Tracey Greenwood is a statuesque fitness athlete with one of the more powerful and aesthetic physiques on the national stage. As a full time Ph. D. candidate at Cabrini College in Pennsylvania, she is not only physically impressive but balances the hard work in the gym with time in class.
When in class for exercise physiology, she stays quite busy, but she is also a college professor who teaches anatomy and nutrition. And who better than someone who has worked her physique to near perfection to teach such classes.
Greenwood has been training since high school but only since college has gotten serious about her time in the gym. As with many other fitness competitors, pioneers like Debbie Kruck have inspired her to compete and build up her physique.
"I have always been inspired by Lena Johannessen's physique and Debbie Kruck. I love the muscular look on women. I was inspired to start lifting weights and I was thrilled when I saw myself being that muscular. I like feeling strong and I think being strong and muscular is sexy!"
Most would probably agree after seeing Greenwood on stage. Although one of the taller athletes at 5'7", she still presents a very feminine physique on stage while many fitness athletes continue to add size and conditioning (dieting) comparable to some lightweight bodybuilders.
Of course becoming a national-level fitness competitor takes a lot of hard work, and turning pro requires the help of others as well.
"I train four days a week on the weights and five to six days a week doing cardio. I train two to three times a week with Stacy Simons on my routine. She is amazing," Greenwood adds.
Those who have seen Simons compete will certainly remember her routines as Simons is one of the most creative and flexibile competitors on the fitness circuit. In her more recent routines, you can see evidence of Simons' influence and training in Greenwood's routines, which are progressively improving.
"I want to earn my IFBB PRO card and compete as a pro. I enjoy competing and the exposure I get from it. Just being able to stand on stage at an IFBB pro show will be satisfaction to me," Greemwood adds.
Greenwood's current training has adjusted from how she initially started lifting.
"I love to train heavy, however, it does look like that is not a good idea any more since I need to keep my muscle size down!"
When she did train heavier, she used the following poundages for reps and sets:
Bench Press: 135 lbs.
Squats: 185 lbs.
Barbell Presses: 135 lbs.
Barbell Curls: 85 lbs.
However, although her training has been adjusted to use lighter weights, Greenwood adds devilishly: "Well, once in a while I sneak a heavy day in if nobody is looking!"
Fortunately Greenwood's family and friends are all in support of her, and with continued focus, she'll soon be a pro fitness competitor too.
"I will be at the 2001 NPC USAs and hopefully pick up my pro card there!"
Check out Tracey's site for more information at: http://www.traceygreenwood.com/
Text and Images © 2000 gene x hwang - All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
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