, the total hysterectomy was necessary to get rid of endometriosis that had taken over my entire pelvis. The endometriosis was caused by a pituitary tumor, and while that’s benign, it can be quite a bit of trouble.

The surgery was also necessary as a cancer preventative. Since I’m in remission from cancer, it was actually absolutely imperative. I have a weak body, and illness has tried to take over it for years. On my father’s side of the family we have several rare illnesses and diseases. Maybe one day we can actually have a study performed!

Muscular, yet Feminine: Setting My First Goal

While I was recovering, I happened upon a new magazine that I’d never read before.  The magazine was Oxygen, and it displayed some of the most incredible physiques I’d ever seen on a woman. They were muscular, yet feminine. They exuded strength and sexiness, at once.

This look captivated me in every way. I knew that this was what I wanted to look like and made it my mission to do so. My life hasn’t been the same since.

I guess you could say I was “skinny-fat” at this point, probably around 21% body fat. Definitely not overweight, but not in shape, either.  I signed up at the local gym and read everything I could about sculpting the body, not just losing weight.

As I began to do more research about attaining this physique I desperately wanted, I stumbled across a website that had many helpful people offering their advice and support. One of the people I met on that site was Olesya Novik. She not only was stunning to look at, she was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

Mission Accomplished

Five months of grueling workouts and smart eating later, after building some muscle myself, I decided to hire Olesya as my trainer — a smart decision! I then proceeded to train under her wing for my first figure competition in September of 2008, which was exactly a year from the day I first made the decision to get strong.

All of the training and dieting was a lot harder than I’d anticipated, but I was seeing results, and the motivation just kept coming from within. My family supported me from the beginning of my journey, but they were still in shock at the changes I’d made. Family and friends started to rally behind me, and there was no turning back.

I competed in the NPC Mountaineer and won my class! I was on top of the world, especially when I realized that I had actually qualified for a National level competition.

I realized that I was in no way ready for that level of competition quite yet; I knew I had to improve my physique… but I also knew that my body was not like the majority. It was weak and gave me little reminders, like a hernia that would not heal, viral hepatitis, and more hormone problems from the pituitary tumor.

To Hell With Obstacles: Setting a New Goal

But I had a new goal, and when I set my mind on something, I don’t give up on it. I would not let these things get in the way of my new goal to compete in a National level show.

I took some time off and hit the gym hard just a few months later, beginning a five-month bulk. I gave it my all in the gym and with my diet, following Olesya’s upper/lower training split that I’d read about in one of her articles. It was great, and I put on eight pounds of muscle over this short period of time.

It was now time to pick a show. I’d originally wanted something later on in the year, but decided to go for one of the biggest national level shows in the country. Why? Because I wanted to go up against the best, so I could really see how I compared, a reality check if you will.

I hired my good friend, Olesya, to do my prep once again. She was impressed at the muscle I’d put on and was ready to get me in shape… and in shape I got.

On July 25th, 2009, I accomplished yet another one of my goals as I stepped on stage at the NPC USA’s Championships in Las Vegas. The show was huge; there were fifty girls in my class alone! I placed right around the middle of my class, which is a success… but not what’s most important.

As I reach every new physique goal that I set, I’m winning my battle against illness and disease. I’m stronger and healthier now than I’ve ever been. I feel incredible, and although I still have little weaknesses pop up here and there, I’m much more prepared to take them on.

I never thought I’d be in the best shape of my life in my mid 30’s but I am!

To all of you women who are struggling with a physical illness or even depression, I encourage you to take control over it!

You can and you will surprise yourself when you do. It’s so worth it, and incredibly empowering.

If I can do it, so can you.