Interview with Brittani Simpson

In our earlier days, we saw this woman named Brittani Simpson, who was tearing it up in the figure and bodybuilding rankings in the local level and had high hopes for her when it came to competing in the National level and eventually the IFBB. Unfortunately, fate dealt a cruel hand and unfortunately, she was unable to pursue her pro card, which we honestly thought was inevitable at that point in time. Earlier this year, she made her return to the stage after a long absence, and it's almost like she picked backed up right where she left off. We asked Brittani if we could do an interview with her and she was very gracious in taking the time to do one with us. 

Also, photos used in the interview belong to Brittani herself (unless otherwise noted below the photo(s))

An elegant photo one day after her return to the stage this year.
Photographer: Tracy Coggin

FitGems Nation (FN): Thank you for wanting to be interviewed by us, Brittani!  Let's start off with telling us a little bit about yourself (name/occupation/how long you've been in the fitness industry, etc.)
Brittani Simpson (BS): My name is Brittani Simpson, and I work for E. & J. Gallo Winery as the Shopper Marketing Manager for the Northwest.  I've worked for Gallo for over 20 years in Sales and Marketing and a couple of years in our International Division.  However, my first occupation is Mom. This role always has priority in my life, and I've been blessed to have a challenging and rewarding career with Gallo, while being present and involved with my kids' lives.
I have always been active in many sports and started lifting weights in college in 1990.  As a challenge to myself to get "in the best shape of my life" after having kids, and to push myself way out of my comfort zone, I decided to compete at the NPC Vancouver Natural in 2008.  I was already in great shape at 11% body fat (always using hydrostatic testing), and in 9 weeks I leaned down to 6% and won the Masters Overall in my first competition.  Although I had never been to a show, nor did I know anything about them or the fitness industry, I had an incredible experience and decided to continue with improving my physique and compete again in the fall of 2008.  I won Overall Figure at the NPC Seven Feathers and NPC NW Championships shows and became even more excited to pursue a Pro Card.

FG: How did you get involved in the fitness industry in the first place?
BS: When I would train at the gym, people would sometimes ask me if I competed.  I was only 122 lbs and a size 2-4 (not what I envisioned as a bodybuilder!) so I had no idea what they were talking about, but then I found out about the Figure division and could see that it might be a fit for my body type.  I am a modest person and have struggled with body dysmorphia, and my "size", my whole life so I thought it might be a good opportunity for me to work through those issues and enter into a sport that actually celebrated my physique type.  As a child and teenager my mom would always say that I should be a bodybuilder, but I always wanted to be a ballet dancer.  Apparently, mothers often do know best!

FG: What do you enjoy most about competing and/or modeling?
BS: I love learning something new about myself and my capabilities every time I prep for a show.  It always takes me to a new level!

FG: Which do you feel is your greatest strength while training: cardio or weight-training?
BS: Weight training is my biggest strength and has added the most value to my life.  I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and also participate in many other sports, so weight training is essential to keeping me active and involved in what I love to do.

FG: What is the hardest thing you have had to deal with when it comes to the fitness industry?
BS: There was a lot of confusing and contradictory nutrition and workout information coming at me when I started, and it took me some time to figure out that there are many ways to accomplish a similar result, but I needed to find out what was best for my body and my long term well-being, while also fitting it all into my demanding schedule.

FG: What division do you compete in, and what’s the best thing in your opinion about competing in that division?
BS: While I can put on muscle easier than most, I prefer to stay smaller and stay in the Figure division.  I have fairly advanced osteoarthritis and find that I have less pain when I am lighter on my joints. I will not be moving to the Physique division as some would like me to do.  I also like that I can be totally natural and be in a sport that is suited to my muscular body type while staying very feminine.

