Interview with Gillian Risebury-Becker

Tell us a little bit about the sport you compete in?

I am a bikini competitor and I have been competing in this sport since 2005. I have also competed in fitness and figure but bikini competitions really suit my body type and personality.

What drew you to start competing in your sport?

I was a pro cheerleader in Canada during my college days and once I hung up my pom-poms I was ready to try a new avenue and take my love of dance to a new level. I saw a fitness competition and I began following the sport and copying diets and workouts of some of the top pros. I finally decided to get on stage in 2005 and began training 4 months out from my first show. I walked away with second place in the ‘Fitness America Miss Bikini Florida’ and I have been hooked on competing ever since!

When did you start training?

I have been training since I was a teenager- I started by doing this workout program on TSN Canada called the “Caribbean Workout” and I would record it during the day while I was at school and rush home after class to work out in my living room with a little weight set that I bought at Sears. Once I got tired of my hot pink 5lb dumbbells, I graduated to the gym at my highschool and eventually joined a gym when I was 14. I got a job coaching gymnastics to pay for the membership!

Where do you train at?

American Family Fitness in Granite City, Illinois

What’s your favorite exercise or muscle group to train? Why?

I love to incorporate plyometrics exercises into my training. Glutes and legs are definitely my favorite muscle groups to train and plyos are a great way of keeping your bottom half tight for those tiny bikinis!

What do you do outside of your sport (job, other hobbies/activities)?

I am a mom, a wife and a registered nurse. What can readers expect to learn from reading your blog? My blog is geared towards fitness and wellness and I try to educate my readers about fitness and nutrition by providing scientific evidence to support the point that I am trying to make. I love to get reader questions because I try to use original ideas in my blog to teach my readers something new in every entry!

Give us one word describes you best? Why?

Optimistic! I’m a “glass is half full” kind of girl and I despise negativity☺

Favorite cheat food?

Cheese-its!

Biggest obstacle you've overcome in life?

In 2003, after spending 3 years in a very abusive relationship, I finally got the courage to leave my boyfriend. I had just moved to the States from Canada with my boyfriend and I didn’t know a soul in this country. One day I just reached my breaking point, snapped into survival mode and did what I could to get away. It was very difficult and very scary but I really feel like after overcoming such a horrible experience, I can withstand any challenge that life throws at me.

What’s the most attractive quality in other people?

The most attractive quality in other people is the ability to listen. I have always believed that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason- we should listen more than we speak. When I met my husband, Brett, I was instantly attracted to the way he listened to what other people had to say in a genuine way. I found this to be a rare quality as many people who are involved in fitness and bodybuilding tend to be quite self-involved ☺

Favorite quote?

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."- Marilyn Monroe

Tell us about the happiest moment in your life?

The day my son Brady was born was by far the happiest moment in my life. Nothing can prepare you for the love that you will have for your own child. It sounds completely cliché but when I held him for the first time, I really felt complete.

What motivates you? Why?

I am motivated by people who have overcome great challenges to achieve success. When I read about someone who has overcome all odds to become successful in business or even in achieving the body of their dreams, it inspires me to work hard and push through stress and self-doubt.

What do you fear most? Why?

Rollercoasters! Do I need a reason?

Give us one little known fact about you … something no one would guess:

I’m a Gleek! I am hopelessly addicted to the show “Glee”! Would you believe my IPOD is loaded with music from the show?

Read All Posts by Gillian >

Read All Posts by Gillian >

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