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After having several reconstructive surgeries on my
left knee, in a span of 3 years, there wasn't a sport I was able
to do. I was a competitive gymnast and a long-distance runner for
most of my life. Having a serious knee injury put my life on hold.
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Shannon Walker
Through physiotherapy, I started to regain some physical activity.
I learned how to walk again. This would lead to bigger things.
Weight. Over the 3 years, of not being able to do anything,
I ballooned to 135 pounds. My normal weight was previously
115 pounds. |
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In April, 1999, I found a personal trainer. I started a very basic
diet, bought 3 sets of dumbbells and worked out at home. By June,
I had joined a gym. My trainer lived out of town so I had to be
vrey disciplined. Thanks to my gymnastics training, it wasn't a
problem.
In April 2000, I weighed in at 114 pounds and entered my first
body building competition as a heavy-weight. My goal was to place
in the top five. I placed fifth! As well, I won the best poser for
my weight class and best poser overall. I was hooked!
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November 2000, I entered my second competition as a lightweight.
I was 112 pounds. My goal was to win. I placed 1st in the Women's
Novice Lightweight. I loved it!
After placing 1st, I now moved into the women's open. The 1st place
winner would receive a pro card. The pro card was not my goal. This
goal was to compete at my very best. I was playing with the "big
girls" now. I had one year to be ready. I needed help. I needed
a trainer, a choreographer, posing coach and nutritionist. Through
networking, I found them all!
All of these people played a very important role for me, as well
as my family. My family has supported me every step of the way.
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I could not have done as well as I did without descipline,
determination and a goal. April, 2001 I started my diet with
T'ai. I was competing on November 3, 2001. I placed 2nd in
the women's open lightweight. I weighed in at 98 pounds. I
was overwhelmed and cried. It was an amazing experience. It
came with a lot of hard work.
This is a long way from being 135 pounds and learning to
walk again. I have accomplished my goals with two major parts
to my knee still missing.
If you want to do it, you will. You need a plan, a goal,
and the right people to help you reach that goal.
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Never be afraid to ask for help. Research what you want to know.
Stick with what works. Only listen to the people you have hired.
I strongly believe that diet plays the most important role in bodybuilding.
When I first met T'ai, he told me his diet would "rock my world".
Did it ever.
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