SimplyShredded.com

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I got started lifting after a college soccer injury kept me off of the field. With a recurring hamstring pull, I couldn’t sprint at 100%, but kept with the strength training program.  I decided to look into serious weight training instead of “sport specific” training.  My strength grew in leaps and bounds right off the bat and I saw awesome changes in my already athletic body.  Muscles I didn’t even know I had!  I soon joined a local gym in Morgantown, WV and was hooked!  The owners were competitive bodybuilders and told me that I had the body type and genetics to take lifting to the next level, and so I looked into local bodybuilding shows.  My husband and I started talking about having a family, so I decided to do a show just in case I never got my body back!  The thought of having babies actually pushed me to be a competitive bodybuilder, and now 4 years after having a beautiful daughter, I am in the best shape yet!

Where does your motivation come from?

My quote I always use is: I workout and compete for MOTIVATION not VALIDATION.

I don’t need to win, I need to move.  I don’t need to diet, I need to be healthy.  I love how I feel after a hard workout, and I know that a clean diet is fuel for a great body.  It is hard to have one without the other.  It is all about a healthy balance.

So what is the bodybuilding training routine that you use to achieve that killer physique?

I lift heavy to moderately heavy weights consistently.  My rep range is normally 10-12, and sets vary from 3-4 each exercise and number of exercises depends on the bodypart.  I switch my training cycle up every 3 weeks or so, for example I may do a few weeks with legs twice a week and then move to once a week with BIG power movements for a week.

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

I do a combo of the two and try to switch it up every few days just like my weight training. I like to sweat and depending on how far out I am from a show really depends on how much time and intensity I spend on cardio.

What is your Diet like?

I have tried a ton of things and have finally found a diet that works well with my body.  It is GRAINLESS!!!  I would say it is a fusion of a Keto style of diet, but tailored to my individual needs.  It is not a cookie cutter plan and greatly depends on how my body is coming down and what still needs ‘work”.  High protein, moderate fat and moderate fibrous carbs.

What is your supplementation like?

I have taken Gaspari’s Mitotropin as an energy and fat burner and I take an all natural protein called ABOUT TIME.  It is delicious, and 100% natural whey isolate.  No sugars, low sodium and cholesterol, and ONLY protein, no other additives.  I digest it easily and I absolutely love the taste.  I sought them out for sponsorship after receiving a trial pack.  That is 100% IT!  I do not take extra vitamins or oils, they are all built into the real foods in my diet.

Plans for the future?

In 2010 I will be guest posing at the INBF Buckeye Classic in Columbus, OH, April 17, 2010. My competition plans include the WNBF Barbados show on June 12 and the WNBF Worlds In November in NY.

Favorite Bodybuilders?

I have quite a few idols, mostly for their perseverance and commitment to the sport.  WNBF Pro Nancy Andrews, IFBB Pro Yaxeni Orequin-Garcia, Corey Everson,  new IFBB Pro and WNBF Pro Dave Goodin, PJ Braun and of course my training partners: 2008 NPC Mr. Pittsburgh Arthur Williams, and NPC National Figure Competitor Sarah Wernert

Favorite Quote?

Don’t sweat the small stuff….

To See More Of Toni West Visit Her Bodyspace: www.bodyspace.com/tkatmommie/

Simplyshredded.com answers your questions! Check out our new forums for free bodybuilding advice from the community. Fast, friendly and free! What are you waiting for?