When I moved to Florida to go to college I wasn't as physically active as I was in high school. I spent my days at the beach, my nights partying, and subsisting on Mountain Dew and Checker Burgers. Over the next six years, my life became defined by the domestically violent relationships I repeatedly found myself in. I gained weight and gradually lost my self identity as each relationship became more twisted and violent than the last. I hit bottom when I became so fearful and secluded that I just wasn't functioning in the world any more. I moved out, and felt so lost.

Someone gave me the Body for Life program by Bill Phillips and I entered the Body for Life Challenge which turned my whole life around. While rebuilding myself physically, I was rebuilding my life mentally and spiritually. In the process, I lost 37 pounds of fat and gained 16 pounds of muscle, and transformed my whole life. I'm a different person today and it started by unpeeling the layers one at a time, digging deep, finding the power within, even though it seemed dim at the time, and changing my attitude and beliefs about myself and the world around me. (You can find my old BFL page with before and after pics by clicking here) When I first started working out in the summer of '99, I had no idea I'd be a fitness competitor or professional athlete one day. It's been an incredible journey, one that I hope many other women will take a chance at trying.

After Body for LIFE, I began competing in 2001 in the the Women's Tri-Fitness and hit a personal best in my life just by being able to complete that two-day grueling event which included a military obstacle course, fitness skills, fitness routine, and a bikini round. That was the starting point of a dream to reach the top. One year later, I placed 9th overall in the World Challenge in July 2002 including 5th place in the Dual Fitness of obstacle course & fitness skills, 2nd place in the fitness skills, and a 1st place bench press in the fitness skills. Wow, Top 10 in the World!

Seeking something different I found a new home in natural bodybuilding with fitness and figure competitions. I placed 2nd at my first figure competition in 2004. It was an incredible experience that left a lasting positive impression. After talking to the judges, the pro-figure competitors, and all the other new friends I made, it was refreshing to be among passionate fitness enthusiasts who are helpful, positive, and friendly. This was the start of a long relationship with the competitors and supporters of natural bodybuilding. I knew my next goal was to earn a pro-card.

I trained with a purpose, nothing short of winning. I returned the following year in April 2005 in Buffalo, NY at the INBF Northern States Super Natural winning the Figure Open & Overall. I got my pro-card! Something I could hold out to other women coming from a background such as mine and say, "See, this CAN be yours too!"

I can't believe I've achieved so much when I look back at where I started. All I know is that if I can achieve such huge goals, anyone can. You just have to want it bad enough and put it into action.

Best of LIFE,
Nicole Weeks