WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING: REBECCA ANDRADES
Recent Accomplishment: Junior USA Championships Lightweight and Overall
Age 34
Height 5’0
Contest Weight 124 1/2
Residence Wilmington, North Carolina
Contest History/Highlights 2012: Gold’s Classic 1st Lightweight and Overall
LIFTING LIFE “I have always worked out in one way shape or form from the time I was around 14-15 years old, but always gravitated towards things like running, step aerobics, yoga and Tae-Bo. After the birth of my first child in 1998 I began to learn about weightlifting. I immediately fell in love and tried to learn everything I could about the sport. I lifted off and on for the next couple of years and decided to really start taking my lifting seriously around 2007. I’ve been nonstop ever since and now lifting is an irreplaceable part of my life.”
STRONG INFLUENCES “I remember a workout video of Rachel McLish that I had when I was around 17-18. I had never seen anyone like her that so perfectly blended a strong muscular build with graceful femininity. I was in awe of her strength and power and so began my fascination with female bodybuilding. But the real desire for the stronger more muscular look didn’t truly hit me until the day I first laid eyes on IFBB Pro Stacey Pillari. I had been lifting for a few years but mainly just for toning purposes when I finally ran into Stacey at my gym. I didn’t know who she was at the time, all I knew was that she was instantly my new idol! She possessed EVERYTHING that I believe a female bodybuilder should – full, mature, unbelievably conditioned muscles paired with the most beautiful feminine shape and appearance! She had managed to obtain ridiculous musculature without sacrifing an ounce of her womanly features, which I believe happens all too often in women’s bodybuilding and I believe has alot to do with peoples lack of interest in the sport.”
NO LIMITS After I had a few years of lifting under my belt I remember being asked every now and then if I competed. I remember my reply was always to giggle and say ‘Oh no, I only compete against myself!’ I always said I had no desire to compete but that lifting was rather just my personal therapy and way of coping with the difficulties of life. But alas, I hit my thirties and as life became more settled and less spontaneous I found that I felt the need for a definite goal as motivation. Also, it was at this point that I felt like I had finally built a physique that was worthy of stepping up on a stage. I decided out the blue eight weeks before my first competition that I would give it a shot. I loved the rush of pushing past your limits and watching how my body changed far beyond what I had ever done before.”
DOG DAYS “I’m a dog groomer and run a successful shop here in Wilmington. I have an extremely busy schedule and life with my fiance, children and five dogs, along with an assortment of other critters. But I believe the discipline and willpower that I have learned and obtained from lifting helps me to keep plugging away day to day no matter how tired and exhausted I am. Lifting also helps me to remember the connection between mind and body which has alot to do with my energy and connection to the dogs I groom. When I take care of myself and I am physically fit my mind and energy operate and flow better therefore making for a better interaction with my “clients” whom I believe feed off of and react to the way I am feeling. In addition, my customers never have to worry whether or not I can handle their 160-pound Burmese Mountain Dog!”
