Not new to the gym, but fairly new to competing, Jaime McAlister is someone to keep an eye on. Having done three shows and already a 2nd and a 3rd place on her resume, Jaime is already doing outstanding, and there is no doubt that there will be more great performances to come with a 1st place attached to her name more than once. She says she wish she started competing earlier, and I think anyone who sees her wishes that, but it is great for fans that she is competing now and we get to watch her as she continues to get better.
Q: First, Jaime, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: You are very welcome, thanks for having me!
Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I was born & raised in Greenville, SC. I grew up with a great family, very supportive in all my endeavors! I graduated from Clemson University in 2004. I am a national level NPC figure competitor, Marketing Director and New Homes Sales Agent.
Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I have always been a bit of a tom-boy so growing up I loved doing any outdoor activity. I played soccer for 8 years, volleyball for 4 years. Then in college I was on the Women's Rowing Team. I then got into powerlifting a bit before becoming a figure competitor.
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I have always loved working out, I lifted some in high school but just didn’t really know what I was doing. When I joined the Clemson Rowing Team we had to hit the weights pretty hard. That’s where I realized I was strong for my size and I absolutely fell in love with it!
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I have been going to the gym for years so it’s definitely something that comes easy for me. The diet part was the area that I needed some direction on. Once I decided to compete and started dieting, it only took a week or two to see some changes.
Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I was introduced to the sport by a friend when I was in college. Ever since I went to my first show, I knew I wanted to compete. I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to actually get on stage! But it was last year at the SC State show that I realized there was absolutely no reason or excuse for me not being up on that stage. So, I decided to start training and did my first show in October.
Q: Was competing something your family and friends supported at the time?
A: Oh yes! Very much so! I would not be able to do this sport without all the support and encouragement from my friends & family.
Q: Was competing what you expected? Did anything surprise you about it?
AL Honestly, I had no clue what to expect! My trainer is an IFBB Pro Figure Competitor so she gave me tons of tips & stories but I really didn’t know what to expect. Every show has been a blast though! You meet some amazing people and get to show off all your hardwork!
Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2009 - Mid Atlantic Carolina Classic, Charlotte NC – 2nd
*2010 – Palmetto Cup, Columbia SC – 7th
*2010 – Victory in the Valley, Hickory NC – 3rd
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My back has always been my strong point. I think rowing & powerlifting has definitely helped me in that area.
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: I love training arms & shoulders! I love shrugging & deadlifts. I have to limit those though because I am trying to lean down my legs.
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like, and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: Off-season I lift about 4 days a week. I lift heavier than I would training for a show, just trying to put on some more size. I try to get in a variety of cardio workouts. I will be doing a lot of plyometrics, sprints & running during this off-season trying to work on the lower body. I try to eat pretty clean with the occasional cheat meal. I up my protein & carbs on the off-season. I start dieting for a show about 12 – 14 weeks out and the cardio goes to twice a day.
Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: It’s been mostly positive. Usually people have tons of questions once they know I compete. There are always a few people that are negative and just don’t know why I would want to do this to myself.
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: "Are you hungry?" Or "Do you workout?"
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that some girls think they can just “diet down” for a competition and do well. Yes a clean diet is a must but you need to have the muscle too!
Q: What is the best and worst part of competing?
A: Best is looking your best, showing off your hard work & meeting some amazing people! Worst part for me is the waiting between pre-judging and the night show. Also not being able to shower! haha
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: My trainer, Marie Ann Newman and also Trish Warren, Gina Trochiano, Nichole Wilkins-Lee and Erin Stern
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Well if I could choose anything it would be cereal! I usually go for pancakes or sushi for a cheat meal though.
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: Just one? Oh boy…I guess it all depends on how she looks but I would emphasize how important diet & cardio is and to keep her eye on the prize. It’s so easy to lose focus. Stay positive. You are CHOOSING to do this.
Q: Do you think it is becoming more accepted by society for women to be in the gym training as hard as men?
A: Absolutely! I love it too! I love seeing women right up in there with the men hitting the weights just as hard if not harder!
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love traveling, going to the lake/beach, hiking, camping, movies, fixing up/remodeling homes, shooting pool and I love my furry babies – I have 2 labs & 2 cats.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Jaime McAlister.
A: Wake up about 5:30am and hit the treadmill for some cardio, breakfast, get my food ready for the rest of the day, then off to work. After work, I usually hit the gym then after dinner I usually take my dogs on a walk.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: People are usually surprised to know how much I have deadlifted
Q: Describe Jaime McAlister in five words.
A: Independent, Strong, Dedicated, Caring & Resilient
Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: The plan is to take the rest of the year off to focus on leaning down my lower body, getting more definition in my legs and continuing to build & improve the rest of my physique. My next competition will be the Junior Nationals in 2011.
Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: Anyone looking for contest prep should contact Custom Fitness and join The Dream Team. Their website is: www.customfitness4you.com I couldn’t have done it without their knowledge, support & encouragement. I also love Applied Nutriceuticals. Their products are wonderful, I have seen amazing results. Check them out at www.appnut.com
Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you?
A: I am always seeking sponsorships. It would be so exciting to represent great companies & great products! You can reach me at Jaime@builderpeople.com
Q: Jaime, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Just want to thank everyone that has helped me and supported me over the past year. It has been an amazing journey so far and I look forward to what is to come
Can't wait to see you in 2011!! :)
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