Heather Kilgore is one of those people I knew of and was familiar with but had never actually spoken with. Then when getting to chat with her, I learned not only is she beautiful and not only does she look amazing on stage, but she is a sweet person. It is great when someone inspires you based on their accomplishments, but then that person turns out to be someone who also encourages you with their words. Her competitive resume is not long, but the results speak for themsleves. When Heather attempts something, she is a success, and in future competitions there is no doubt she will continue to achieve that success. Between her competing and her ever growing fintess modeling photo shoots, Heather Kilgore is a name you are going to hear more and more of. So if you have not heard of her yet, read and get to know her, and prepare to become a fan.
Q: First, Heather, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thanks for giving me the opportunity Jason, I am honored!
Q: Can you start out by tlling a little about yourself. Family, where you are from, things like that.
A: I was born and raised in a small town in Southeast Texas. My husband, Jeff and I are college sweethearts and have been married for 17 years - we have two amazing sons that our lives revolve around that are 15 and 12.
Q: Before the gym were you an esepcially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A I danced and cheered all through school but as an adult, I would only workout occasionally.
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A I had to make a change in my life, even though I was thin - I had very unhealthy eating habits and was pretty sedintary. Both of those factors combined to make me "skinny fat" with a body fat of almost 30%!!!!!
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Thankfully, due to good genetics I was able to make huge strides toward making differences quickly. I started lifting 5 days a week and within 3-4 months, was very encouraged by the progress I was able to see. Started training in August '09 and by November of '09 did my first show and won the Bikini Class B - Open division.
Q: What amde you decide to compete for the first time>
A: I had gone to a couple of shows to root for friends that competed and I just caught the bug!!!
Q: Was competing something your family and friends supported at the time?
A: Yes, I am blessed to have very supportive family and friends that understand I bring an ice chest full of food everywhere and they are just used to it - haha! Also, Jeff is my biggest supporter - for my most recent contest, he did cardio with me for over an hour a day leading up to the contest - I couldn't do it without that positive encouragement from him!
Q: Was competing what you expected? Did anything surprise you about it?
A: Yes, the girls are so helpful and nice backstage - I was nervous at first but they are precious!!!! I have made some great friends from competing that I still keep in touch with.
Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
* The Lackland Classic, November '09, 1st in Bikini Open division, tall class; 2nd in Bikini Masters.
* Ronnie Coleman Classic, April 2010, 4th in Bikini Open division tall class, 1st place in Bikini Masters.
Q: Do you think Bikini competitors are becoming more accepted by competitors in the other parts of fitness?
A: Yes, I do and hopefully it will continue to improve in the future. After all, we are all promoting the same things - no matter what you compete in, Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness or Bikini - women should encourage each other to be strong and fit. The NPC is helping to guide the 'new kid on the block' (a.k.a. Bikini division) with integrity and class. Over time, I feel that competitors will realize that most of us in this division want to see it grow in a positive direction.
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Most women have concerns over their tummies post-baby; Mine responds to training and proper very quickly.
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train.
A: Love working shoulders!
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like, and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: Off season I do 30-45 minutes of cardio until around 2 weeks out then I hit it harder. 1:15 at least until contest! Diet stays clean most all the time, with occasional cheats...then it gets extremely specific during contest season.
Q: When someone sees or hears you train and compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: More positive than negative overall but I still crack up when someone thinks I am a bodybuilder and then looks at my arms, wondering why I'm not more muscular, then I have to explain that I'm sorta like the 'feather weight' at a boxing match! lol
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: Honestly, none. I love to talk about diet and nutrition with friends and fellow competitors and swap tips/recipes.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: That any of this is easy to obtain for any female - it's tough and there are sacrifices but the results are SO very worth it!
Q: What is the best and worst part of competing?
A: The best is the way you look onstage after all the hard work is done and you can just have fun with it! The worst part would be the long-term dieting, it's hard to get excited about Tilapia and asparagus over and over and over and over....haha!
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Love to watch all the IFBB Pro Bikini girls, I really admire all of them for taking a sport that has just been introduced and setting the bar so high with class and professionalism - they are amazing. One competitor that I have been fortunate enough to know personally is IFBB Pro, Stacey Thompson. She has been gracious enough to help me and I hope that one day I can help someone else get started like she has mentored me.
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: TexMex or sushi, sweets of any kind!!!
Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Set a simple goal and work toward it ~ reach it, treat yourself and set another goal. Having someone to work out with also helps to keep me motivated!
Q: Is fitness modeling something that interests you?
A: Yes, absolutely I love print work!! I am currently working with several different photographers in the industry and hopefully in the near future you will see more from me.
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: #1 favorite pass time is travel. We try to go as many places as we can, as often as we can. We bring the boys everywhere with us so that they can experience different cultures in different parts of the world. We love boating, the Beach and snowboarding.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Heather Kilgore.
A: Wake up around 5am, get myself and my boys ready for our day, carpool then off to the gym for 2 hours. Help my husband with business, volunteer at school, lunch with friends, meal planning/cooking or run errands during the main part of the day, then it's back to school, homework, sports, lessons with the boys, Dinner with the family, wind down and then bed=) .....exciting, huh? NOT!!!
Q: Describe Heather Kilgore in five words.
A: Devoted, Dedicated, Loving, Loyal & Happy
Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything?
A: I am qualified for Junior Nationals in Chicago in June - so watch for me there. I am training hard and will be bringing a great look back to the stage!!! I am so excited!
Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Heather Kilgore the athlete and competitor?
A: Yes, I am definitely looking for sponsors, anyone interested in contacting me may reach me at heatherkilgore@stingllc.com I will respond personally to all inquiries.
Q: Heather, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: I would just like to express my thanks to you, Jason for allowing the women in the fitness world have a forum to learn more and network within our sport. Keep up the good work, we love it and you are doing a great job!!!
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