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How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I was the proverbial skinny mother of 4, BUT was hiding under a layer of sag and fat. A size 3 in clothes doesn’t mean you look good in a bikini. I was insecure , tired all the time, and just felt like I didn’t look good no matter how skinny I got. So I decided that I needed to make a change and get some curves and become more healthy and fit. After about 6 months of circuit training I saw a photo of a woman who competed in figure and I said to myself “why can’t that be me?” I then ventured into the weight room because I knew it could be me if I put my mind to it.

Where does your motivation come from?

I look at my old photos. You can see them on my bodyspace. Society makes women believe that if we just stop eating, we will all get super thin and look like models. It doesnt work that way!!! I never want to go back to being that person, so I have made my before photos public and I look at them regularly to keep myself in check. I also let people see them so they can get rid of the excuses like : I have kids, I work a real job, and Im too old to start. I started at 37. I didnt have alot of money, so no trainer, no help, just me and a gym membership and some serious refusal of failure. I have 4 kids (22,20,15 and 9) Im a single parent, I work full time in a dental office and train at night. If I dont use them as excuses, why should anyone else? You have to want it really bad to stick with it. Seriously, Im more afraid of never doing something and reflecting back on it when Im 70 and kicking myself more so than failing at something….you know “the what if’s?”

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When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

I dont do traditional cardio until right before a figure show. Im short on time in the gym and I love to lift. I prefer bodyweight exercises and supersetting to keep a good heartrate. People get upset when I tell them I dont do hours of cardio, but I also maintain show leanness with diet, so it balances out.

What is your Diet like?

In my winter bulking stage Im not so strict of course. During my pre show season I eat six small meals a day, including eggs, brown rice, ground turkey, veggies, brown pasta, , boiled chicken even whole grain breads sometimes. My snacks are usually almonds. My portions are always fist size or less. I don’t use sauces or gravy on anything and I cut my salt intake way down. My carbs are under 100 grams and I will cut carbs down to none a couple days in a row and then cycle them back in.

What is your supplementation like?

I currently use Gaspai supplements. Off season it’s SizeON and Superpump, then later on, closer to a show I use Cytolean (a fatburner) for an added boost. I take the usual vitamins as well as a fiber tablet daily.

Plans for the future?

I am doing the Arnold Amateur Master Figure! Im really excited about it. After that I have about 5 figure shows on my calendar, including masters nationals in PA and the Bev Francis show in NY. In April I am ecstatic to have been invited by Bill Dobbins to do a 2 or 3 day shoot out in LA. I am also doing a military calendar. Im always up to something I guess, but it keeps me motivated.

Favourite Quote?

” I don’t want to BE Barbie.. I want to BENCHPRESS her” – Myself

Bodyspace: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/msfitness/

If you feel inspired by Fern Assard please add an inspirational message to her over on her bodyspace to show your support

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