Theresa Hendricks profile

Theresa Hendricks

 Theresa Hendricks  used to compete in fitness before switching over to bodybuilding where she's been having a great time and making an impression on judges and crowds alike.  We had a few moments to catch up with her and find out more about her.

A/ I am a professional photographer with a degree in Commercial Product photography from the Art Institute of Atlanta.

 

Q/ Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to bodybuilding and how did you get started with weight training?

A/ Yes! Part of my background and personality is very competitive and I have an inner drive to achieve. I began winning the Presidential Physical Fitness Awards in sixth grade. I played field hockey, softball, track and field in High School. I wanted to play all the sports, but women were not allowed on the football team, wrestling, and the like. I started lifting weights in a 10th grade co-ed gym class; I was on a mission to be stronger than the boys.

 

Q/ Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding/fitness competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? 
A/ Not really. After High School, I continued working out at a local gym. When I was 18, one day in a movie theatre I saw a guy who appeared to be a bodybuilder. We talked and he saw potential in me and encouraged me to train. I was intrigued and he became my trainer. I competed in a couple of shows, did well, got bored and fell away from it. Although I continued to workout, it wasn’t until 25 years later that I got serious again. It was not my intent to compete just get in shape. My personal trainer wanted to encourage me to have a goal. He suggested Fitness, of which I knew nothing about but my husband and I went to a show to see it. I thought, “I can do that.” So, 18 months ago, I started to get involved in training specifically for fitness. My second show I qualified for the 2004 Nationals. I got very motivated, but didn’t feel I had the right stuff yet. NPC changed their judging standards over the winter, so when I showed up at the Junior USAs this year, they told me I was too hard and they thought I was a bodybuilder. People on the streets continually asked me if I was a bodybuilder. At the 2005 Nationals, I did very well in the routine; but even after sizing down, I still was too hard. I have finally succumbed and decided to follow everyone’s advice to pursue bodybuilding.

 

 

Q/ Which contest has been your biggest success; which has had the most meaning to you?
A/ I consider success that which helps me move to the next level. So far, I consider my 2nd place in the Georgia State Championships as my biggest success. It was only my second show and it qualified me for the Nationals, the next level, were I placed 5th which has the most meaning to me.

 

Q/ Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.)

A/ The key word for me is “variety” and it is changing again as I go from fitness to bodybuilding. It also varies depending upon whether it is off season, in season, or pre-contest. During the off-season, I workout 5 days a week, one major body area at a time and 30 minutes of cardio daily. During the season, I have bumped up the cardio to as much as 2 hours a day. During pre-contest, I was lifting 3 days a week, cardio two times a day (as I was trying to size down), and practicing my routine an hour a day. My coach, Mike Davies, is changing this up again as I am entering the bodybuilding ranks. I presently workout 5 days a week, cardio thirty minutes a day.

 

Q/ What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don't like so much?
A/ Lateral raises for the shoulders are my favorite and I hate doing anything with a chin-up bar.

 

Q/ Which body part is your best in your opinion?

A/ I have always gotten compliments on my back; but my favorite is my shoulders and upper arms. My husband likes my abs.

 

Q/ If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)?
A/ My “best lifts” bench press 225lbs twice! Best dumbbell curls 35lbs each arm. Here are my important body measurements:
Height 5’ 6 ¼” 
Weight 138 lbs (Competition), 150 lbs (Off)
Bust 36”
Waist 27”
Hips 35”
Eyes Blue

 

Q/ What do you enjoy about training for competition....what do you enjoy about the 'off season'?

A/ My biggest enjoyment comes in the inspiration I provide to others, especially other women when they find out my age. I know I help to motivate others in the gym, including men who get driven by seeing a woman workout as hard as I do. In addition, I have a performer's heart and enjoy the attention of others when I am on stage or just out in public. I enjoy seeing tangible results; such as changes in my body and winning trophies. In the off season, like most everyone else I enjoy being able to eat those things that are bad for you.

 

Q/ Please describe a typical day in the life of Theresa Hendricks.

A/ Get up early; cook, feed my kid, my hubby and myself; train; come home, cook and eat; wash dishes; cook and eat; run errands; cook and eat; clean the kitchen; work on my art; rest for one hour (if I am lucky); cook (again) dinner; eat; clean the kitchen and wash dishes; watch the news; eat; go to bed and sleep; repeat. Any questions?

 

Q/ Please tell me about what you do when you don't work out (hobbies, what do you do to relax? etc.)

