"I was always athletic and active in high school and college. Then the aerobics craze kicked in and I took it to an extreme. Consequently, I became very skinny. At 26 I moved out west and my boyfriend-to-be took one look at me and said 'I think you should try bodybuilding.'

"He bought me gloves and a belt and a transformation occurred - 78 lbs. to 113 lbs. today. I could not get enough of the sport and became certified in teaching aerobics/personal training and started a side business in the fitness industry," says Cultrona of her introduction to bodybuilding.

However, competing was a goal for Cultrona, but it was something she chose to do just once, after her first experience, ten years ago. "(I was) 31 and it was an incredible time commitment. Six months of working full-time as an art director by day and training evenings and weekends. I wanted to attempt at least one show in my life. And I did just that.

"I don't see any contests in my future. I don't have the desire. Currently I run hills six miles everyday. I would also like to add jump rope, continue lifting for definition, not bulk, lean out by about eight pounds or so and possibly add martial arts in my future."

But with that change, Cultrona still spends time in the gym, but not to the same level as before.

"My gym time is limited now and much more efficient. I do not spend all the hours I used to years earlier. To get away I run, spend time with my dog, get together with friends, go to movies and listen to music."

Those hobbies help take up her time, but Cultrona also dates, but not just within the fitness industry like so many others. "I am in most cases in better shape than the people I date. This is not my choice - just the way it ends up. No one is as fanatical as I, but they usually get in shape when they are with me and tend to look better than they did before I met them. However that is short-lived. I would like to find someone who has the type of passion I do," she adds.

Of course, bodybuilding has it's good side effects and being strong is one of them.

"There is a considerable difference in how people treat you - especially in the business world. A woman who has a powerful, confident handshake and erect posture is taken much more seriously," Cultrona adds.

But even in California, bodybuilding is not so common for women, and Cultrona adds: "Unfortunately, I don't have any friends who are bodybuilders at this time, so most think I am a bit over the edge with the whole fitness thing. But the bottom line is it improves my attitude and gives me balance and confidence. These qualities are important to create success in my life."

Sometimes, though, people revert to common sterotypes when they see a bodybuilder and especially one who is a woman.

"People who do not understand the sport tend to act negatively toward bodybuilders which I think is a shame. Bodybuilders are a unique group of people with a driving force of passion that sets them apart from the ordinary everyday people," Cultrona states.

However, that's definitely not a condascending attitude, but rather one that has come from experience and hopfully one that will change as the public learns more about the sport and the athletes that participate in it not only in regards to competition, but as a lifestyle as well.