I knew Kristy Victor in high school. We fell out of contact, and years later I saw her on Facebook. I was shocked at her radical transformation. I barely recognized her! Kristy had successfully reshaped her body from “pleasantly plump” to a bodybuilder bombshell! I was anxious to talk to her about how she did it. Please enjoy my interview with Kristy below.

Welcome, Kristy! For the benefit of those who don’t already know you, will you please give us a 5-second description of yourself and your profession?

I am a personal Trainer from NJ and NPC bikini competitor. I’m passionate about health, fitness, and helping others.

You’ve been invited here today because of your radical physical transformation. Tell me, when did you begin this quest for change?

I actually began my weight loss journey in 2007. I had gained a lot of weight and got all the way up to 185lbs. I started following the Beachbody workout, Turbo Jam. In about four months I had lost 45lbs.

That’s great! Was gaining weight the primary reason you decided to start this journey? Tell me about the moment you made the decision to really get serious about getting in shape.

Well, I have always worked out but didn’t always know what I was doing. Weighing close to 200lbs was definitely an eye opener, and that’s when I decided to change. I didn’t want to be so out of shape and unhealthy.

I’ve seen your before and after photos. They’re incredible! What kind of training regimen did you do in order to get where you are now? Did you have a personal trainer to help you along the way?

Initially I used Turbo Jam and the meal plan that went with it. For a while after that, I simply followed a lot of different workouts from fitness magazines I subscribed to. Starting about seven months ago, I started training with a Bikini and Figure Competition Training Team, Team Bombshell, and that is how I came to have the body I rock today.

You are definitely rocking a “bombshell” body, Kristy! Well done! But was there ever a time during your training that you felt like quitting? What kept you going?

Oh yea, definitely. There are days where you are totally wiped out, and the last thing you feel like doing is another hour of cardio. It’s the desire and drive I have to be at my best, and the passion I have to succeed in my training that always keeps me going. I always remind myself how there is someone else out there that isn’t taking time off, someone else out there that’s working harder than me — and it’s hard to quit when you look at it that way!

Losing weight and getting fit is something many of us aim to do, but from your pictures it’s easy to tell you’ve taken physical fitness to the next level. Where has your love for working out and reshaping your body taken you?

After losing the initial 45lbs, I decided to become a Personal Trainer. I love health and fitness, and now I can help others set and reach their goals. That in itself is very fulfilling, and I absolutely love what I do! I also started competing in bodybuilding competitions. I’m currently participating in the bikini division. I will be switching into the figure division next season.

Congratulations! How do the competitions work? How did you and your team do?

The team consists of hundreds of girls from all over the world. It is based out of Daytona Beach, FL, so if you are outside of that area you train online via email. There are so many shows throughout the season and many of them compete together, but the show I just did was a smaller show, so I was the only Bombshell there.

The competitions are split up into divisions; Bodybuilding, physique, figure, fitness, and bikini. They are broken up into height classes as well. 5’4 and under and 5’4 and over usually. Sometimes there are more height classes if it is a bigger show.

Each competitor will perform posing for their specific division and the judges will then line you up and “compare” everyone in groups of five. First callouts are a good sign — it tends to mean you’re more than likely making the Top 5.

You have to start with local or regional shows. Placing in Top 5 in a smaller show qualifies you for the national level. That’s where you can win your Pro Card. Every show is different regarding which placings receive Pro Cards. Most of the time there is one overall winner (per height class in each division), but sometimes it’s Top 3.

I’m no expert in working out. In fact, I only go to the gym about three times a week. What tips do you have for maximizing my workout?

First, I’d see what your goals are. Are you looking to put on some lean muscle or just lose some weight? Do you just want to be healthy and active? Would you like to compete in some type of competition?

I like to know exactly what a potential or current client’s goals are first, and then I can take their training to the next level. Also, what they are currently doing and if they have any sort of limitations. After I find out all that, you may regret asking that question!

Ahh okay, so you tailor the workout specifically for the client. Good to know! Now, I always heard that “3 sets of 10 reps” was a standard workout, but recently I read an article disputing that idea. In fact, it said 3 sets of 10 reps was probably the best way to guarantee you’d see no results from the time spent in the gym. What are your thoughts on this?

I absolutely agree. Your body adapts to everything you do, so if you continually put it through the same routine, 1) it will get less and less challenging and 2) you will “plateau,” meaning your body will remain the same in spite of the time you spend in the gym. Variety and switching things up is key. In other words, change the number of sets, reps, and type of exercise regularly. Try adding in some cardio or plyometrics between sets. You always want to keep your body guessing, that is the only way real change will occur.

I know that many people struggling to get in shape start strong at the beginning of the year (largely due to New Year’s Resolutions). As time goes on, though, they stop working out as often, and eventually quit completely. What recommendations or strategies do you have for anyone wanting to stay strong and stick with it?

First of all, everyone must think about what they really want. Of course we’d all love to lose, say, 15-20lbs. But the majority of people that start out strong won’t see instant results. That’s perfectly normal, but it causes people to get frustrated and give up.

Expecting immediate change sets you up for failure. You need to take everything one day at a time. You didn’t gain the weight overnight and it most certainly will not come off overnight. You must set small and attainable goals for yourself so you’re not overwhelming yourself with the final “big” goal.

Let’s say a small goal would be to lose 5lbs this month and stay on your meal plan. That is a small and very attainable goal. Once you start seeing results from the small goals, it will motivate you to keep working harder to reach the next goal and the next.

Truthfully, a lot of people would benefit from having a trainer in these situations. A trainer can keep them working hard and motivated to keep going. Without someone to motivate and support them through the difficult road ahead, they get frustrated, fall out of the routine, and completely give up. If you can’t afford a trainer, simply teaming up with a buddy will help. Make a set date and time each day to get in your workouts together. You can motivate each other to eat right and stay on track.

Great advice from someone who’s done it successfully. I love it. Can you tell me, what’s your proudest achievement?

Absolutely the moment I stepped on stage at my first bikini competition. I had always been shy and very self-conscious and never showed my body in public. Just the fact that, even though I was terrified, got right up on that stage with 100+ people looking at me, was huge!

I can only imagine what that must have felt like! Congratulations again — you look fantastic, and are an inspiration to all of us wanting to reshape our bodies! So what’s next for Kristy Victor?

I am currently building my in-home personal training business and group fitness classes. I’m also pursuing my B.S. in Sports Management/Health and Wellness to further my education, so that I can be the best trainer I can be. I plan to make my figure division debut sometime in the New Year around January/February in the pursuit of my Pro Card. Then, wherever life takes me!

I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. Thanks again for sharing your remarkable story. Where can we find out more?

Come visit my website at www.victoryfitnessnj.com and my blog page at www.fit4lifewithkristy.com. Thanks for having me! 🙂

Kristy Victor is a personal trainer who lives and works in South Jersey. Her fitness motto is “If you’re not challenging your body, you’re not changing your body.”

Do you know anyone like Kristy that might be interested in sharing their story? Please Contact Me!

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