IFBB Pro and Fitness Model Kelly Gonzalez Talks With Directlyfitness.com
1. How did you get started with bodybuilding, modeling, and fitness?
I’ve been an athlete my entire life. I was a lacrosse player throughout high school and went on to play Division I lacrosse in college. I also ran track and completed 2 marathons including the Boston marathon as a college student.
After graduating from college, I felt the need to continue training and competing for a sport, but I didn’t know what. A friend introduced the idea of competing in a figure competition. I did well with only 6 weeks of training, but I knew figure wasn’t right for me.
In 2009, I needed photos for my new website, which hosts my health and fitness articles, personal training and nutrition services, etc. I trained for my first photo shoot to have pictures for the site. From there the fitness modeling took off. Shortly after my first shoot I learned that the NPC introduced the new bikini division; which suited my physique. I had found my new sport.
I ended up winning my first show and went on to place 2nd in my class at Nationals in 2009. In 2010, I stayed focused and continued to train hard; with the help of my coach Kim Oddo I earned my IFBB Bikini Pro Card. In 2011, I qualified for and competed in the prestigious Bikini Olympia in Las Vegas. I learned that planning and hard work pays off.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be casted in a few workout videos and work as a fitness model since I moved to Los Angeles. It’s great when your lifestyle can also be your job.
2. What gets you motivated?
My motivation is extremely deep rooted. Being fit, healthy, full of energy, and consistently challenging myself to overcome new obstacles and achieve success has always been a part of me since I was young; I’m hard wired for it!
I work with a positive mindset; I always try to look for the best in every situation. I expect a lot from myself. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it to the fullest and leave no regrets behind.
The feedback I receive from others motivates me to keep working hard. My goal has always been “to education, motivate, and inspire others to improve the quality of their lives.”
I enjoy hearing that I inspired and helped someone to change their lives for the better by starting an exercise program, eating healthier, or setting new goals. I am grateful to be able to do what I love everyday- train hard and continue to learn and help others improve their health as my career.
3. What is your training philosophy?
Variety is the spice of life! Your body adapts to any form of exercise and routine quickly. It’s essential to constantly change up your routine. It can be as simple as changing one variable like exercise order. Keep challenging yourself and set new goals daily.
4. If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?
1. Plyo box jumps or split squat jumps: Plyometrics are my favorite; especially any plyo exercise that really targets the glute/hamstring connection. I get so pumped for my plyometric workout. It’s always challenging. The next day my entire lower body is tight and a little sore in a good way. I know that I’m tightening and gaining definition through my legs and rounding out my glutes.
2. Lat Pull-down: I think everyone needs a sexy V-taper! For women it creates an hour-glass figure; sexy curves with a defined back that lead into a tiny waistline. For guys, there’s nothing hotter than the V-taper; it screams surfer body.
3. Hill sprints/sprints in general: I get bored with long cardio sessions. I’m all about efficiency; training smart! I like to push myself and work at a high heart rate so I’m burning lots of calories in less time. Sprints are great for this, plus they help strengthen and define the glutes and hamstrings, rev your metabolism, and help maintain lean muscle mass.
5. What is your philosophy on nutrition?
My personal motto is “eat the right foods, in the right amounts, at the right times.” Try to eat clean 80% of the time. Listen to your body. Many people just follow the same plan day in and day out ignoring what their body is telling them they need. I believe in having a cheat meal once a week when you’re not close to a competition or shoot. It can stimulate your metabolism and enthusiasm for your diet and training when you don’t feel constantly deprived.
6. What’s your diet like?
I eat a combination of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. I eat 6 small meals a day and center my carbs around my workouts. I switch to more greens and vegetables rather than starches as the day progresses. I drink lots of green and herbal teas and plenty of water.
7. What’s your take on carbohydrates?
I get this question from clients and readers of my health and fitness column and articles all the time. The bottom line is your body needs carbohydrates to function. Your brain relies on glucose for fuel. Carbs are essential in your diet to burn body fat. The key is to consume the right carbs at the right times.
Complex carbs like yams, oats, fibrous vegetables and greens, brown rice should make up the majority of your carb intake. Right after a workout and first thing in the morning simple carbs are beneficial since it aids in protein synthesis and muscle glycogen storage. Try to decrease your carb intake as the day goes on since energy requirements are lower.
8. What workout routine has worked best for you?
I like split routines. I think it’s imperative that one trains specifically for their physique. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, under developed and over developed muscles. For me, I train my upper body with heavier weight than my lower body to create symmetry. My routines are always changing. I like bodyweight exercises that challenge balance and use more muscles at once for more of a calorie burn. Some of the best workout routines I do incorporate no weight at all, but rather bands, stability balls, plyos, TRX, and speed play.
9. What supplements do you use if any? If not, why not?
I take BCAA’s first thing in the morning and before workouts, whey protein, glutamine, and waxy maize post workout. I also take a multi-vitamin, ALA, Vitamin C, B-complex, Smart Blend (essential fatty acids), and milk thistle or Digest-all daily.
11. Who inspires you most?
My inspiration has always been my Dad. He’s taught me that there are no short cuts in life or easy way out. If you want something bad enough you have to be willing to work for it. He has inspired me to be self-employed and work with a positive mindset. I’ve become a stronger person because he has allowed me to make mistakes, struggle at times, and find a way to come out on top. This has built confidence and character.
Being a good person in all that you do always comes first.
12. Favorite Quote?
-“Eat smart and train hard!” – me
-If I have the belief I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning. – Gandhi
-Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Website:
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Gonzalez-Fit-In-Fitness/202886048610
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/Kellygfitness
Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/KellygonzalezFITNESS
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