An early photo of Brittani from 2009
Photographer: Duane Harper

FG: You were a top rising star back in 2009, when you took the Emerald Cup by storm, doing very well in both bodybuilding and figure (as pointed out years ago on our own site: http://fitgems.blogspot.com/2009/05/fitting-observations-is-brittani.html). While to many, a pro card seemed like a foregone conclusion, you disappeared altogether. Do you mind sharing with us what made you decide to step away from the stage for a while, and what made you decide to come back now?
BS: Well, first of all, I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Thank you so much for such a wonderful article!  I actually started training immediately after the Emerald Cup for the USA Nationals and believed I could get my Pro Card with a few changes and a bit leaner physique.  I hired a coach from Dr. Berardi's team at Precision Nutrition, Krista Schaus, to take me to the next level with a deep dive into my body type, hormones, etc.  It was an intense 6 months of training and dieting with body fat tests every two weeks (12 pt caliper and hydrostatic) to see how I reacted to different diets and work outs.  However, during this time, I was in the middle of a difficult divorce and custody battle.  Additionally, in the fall of 2009, we found out my dad had Stage 3 Prostrate cancer with very few treatment options available that could save his life.  My parents were at my house almost every weekend to get tests in Portland, and between taking care of myself, my two young kids, and them, I was pretty overwhelmed.  Then, just 2 weeks before Nationals, one of my nieces had a psychotic break induced by a traumatic incident that year.  My parents needed my sister and I at the hospital to help understand all the medical jargon, but my niece needed us also.  Subsequently, my sister went to be with my parents, and I went to be with my niece.  I decided that my family needed me more than getting a Pro Card, and I stopped my prep less than 2 weeks from the show.  I knew I was making the right choice and have no regrets.  I still had a lot to deal with in my divorce, and eventually I won the custody battle, settled everything and moved to Camas, Washington, in 2011.  I never stopped training, but I also needed to focus on adapting to being a single mom, managing my career, and the travel that comes with it.  My company and my kids are very supportive of me competing again, and I have a great routine and wonderful support system established now.  Everything fell into place last year for me to be able to start prepping for a show.  My protocols are VERY different than most competitors since I am completely natural and deal with a few hereditary health issues.  They have been big hurdles for me - but not road blocks!

(Editors's Note: What a journey this woman has been through! God has truly blessed her in so many ways.)

FG: Is an IFBB Pro card still in the plans for you in 2016?
BS: I just found out that I have to have surgery this year and will need 6-8 weeks to recover so I don't think that it will be possible this year.

FG: With the rise of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Periscope, Instagram, etc,), how important do you feel it is for people in the fitness industry to participate in it?
BS: I believe that if you need to make your living in the fitness industry, it's very important for you to maximize your presence and image with social media.  Your audience is probably Millennials so you should learn how to target that demographic.  I work in a completely different industry, and we use social media more and more every year.  I do not have the goal to be famous or get attention to validate my self-worth.  However, I have come to recognize that my journey, lifestyle, and success provide a lot of inspiration to others.  I have a lot of people contact me and ask me questions about how I stay fit and healthy while doing so much with my kids as a single mom and managing a successful career.  There is a big opportunity for me to teach and help other business professionals, and that is how I'd like to give back to others.  Given my current demanding schedule, I will only be coaching a handful of clients at any given time.

Fountain of youth, ladies and gentlemen!
Photographer: Tracy Coggin

FG: Who (living or dead) do you look up to for inspiration, whether they are part of the fitness industry or not?
BS: I am blessed to have an incredible inner passion for life and am a lifelong learner.  I read and listen to books and podcasts constantly.  Therefore, my inspiration comes from a variety of business professionals and sources.  I have not had many lifestyle role models in my life and not one individual person has "the life" that I want to live.  I am very intentional in my choices, and how I live, and have found that my greatest inspiration comes from myself and staying active.  I don't try to emulate anyone else's body or style.  Instead, I focus on being the best I can be. When I'm feeling a bit down, or discouraged by my own issues, three people come to mind that inspire me: one is this guy with an obvious severe muscular disease barely able to walk into the gym, another is a lady that has to have her service dog with her on the gym floor because she has seizures, and lastly is a veteran who lost his legs and comes in to work out in his wheel chair. Those people face adversity beyond my own, and if they can show up in spite of the challenges they live with every day, so can I.  So can everyone!!

FG: I know everyone wants to be the first "them" (as it should be), but is there any competitor (past or present) that you look at and say, "Okay...that's the look I'm aiming for"?
BS: The few famous competitors that I am familiar with have elements of their presentation that I respect and admire, but my life and body type are so different that I do not compare myself to them or aim to look like anyone else.  To be perfectly honest, I could not name more than a handful of competitors in this industry.  My time is limited, and I hone in on what I need to learn and know (posing, diet, workouts), and I hire the best coaches around to work with me to be my best.  I chose Michelle Herzog to help me with my competition prep and all that it entails (diet, workout plans, optimal brain and hormone function, stage refinement, etc.) because she is incredibly knowledgeable and shares the same fierce values about being natural and finding natural solutions to issues versus taking short cuts that could lead to long term problems.  I chose Andre Scott with Posing Perfection as my posing coach because I think he is one of the best in the Northwest.  Lastly, I chose Sekona Taufa to help me with a few sessions of training to help me work my lower body without causing inflammation and stress to my back and knees - where my arthritis is the most advanced. He is a Natural Pro Bodybuilder that is my same age and has had some similar injuries and understands how to modify exercises to minimize pain and further injury.  He is also an incredible mentor and supporter to me and many others in our area.

