I asked Catalina to share her story with everyone. I consider Catalina to be one of my favorite success stories...(and oh boy, there is a lot)...but with Catalina, she has seen ALL sides when it comes to her competition history.  From the bottom to the top, she finds herself in a new light and a bright new competitive future.

I'd like to congratulate her on her First Place Over 40 Figure win at the 2009 Vancouver Classic, and a VERY strong showing at the 2009 Emerald Cup.


Sandy, Kathy CALALINA, Shannon, Darci, Sue & Honna

A few years ago I decided to start exercising seriously. (Back then, I used to smoke a pack+ a day, so I quit cold turkey).The first time I stepped up on a treadmill, 5 min on it was a real challenge. Pretty soon, I was doing almost an hour of intense cardio exercise.

In January 2004, I decided to take it to the next level, so I started lifting weights.  Back then I used to be 150 pounds, 35 body fat % (size 10 women).  I used to step on the scale almost every morning to see if a transformation had occurred overnight, but as you can imagine, it didn't’t happen. I worked-out really hard for a year and a half, and I came down from a size 10 to a size 6 woman.

In December 2005, I moved to Seattle and after placing last in the Emerald cup on 2007. (I was trying to do it on my ownJ).  I met Shannon Gill and Sandy Grant. Sandy was an inspiration for me. Therefore, I decided to change my physique to become a figure competitor.  I’m a really creative, structural and analytical person so; I used my strengths to transform myself. I started by focusing on the things I could easily change, like preparing things in advance (weekends), cooking in bulk (removing excuses to cheat) and manage my work-outs in a time that it was just mine (5:00AM) or late evenings.  (And of course, going to bed early).

At the beginning I thought that my social life HAD TO CHANGE. I had THE BELIEF that changing my diet would ruin my social life, but then I realized a few different things. I went out with my friends before. We all picked different food from the menu and we were still friends. So, I could still hang out with my buddies, just holding a glass of water or diet soda instead of wine (during off-season).

I know scheduling is important, absolutely. However, if you really like this sport you will learn to manage your schedule, work and personal life. All restaurants in town will prepare grill chicken, Tofu or fish if you ask for. (Just use common sense with your diet). How about your relationship? As everything else in a relationship make sure to make your partner part of it. After all that’s what relationships are about, right? (My perspective) 

Shannon introduced me to my new Coach, Mike Davies from the Fitness Factory. A very important factor for me was to use Mike programs. And, as of now I have come down from a size 6 to a size 2! But most important lesson I learned from Mike and Shannon is that Figure requires physical, mental and emotional discipline. (The way you think about yourself it is very important)

Mike is really great at designing an all inclusive program. (Diet, work-out routines and Fitness boot camps). I attended to one of his camps and I learned so much in just one weekend. Of course, during the camp I realized all the things I was missing while getting ready for a competition.  I really admire Mike’s genuine interest in health. He is really knowledgeable about food. I have been on his diet for more than a year and I feel really great on his programs. It is very important that you follow them 100%. Trust him. He has been in this industry long enough  to know what you are eating and why you are eating it, and what your body is going to look like after eating it! If you would like your physique to improve faster and want to make a few changes to your previous preparation....TALK TO HIM FIRST.

All my life I have been a very athletic person. I play Tennis, water Skiing, and compete in Bodybuilding / Figure. However, this last activity has helped me to build my spirit, strength, self-esteem and confidence.

Life is really beautiful, so live it as intense as you can and be nice to everyone around you.

Mike and Shannon, thank you for your constant help in my journey to become a Figure athlete.

~Catalina Illades