About Me
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. All the while, I was studying psychology, criminology, and advancing towards a masters social work degree. How messed up is that? I just couldn't see the way I was living with the overly educated brain I had achieved. 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.
It wasn't until someone presented me with the Body for Life program by Bill Phillips and I entered the Body for Life Challenge that my whole life turned around. While rebuilding myself physically, I was rebuilding my life mentally and spiritually. I learned to depend on myself and make better choices for my health. It wasn't always forward advancing; sometimes backsliding into old habits as I confronted the different demons of my life. I learned that life doesn't get easier just because you start working out and eating right. I was forced to relearn how to cope with life's difficulties more effectively. 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, a layer at a time, literally, digging deep, finding the power within, even though it seemed dim at the time, and changing my attitude, beliefs, and self-perceptions on the inside. (You can find my old BFL page with before and after pics by clicking here)
When I first started weight training 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 gruelling event which included a military obstacle course, three fitness skill tests, a fitness routine, and a physique round. That was the starting point of a dream to reach the top. I trusted my instincts, trained smarter and planned out my nutrition better. Tony Wilder, my boyfriend and trainer, designed and implemented my training, focusing on heavy weights upper body, and sprint intervals and core drills for legs because that is "sport specific" to the obstacle course. One year later, I placed 9th overall in the World Challenge in July 2002. That 9th
place overall included a 5th place in the athletic aspects (Dual Fitness) of obstacle
course and fitness skills, 2nd place in the fitness skills, and a 1st place bench press in the fitness skills. Wow, Top 10 in the World! I was absolutely blown away. I'm not being arrogant so much as I am standing as a testament to what is possible in life. You just have to believe.
Seeking something different with more upward potential, I found a new home in natural bodybuilding with fitness and figure competitions. My first figure competition I placed 2nd in the second largest natural competition in
the country, the Texas Shredder Classic in Austin, Texas, 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. They all took the time to get to know me and give me constructive feedback as to how I can better my physique and presentation. These were good people. This was the start of a long relationship with the competitors and supporters of natural bodybuilding. My next goal was to earn a pro-card!
Tony and I trained with a purpose, nothing short of winning. I returned to the stage the following year in April 2005 in Buffalo, NY at the Northern States Super Natural winning the Figure Open and Overall. That win earned me the pro-card I had been seeking. A crowning achievement for sure! I actually felt that "Olympic" feeling of "One Moment in Time" when you have the stage all to yourself and the crowd is applauding your achievement and you smile clutching your trophy, something that represents your dream. Something that I could hold out to my trainer and soulmate, Tony, and say, "This is OURS!" 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.
Since achieving an elite level of fitness I've begun to realize what is possible in all aspects of life, striving for that same high level achievement in my mind and spirit. In my life's journey I seek an approach that encompasses both historical and new thought. It is important to take advantage of the studies of others that have come before us, and then take it to the next higher level, with our ever progressing and evolving intelligence, and to ask the next question. Jesus, the Christ, said that we would do deeds even greater than He. And I believe that. To not take advantage of that potential because of indoctrinated fear that tells us it is sinful or blasphemous is disrespectful to the Creator. We are called to reach our full potential, thereby showing our appreciation for the gifts we have been divinely given.
I'm very spiritual and love learning about the different religions and belief systems of other cultures. Each major religion has something
to contribute to the greater Truth. Denying that contribution narrows our human capacity to seek and understand the truth, and stunts
our growth as spiritual beings. I'm learning to be more connected and respectful of nature and all of God's creatures. After studying the religion of Spiritualism for a couple years, unlike most members of Spiritualism, I actually returned to Roman Catholicism with a newfound appreciation and respect. I also study quantum physics. I believe in God, a singular, all encompassing Spirit of Infinite Intelligence, that connects all of us together by the very energy, that breath, that makes us alive, conscious, and sentient.
My body is my temple. Everything that I eat, the way that I exercise, and what I use it for, shows my appreciation for it. Body-Mind-Spirit. I live for the challenge of what is possible.
Some of my other interests include life transformation, church history, end of life issues, spirituality, mediumship, healing, aura work, quantum physics, and the Celestine Prophecy.
Favorite Charities:
Holt International (Korean Orphan Sponsorship and Adoption)
St Jude Children's Research Hospital
Make A Wish Foundation (Wishes for Terminally Ill Children)
Wigs For Kids (Real Hair Wigs for children with hair loss due to disease or chemo)
Jessica Lunsford Foundation (Tougher Surveillance of Pedophiles and Sexual Predators)
The Minute Man Project(Stop Illegals and Protect Our Borders)
Best of LIFE,
Nicole Weeks