FG: If you weren’t part of the fitness industry, what would you be doing now?
BS: My family and career will always be my priorities, but I am working on incorporating more fitness and health awareness into my industry.  This will always be a part of my life because I passionately believe in health and wellness.  If I am not competing, you can rest assured that I am working behind the scenes on my health and helping others attain their optimal selves.

FG: What (if anything) would you change about the fitness industry as a whole (NOT just about the division you compete in)?
BS: This may not be a popular response, but I'll be honest.  I am sometimes ashamed of the fitness industry and how others promote themselves.  The first show that I ever watched was in 2014 (I had only competed but never been a spectator), and I was shocked by the bikini competition.  My girlfriend, who is also a business professional, was with me and was considering competing in this division.  Our jaws literally dropped, and we said there was no way she could do those poses and have her pictures on the internet. It looked like strip club recruiting, not a fitness competition.  I wish that it were more classy and respectful because those women work hard and are beautiful, but the "T&A" shaking and bent over posing is not something I enjoy seeing, nor does it best show off all of that hard work while maintaining the respect women crave and deserve.
Lastly, I try not judge others for the choices they make to take "supplements" that help them gain muscle or lean down, but my hope is that they think about the long term effects on their bodies and quality of life.  After all, this is "body building", not "body destruction".

(Editor's Note: I can't say AMEN enough for this response!!!!!)

FG: After your competition days are completed, how do you plan on give back to the fitness industry?
BS: I am working on a transition to being a Corporate Trainer - meaning I will teach management classes and incorporate nutrition and fitness into my teaching.  At Gallo, we have also started teaching the Corporate Athlete, and I'd like to write a book and speak to audiences about staying healthy while working in demanding careers and traveling.  We have a lot of challenges that most people never have to deal with, and I have over 20 years of experience with constant travel in my job and many tips and tricks to share with others.  I'd love to make the world a healthier, better place!

FG: Bottom line, what is YOUR ultimate goal in the fitness industry, the one thing you feel that you HAVE to do before you call it a career?
BS: I have to get my Pro Card!  I also want to be a positive, life changing educator for as many people as possible.

FG: Any closing words for your fans and supporters?
BS: We all have unique journeys that will be full of trials, tribulations, injuries, and issues.  Know your values and the reasons why it's important to stay fit and healthy.  Stay strong to those values. Motivation comes from working hard every day.  The harder you work and the more consistent you are, the stronger your motivation becomes.  I love to hear success stories and help others, so feel free to contact me!

Her return at the 2016 NPC Vancouver National Championships. The best is yet to come!
Photo credit: NPC News Online

FG: Again, thank you so much for doing this interview with us! For those that want to keep up on your future competitions and other plans, how can fans contact you? (Facebook fan page, Twitter, Instagram, email, website, blog, other social media outlets, etc.) Also, if there's anything you want to plug in, you are more than welcome to do so.
BS: Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my journey!  You can find me in any of these places:
Instagram:  Brittani.Simpson
Facebook:  Brittani Simpson (Athlete): www.facebook.com/fitexecutive 
Website: www.brittfit.com
Email:  Britt@brittfit.com

We wish Brittani all the happiness and success in the world as she continues on her journey to becoming an IFBB Pro and making a difference in the lives of others! FYI, she plans on making some big updates to her website and Facebook in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to our social media links as we will keep you all informed. 

Interview with Tracey MacDonald

Tracey MacDonald is one of the top competitors in Canada, although she now resides in California. A long-time supporter of FitGems Nation, she was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to do an interview with FitGems. Tracey is currently prepping for the CBFF Nationals in about six weeks.

