Rebecca Lee - FitSights

Why did you become interested in fitness?
In 1999, I became a fan of the Fitness America ESPN Series and admired the stamina, shape, and strength of the women competing. I have a background in gymnastics, dance, and the performing arts, but at 167 lbs, I knew I'd have some work to do before I could take the stage myself. I actually began to train that summer for a Fitness America Regional scheduled in April 2000. Six weeks into my training, I discovered that I was pregnant, so instead of going to regionals in April, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. My focus on fitness competitions was obviously put on hold for some time until one day during Christmas 2000, I was forced into a family photo and realized that I needed to do something about my 185 pound/size 16 body before it got the better of me!

In January 2001, I decided that it was time to take another shot at competing in a local regional. When I took my first set of "before" pictures, they devastated me because I did not realize what my body truly looked like until then. Each month until September I took pictures to remind myself of my goal and what I was trying to accomplish. It worked! I lost a total of 50 lbs for my first regional and qualified for Nationals. I did some additional training and modified my diet, losing a total of 57 lbs to compete at Nationals. But the biggest gain I made, was actual body fat reduction from 32% in January to 11% in November!

What other physical activities do you enjoy to stay fit?
love to jump rope, in-line skate, tumble, and play in the park with my son. I also love to hip hop dance and do a little country line-dancing.

What are your goals within the fitness industry?
My goal is to help as many people as I can in realizing their goals are well within reach and that all of the hard work, sacrifice, and sweat is worth it even if they just go away feeling better about themselves, and healthier and more active in their lives.

Not every woman is meant to be on stage but if you can drive yourself to reaching for that part of the universe, you might even land on your own star!

Additional Notes
Thanks to my husband, Chris, and son, Brandon, for their undying support at home of "Mommy's" dreams. Thanks, of course, to my family for their unconditional love.

And a big thank you to my sponsor, Eddie Batiz of batiz.com, who provides my shelter and is always rooting for me from across the miles.

Feel free to contact me by email or at my website if you have questions about the fitness industry or just want a little motivation and support reaching your own goals. I'd be glad to help in any way I can!