IFBB Pro LeslieRae Newton Interview

When you read IFBB Pro before a competitors name you know they are one of the best. You know they had to work hard to get to where they are. LeslieRae Newton is the perfect example of that. She worked hard to get where she is. Using her own words "i shouldn't have gotten as far as I did". But she did get that far. She got that far by putting in a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. LeslieRae is the definition of determination. On top of that, she is one of the nicest people you will ever come across. LeslieRae injured her leg in her last competition and will be out for a little while, but she will be back and once again prove why she is among the elite at what she does. Her is the interview with one of my favorite people in the industry, LeslieRae Newton.





Q:First LeslieRae, I want to thank you for doing this. You know I am a huge fan and have such respect and admiration for you, so this is an honor.

Q: Can you start out by just telling a little about yourself. Family, where you are from, those kinds of things.
A: I was born in WinterPark Fl and moved to Franklin NC as a sophomore in high school. I have one sister, who is in college now.

Q: Before we get into the fitness stuff. You recently had a pretty serious injury. Can you share what happened, how the recovery is going, and how soon before we can see you back on stage proving why you are one of the best.
A: At the Ft. Lauderdale Cup, during my routine, I blew out my knee. I have had it fully reconstructed, but have to have surgery on the other knee before I can begin planning for my next show. But, I hope to be back in 2011!

Q: Before you got into fitness, were you an especially athletic woman? Play any sports or anything?
A: High School: volleyball and track
College: Rugby and cheerleading

Q: What finally led you into the gym?
A: During college, I spent a summer in Orlando, Fl. and worked as a lifeguard at Disney. While there, I met a trainer, Carl at World's Gym, who changed my life. He began strength training me for rugby, and during that time, I was introduced to the world of true physique training. One of his clients was a fitness competitor who said just the right things to interest me enough to research the sport. I wanted to be a part of the world I was reading about and became determined to do everything I could in order to be a fitness competitor.

Nothing in my previous training fed into the world of fitness. I was training to be stronger, faster, bigger and badder than the girl on the other team staring at me like her next meal. Which, I must say worked out real well. I was picked for the All-stars my first year. But, my interest changed. I wanted to compete. I spent two years preparing for my first show and never looked back.


Q: How long before you started seeing any serious results?
A: I was always athletic so 'seeing results' is kind of vague...I just began to change my physique, which is always changing.


Q: Was the first show what you expected, or did anything surprise you?
A: I didn't expect anything, but fell in love with it all.

Q: What did competing teach you about yourself?
A: That there is nothing i can not overcome.

Q: Was competing something your family and friends supported at the time, and how about now?
A: They have always supported me, but now they have an understanding of what they are supporting and what it all takes.

Q: Can you share your contest history
A:
2003 NPC Jr. USA's 3rd Place (tall class)
2003 NPC Metrolina 1st Place (tall class)
2004 NPC AZ St. Championship Overall
2004 NPC USA's 10th Place (tall class)
2005 NPC Nationals 7th Place (tall class)
2005 NPC Orange Co. Classic Overall
2005 Team Universe 6th Place (tall class)
2006 NPC Jr. Nationals 2nd Place (tall class)
2006 NPC Jr. USA's 4th Place (tall class)
2006 Team Universe 2nd Place (tall class)
2008 Atlantic City 10th Place
2008 Europa Supershow 16th Place
2008 Houston Pro 10th Place
2009 New York Pro Fitness Withdrawl
2009 Europa Show of Champions 14th Place
2009 Europa Supershow 12th place
2009 Ft. Lauderdale Cup Parker Playhouse


Q: What do you feel is your strongest asset on stage? Is it a certain bodypart, your routine, or something else?
A: I think it is my love of the sport!

Q: Do you have a favorite part to train or favorite exercise?
A: I love track workouts!!

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like, and how does it change for contest prep?
A: I train and eat clean year round so I don't have to change much for a show, just add in routine and tighten up the diet a bit.

Q: What did it mean to you to win your pro card?
A; That all that work had paid off and I could achieve the impossible.

Q: What is the general reaction to your figure and competing and training? Do you find people are more positive or negative?
A: It really just depends on the person. Some people stare are rude and some are complimentary.

Q: When they see your figure or hear you compete for the first time, what is the one question you are sick of hearing?
A: "How much do you bench?"

Q; Are there any major misconceptions about women who train and compete?
A: That we want to date bodybuilders.

Q: Do you have any personal favorites or people you admire in the industry?
A; There are so many!! Jen Hendershot, Adela Garcia, Susie Curry...so many!

Q: Can you tell a little about AZ Heat Camp, and your personal training.
A: The camps are unique fitness classes that draw from military style strength training and cardiovascular techniques. It is designed to allow participants to get into the best shape in their lives without having to be in a traditional gym setting. The strategy combines strength training, cardiovascular exercises, balance, and coordination, as well as, modified Yoga and Pilates activities.

My personal training is designed specifically for each client.

Q: If someone wanted to train with you, what is the best way to contact you?

A: lnewton@leslierae.com

Q: What are the benefits of being trained by LeslieRae Newton?
A: 10-year experience with extensive education and practice.

Q: Training and helping people is something you really enjoy isn't it?
A: It is the only reason to be in the business.

Q: If someone came up to you and said they were going to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would want to give them?
A: Start today and don't give up...too many people say "someday," when it should be "today".

Q: You also have a great website. Can you give that out and tell people what they can find there, as well as anywhere else people can find you on line.
A: www.leslierae.com
you can find out about me and my services. I am on facebook, twitter (azfitness) and have a blog on google.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love football!!!! and cooking, reading, movies, time with friends.

Q: Describe a typical day in the life of LeslieRae Newton.
A: Lol, no such thing.

Q: One problem I have in fitness, is that I believe the routine should count for more of the score. After all the routine is what makes it different from figure, so it should count for more. Is that something you agree with?
A: It counts for 50% and personally, I think that is right on, I wouldn't want my effort put into my physique to count any less! Maybe they can both count more!

Q: Favorite actor, movie, TV show, and musician?
A: Nicholas Cage/Angelina Jolie, so Gone in 60 Seconds of course, Nip Tuck, Stevie Nicks.

Q: Describe LeslieRae Newton in five words.
A: Loyal, Loving, Truthful, Reliable, Passionate.

Q: We know the importance of sponsorship. Is that something you are looking for, and if so, how can they contact you, and what is a potential sponsor getting in LeslieRae Newton as far as an athlete and competitor?
A: I don't know a competitor who wouldn't be looking for help...with me, you get someone who represents everyone who has a dream...I shouldn't have gotten as far as I did. I didn't start gymnastics until I was 21...I didn't have any thing in my background for fitness...all I had was a dream, all I did was what I knew: battle everyday until the impossible became possible.

Q: LeslieRae, I again, want to thank you for doing this. I have the greatest respect for you, and can not wait to see you back on stage.