Fitness Competitor Heidi Fletcher

Heidi Fletcher: What makes me want to compete?

Competing in Fitness America Pageant and Ms. Bikini gives me the sense of accomplishment… setting a goal, and being able to achieve it. Also, the thrill of being on stage. It's terrifying and exciting at the same time". Eventually I would love to grace the pages of some popular fitness magazines. Also, to be able to continue to compete and keep it fun while maintaining an active lifestyle and help to promote the sport. What I like most about competing in Fitness is staying in shape, achieving goals that I have set, finding my mental and physical capabilities and the people that I meet along the way. I love the look of muscles, and I love the feeling of being in shape. Having goals is very important to me, short and long term, so to be able to incorporate my love for fitness and being goal oriented is key.

My Role Models in Fitness:

Mia Finnegan for all of her accomplishments and her constant support for the sport. She is very down to earth and humble, and always willing to lend her support. Cathy Savage who selflessly gives to the sport 110% of her effort.

The Fitness Atlantic Pageant:

On April 25, 2003 Danielle Kalfon and I left to head to CT for the Fitness Atlantic. Wanting to show up in style, Dani went and rented a brand new H2. If any thing at all was going to come out of the weekend, we had a blast riding down and back to Massachusetts. On Saturday April 26, 2003 The Fitness Atlantic had arrived. 16 weeks of diet and preparation for this day. I can honestly say the best part, was making all of my new friends. We had a ball at the hotel and back stage. Being there made me realize how lucky I am… in the audience, front and center, sat my mom, dad, both of my sisters, my brother-n-law, and my friends Laurie, who drove all the way from New Hampshire to Connecticut just for prejudging. Also was my very good friends David, Bobby, and Maria who drove down the night before to make sure that I had moral support and my make-up was just right.

At the end of the day, I placed 7th in Fitness and 12th in Bikini. Needless to say, I was on cloud 9. I was very happy with my placings, especially since it was my first show. This placing qualified me for Fitness Universe and The Fitness America Nationals. A very special congratulation to my fellow competitor and very good friend, the very talented, Ms. Wendi West. Wendi won the Fitness Atlantic for the 2nd year in a row!! Not to mention the very beautiful Toneka Pires who won Ms. Bikini.

"Heidi's Fitness Tips"

Have more than one goal.

Obviously, you train to win, but unfortunately not everyone can place first. Don't let winning be your only motivation. After all is said and done, your best memory isn't going to be the trophy on your mantle, but the pictures and feedback that you get after the show. Knowing that you gave it your all, stepped on stage, and had your family and friends cheering you on, will prove to be far more rewarding.

Appreciate the people who support you.

Far too many times, I have taken for granted the friends that aren't into fitness that still want to hang out with me regardless of the fact that I need to drink a protein shake before we go into the mall or eat a pre-packed meal in the middle of a movie. Or the times that my mom has gone out of her way to make sure that my chicken was cooked when I worked late, or had to drive an hour back from choreography. These are the people that despite the 'oddities' of the sport are behind your and your aspirations 100%. Remember and appreciate them, you need them.

Heidi Fletcher

Make Friends.

It is a rarity to find such wonderful people who have the same interests (and eating habits) that you do. Be sure to socialize within the sport. You will be surprised at how humble and caring all of these beautiful women are. You are sure to learn something new from almost everyone you meet. Over the last year I have met some of the most wonderful people. And I am lucky enough to be able to consider most of them great friends. I have never had so many people concerned about me, and wanting to help and support me. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that after the competitions are done, that I will continue to have such an amazing group of people in my life. (Thank you to all of you… you know who you are.)

It's not just about the destination…

Remember, not only are you are creating a new body, but you are most likely on a path to self -discovery. Whether you realize it or not, you will learn a lot about yourself. What your 'limits' are, just how far you can push your body and all that you are capable of on not only a physical level, but a mental level as well. Whether it's learning new strength moves, how to bead a suit, learning what carb/protein ratio works best for you, or just what time of day you are physically incapable of doing anything else. Relish in all that you are accomplishing and learning along the way. These will be the things that will last far beyond your competitive years. While training and dieting, you tend to wish the time away, hoping for the contest day to come so that 'this' will be over. Enjoy the journey… isn't that what it's all about? Realize all that you put into it… and be proud of your day to day achievements.

Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy….

When all is said and done… live it up! Take a break from training, go out to eat and enjoy your food, friends, and family. It is easy to forget about the things that really matter when you are wrapped up in contest preparation. Not worrying about getting to the gym while your mom is talking to you… leaving someone's birthday party early so you can get home and cook your meals for the next day… you know what I am saying. So go have that huge plate of nachos, a margarita, stay out late dancing… eat a slice of that birthday cake. Just enjoy!

Heide Fletcher Fitness Atlantic Video

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