Photo credit: Muscular Develpment

FitGems Nation: If you could, may you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Tracey MacDonald: I'm 39 years old. Live in California, and a Canadian citizen. Ive been competing since 2000, and am currently getting ready for my 18th show (I think!!) (NOTE: Since the completing of this interview, she competed in the the CBBF Natural and placed 4TH in short figure and 3 weeks later did the Atlantics (Eastern Canada) and won masters, short figure, and the overall title in figure)


FitGems: What was the moment that made you decide that, “I’m going to compete”?
Tracey: I can't remember. I was 102 pounds and I was sitting in the audience at my first show, still trying to convince my friend who helped me prepare, we should go home!! I won my first fitness contest much to my dismay and was hooked ever since!

FitGems: Who inspired you to compete?
Tracey: Kelly Ryan…

FitGems: What is your approach when you train? More focus on weight-training, cardio, etc?
Tracey: I cross train, hitting each body part 1x a week, usually 5 days a week and then when contest season comes around, I incorporate cardio drills into my daily routine as well.

FitGems: Have people mistaken you for something else due to your physique, such as a MMA fighter, wrestler, boxer, runner, etc?
Tracey: no not really.

FitGems: What do you do when you DON’T compete (as in, do you have a job or hobby besides fitness competitions)?
Tracey: I part time personal train. I teach seasonal boot camps here in my town from spring thru fall. I am a retired junior high special education school teacher. I have a masters degree in mild/moderate disabilities.

FitGems: You’ve competed for a while, but what contest did you think was the best you ever looked (as your best is yet to come…)?
Tracey: I really liked how I looked my 2nd year at figure nationals in Canada, although I placed 3rd…

FitGems: Not including yourself, who do you think had or has THE ideal muscular female look?
Tracey: I like lots of people, of course, Monica comes to mind, esp in her transition to the WBFF at her first contest there. I also love Julie Palmer- she is always in shape 365…. Another is Myriam Capes, we competed together at our first nationals and we kind of bonded there- she was amazing then, and she has gone on to be more amazing every contest.

FitGems: You’ve competed in Canada and the U.S., where the looks are different. Is it just me, or does it seem like muscle is a bit more accepted in Canada then in the United States, in terms of the federation and judges and not the fans (as the fans seem to like the more muscular look on fitness/figure competitors)?
Tracey: Yes, I'd agree… although it can very from class to class and from year to year. I cant seem to figure Canadian judging out. They say look at the overall winner from the year before, Ive come in similar to that look and did terrible in my last contest in 09.

FitGems: You have competed in women’s bodybuilding, fitness, and figure. May you give us your opinion on the divisions?
Tracey: Fitness is awesome, if I had the skill set and back for it, Id be doing that. Figure Is my better choice for the above mentioned reasons. I did try bodybuilding, but after a year of building and “trying” it, I didn’t like the look FOR ME and I didn’t enjoy the stage experience. I really do like the glitz, glamour and more feminine look of the figure and fitness girls. (I hated being barefoot on stage!!)

FitGems: I heard that the bodybuilding contest you did, despite doing well in it, would be your last time to compete in women’s bodybuilding. May you explain to us why do decided “never again” when it comes to women’s bodybuilding?
Tracey: Think I answered that above. It was too extreme for me, I cant put on the size I'd need to be competitive on a national level. I don’t have a perfectly symmetrical body (I have a severe pinched nerve in my upper back that has altered my upper trap development and I ve always had a problem building the sweep on my left leg in comparison to my right). I also just didn’t like the social stigma that went along with the “bodybuilding” look- I was always being asked why I was “trying” to look like a man, being asked to arm wrestle, I felt very self conscious with the extra size on my short frame. I totally appreciate it on others, but realized that it is simply just not for me!!

FitGems: The fitness numbers are pretty low, despite the talent being pretty good. As a former fitness competitor, what do you think needs to be done in order to get fitness back to a decent number again?
Tracey: I have NO idea… Fitness is a HARD sport. I have complete admiration for those girls. Having muddled through some routines myself, I can say, even the “poor” routines (as mine probably was…) are extremely hard. And I would say out of every category, fitness competitors work harder than them all!

FitGems: Bikini has taken off in a great way with big numbers, but there are still those that don’t see it as a legit division and have no place in NPC and IFBB whatsoever. Do you agree, and if not, how would you attempt to change their minds?
Tracey: People can think whatever they want. I do not agree with that, I think that at the professional level especially those girls are total athletes and I give them a lot of credit- every body has a body type, and I know I could never look like that and I could certainly not present myself like that on stage. They are sexy bombshells!! I say GO girls!!

