Rhonda Dethlefs
by Gene
X Hwang - May 2003
Mainstream
is a word not often associated with bodybuilding and womens bodybuilding
in particular. But that is what has drawn Rhonda Dethlefs to the sport.
The
27-year-old competes at 147 lbs. as a heavyweight at 5'6".
"What
I love about bodybuilding is the fact that it is NOT mainstream, not many
women do it, and I feel it makes me unique. I feel like a living work
of art and that is just one of the things that drives me. I am starting
to see that people are finding female muscle more attractive. In fact
I never get any negative response from people anymore and it is becoming
more a thing of beauty, rather than being regarded as masculine,"
says the mother of two.
"My
first experience in the weight room was in high school gym class. Quickly
I became stronger or as strong as many of the guys. Not being much of
an athlete or into any sports, I had found it quite a surprise that I
could be good at anything athletic. I loved it.
"Years
went by and I never set foot in a gym, but always had it in the back of
my mind how strong I was. And being a single working mom, I didnt think
I had the time or discipline to keep a regular workout schedule. Then
I got a break from work and decided I would try a gym membership for just
a week. I was hooked again. Weeks turned into months and months turned
into years. I had made it in there almost every day. I saw drastic changes
in my body, I loved having the strength and power. I went from a skinny
105 girl to 123 lbs in just over a year and looked fantastic (the only
drawback being that i had to get rid of all my cute little dresses because
they no longer fit)," she adds.
So
what kind of strength numbers was Dethlefs talking about? Well for 1-rep
maxes, she's done 225 on the bench press and 305 lb. deadlifts. She regularly
curls 120 lbs. and can do 55-lb. dumbell curls as well, which explains
her impressive biceps which are 16-inches in the off-season and 15-inches
at contest weight. During the offseason, Detlefs goes up to 162 lbs and
sports 17-inch calves, 26-inch quads, a 31-inch waist and a 36-inch chest.
Other
lifts include squats with 390 lbs. for 2-3 reps and leg presses with 1300
lbs.for 3 reps!
"I
went to my first bodybuilding competition in 1998 and felt I stood a chance
to win or place high, so I prepared for one the next year, not really
knowing what I was doing with diet and posing. I placed 3rd and was disappointed,
but still loved bodybuilding and competing.
"I
decided to take another shot at competition in 2001, but found out that
I was expecting, so needless to say, put it on hold. I continued to work
out throughout my pregnancy though.
"My
new years resolution for 2003 was to compete again and to do the Emerald
Cup. So first I decided that it would be a good idea to do another
show before it just to get rid of the jitters. I competed and placed 3rd
in the Vancouver Natural and was somewhat disappointed, but on the same
hand, was pleased because it was such a big show, and there were seven
other girls in my weight class.
"I
ended up placing 4th in the Emerald Cup, and felt good about it because
it was a bigger class (11 heavyweights) and it also was not a drug tested
show. A week later I went on to compete in a local contest and won 1st
place heavyweight and overall. I feel I came in at my best for that one
and proved to myself that I could do it, even having a 19-month-old son
and 7-year-old daughter," she says.
Being
a mother of two, Dethlefs certainly could fool people but once you see
her kids, you'd know that they were hers.
"I
should also say that being a good role model for my kids is a huge drive
for me. My little boy watches me pose and will copy me with his little
front double bicep. It is so cute! Same with my daughter, so watch out
world!"
If
it's any indication, with a role model as good as 'mom,' Dethlefs' kids
should have promising physique careers. Up next for Dethlefs is the Oregon
Ironman Naturally on May 17th, 2003 in Lincoln City, Oregon.
"Hopefully
this one will qualify me for nationals. However, I will not give up if
it doesn't. My goals in bodybuilding are to become a top amateur or professional
without the use of steroids or any other illegal drugs. I will go as far
as I can in the sport and stay natural."
So
far, that's been good enough so a promising future awaits Detlefs. She
is also grounded enough to know that the sport is very subjective.
"What
one set of judges finds pleasing can be totally different for another
set. It seems that for men it is more defined, where for women people
are just confused about what they want. It would be nice to know what
they are looking for so I could somewhat set my goals according to that."
We'll
let Dethlefs, the judges and her fans decide what they think of her constantly
improving physique. If you would like to get in touch with her, her email
address is: Rydell1561@aol.com
And also be sure to visit Rhonda's website at: rhondadethlefs.com
Rhonda
Dethlefs Contest History
2003 Empire Classic 1st - Open Heavyweight and Overall
2003 Weider Emerald Cup 4th - Open Heavyweight
2003 Vancouver Natural Classic - 3rd Open Heavyweight
1999 Inland Pacific Natural Classic - 3rd Open Heavyweight