A/ My hobby is working on stain glass, whenever I can find the time (see my typical day <smile>). To relax, my biggest passion is listening to music. If I need to really relax, I throw in getting a massage. Having just moved to Virginia, I like to go to the beach and walk, or just listen to the waves.

 

Q/ What do you enjoy most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle?

A/ I like that I can count myself as part of a family. For those who don’t compete, I don’t think they understand the camaraderie backstage. It is like a family of accomplished athletes who have shared experiences helping and driving one another to be the best they can be. For me personally, I enjoy the feeling of rejuvenation after a good workout when those endorphins kick in; knowing I am staying healthy and being able to enjoy life; being able to look real good in a pair of jeans and a bathing suit out at the beach; a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

 

Q/ Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear.

A/  You will have to wait for the book <LOL>; but let's just say, as a born-again Christian I have been forgiven. People seem to be most surprised today to find out I am 46 and a grandmother.

 

Q/ What are your competition goals or personal future goals?

A/ My next competition goal is to be true to myself and to do my very best in training and competing. If that will take me to earning a pro card, I would be thrilled. If that is even possible, I would love to be Ms. Olympia; but I will never compromise my values and my honor to get there. My personal future goals include having a book of my life story on the market to inspire others to see how God's touch can lead one to rise out of abuse to achievement. I also would like to be able to express my creativity by having a studio to practice my photography and stain glass art work.

 

Q/ How do you feel when you are on stage performing?

A/ There are a number of emotions running through me. These include nervous, excited, scared, happy, worried, proud, and tense. Before I get started I am nervous, scared, and tense about being judged by both the judges and the audience. I want to do my best and give to others. I am excited and happy when the audience reacts positively. I am proud when my family sees what I have worked so hard for to achieve. When I’m on stage performing, it’s just me, the music and the fans. I love that I can bring pleasure to others through my bodybuilding and performances. As I stated earlier, I have a performer’s heart and really like the attention I get. My goals in a performance are to capture the attention of others through my artistry and sensuality. I hope I can leave the stage with the audience wanting more of me.

 

Q/ Is there anything you dislike about the way your body looks?

A/ There is a contradiction I experience as a result of being a fitness/bodybuilding competitor. I love the attention I get in the arena of bodybuilding, but I hate the attention I get in the general public. Those who appreciate bodybuilding understand what it takes to get a body worthy of attention. The general public sees my arms and back when I wear a halter top and sometimes they get down right rude. I hear snickers and comments and sometimes I am treated like I am a freak. This makes me self-conscious of my body, especially those parts of which I mentioned I am most proud. If there was a way I could be healthy, fit, cut and muscular but fat, dumb, and happy at the same time, I would choose it. Since I can’t, I choose to be proud of who I am and ignore the general public’s ignorance.

 

Q/ Who inspires you in the bodybuilding/fitness world?

A/ I know I may date myself <grin>, but in the bodybuilding world, I really appreciate Rachel McLish and Cory Everson. These women are the epitome of beauty and strength. In the fitness world, I am a fan of Tracey Greenwood, Jen Hendershot, and Adela Friedmansky.

Q/ Person you would like to meet?  (living or dead)
A/Jesus

Q/ What sports do you watch?
A/ Boxing, ultimate fighting, Ice Skating, Hockey

Q/ Can you give me your competition history?

Choo Choo Classic - 1981
Body Building
Chattanooga, TN
Overall First Place
Best Poser
 
Capitol Classic – 2004
Fitness
Montgomery, AL
3rd Place
 
Georgia State Championship – 2004
Fitness
Morrow, GA
2nd Place
 
Junior USA Nationals – 2005
Fitness
Charleston, SC
3rd Place – Tall
 
NPC Fitness Nationals – 2005
Fitness
Atlanta, GA
5th Place - Tall
 
Pittsburgh NPC Bodybuilding Championships – 2006
Bodybuilding
Pittsburgh, PA
1st Place – Heavyweight
NPC Junior Nationals – 2006
Bodybuilding
Chicago, IL
1st Place – Lt. Heavyweight
NPC Team Universe - 2006
Bodybuilding
New York, NY
2nd Place – Heavyweight
NPC Bodybuilding Nationals – 2006
Bodybuilding
Miami, FL
5th Place - Heavyweight

See more photos of Theresa in our Members Area, or check out her website too!

Please note:

Theresa does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!!