FitGems: Along those lines, many people think the new softer look that’s being rewarded in figure is no different than the bikini division. Do you think figure and bikini are getting dangerously close to being unrecognizable?
Tracey: YES , after just attending my LAST local figure show, I left half way through the contest. Very disappointing in my opinion.

FitGems: As you know, the NPC/IFBB are opening a new division called women’s physique. What are your opinions on it, and what are your expectations of the new division?
Tracey: I think it will be a great division for people who are caught between being too muscular for figure and not a bodybuilder… (maybe like I had looked last year)- I personally decided not to pursue it because the Canadian federation has decided to deny us permission to compete at a national level at the North Americans.

FitGems: Will we see you compete in this new division this year, or sometime in the near future?
Tracey: Doubtful. I am 39 this year and have decided to play the figure game one more time and tentatively plan on hitting all three Canadian nationals in figure.

FitGems: Some people think that eventually women’s physique will replace women’s bodybuilding going forward. Do you see that happening, or do you see the division remain separate for the time being?
Tracey: You know, I think every category has a competitor. I don’t think one is going to overtake another, because there will always be “bodybuilders”, “bikini” models and “figure”… When someone is passionate about their training, which all competitors are, they aren’t going to quit because their category isn’t as popular as it used to be. There will always be bodybuilding.

FitGems: With women’s physique and bikini added to women’s bodybuilding, fitness, and figure, do you think every woman who wants to compete FINALLY has a division to their liking now?
Tracey: Absolutely. I think there is a stage for every athlete. (Much more than there was when I started… Figure hadn’t even been invented!! ) you either did fitness or bodybuilding!! I kinda laugh when I hear figure girls making fun of the bikini girls back stage at contests… Because I think back to when the first figure competitors came around.. Both the bodybuilders and fitness girls were laughing at them!!

FitGems: The World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (WBFF) has been picking up serious steam ever since Monica Brant joined their organization. Others are following her footsteps, it seems. Could we see you join the rankings?
Tracey: NO.

FitGems: What’s one thing that most people would be surprised to know about you?
Tracey: I am teased for being a “holly homemaker”. I love to cook, be at home, entertain friends, be creative and decorate.


FitGems: If you were not competing, what would you be doing right now?
Tracey: Maybe teaching. I complete to validate myself and what I do for my clients and myself. To me, it is completely a hobby; competing that is. I try to not take it too serious as far as how I place. I know a pro card, although the goal, will NOT change my life. I truly do it because I love the personal satisfaction and challenge of pushing myself. I have never even back when gotten into the whole self promotion thing, chasing magazine shoots or a name for myself. I show up, I try to be in shape and then I go home. To me what is really a passion of mine is teaching people how to be healthier, change their lives through physically being fit and healthy.

FitGems: How would you convince people to give female muscle competitions a shot?
Tracey: ???? (Guess to say, that means...no comment)

FitGems: What is the one thing you want people to remember you for when you’re gone?
Tracey: Honestly, I don’t think I am that memorable!! I want to be remembered as a consistent competitor, always bringing my A game.

FitGems: How can people contact you if they want to know your upcoming plans and/or sponsor you in the near future?
Tracey: My website, www.fit2aTworld.com

Again, we thank Tracey MacDonald for taking the time to conduct this interview with us. We at FitGems Nation want to wish Tracey best of luck in the rest of her competitions this year!

Sharing a TenSpot with...Alicia McBride

Alicia McBride is a friend (or protege if you will) of Sandy Rowe Wiedmeyer. She competes in the NGA (National Gym Association) and INBF (International Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation), two great drug-free organizations. She's been competing just this year, but prior to that, she's has some serious life journies, as described in this interview.

Photo provided by Alicia herself

FitGems Nation: Let’s kick this off by telling us a bit about yourself.
Alicia McBride: I am 24 years old and grew up in Wisconsin. I started lifting when I was about 14, and then really got into it when I joined the military and went overseas. I served four years in the Navy, got out and am now working as a Correctional Officer in Wisconsin.

FitGems: When did you first start competing?
Alicia: I just started competing this year. I competed in the 2011 Fords Gym Wisconsin Natural Bodybuilding, Fit Body & Figure Championships and took 1st in Tall Figure, and I competed in the 2011 NGA Heart of America Natural Classic where I did not place.

FitGems: What is your strategy when you head to the gym? Is it mostly weight-training, mostly cardio, a balanced mixture of the two, or something else?
Alicia: When I am in competition prep I do a mixture of the two. I shed the body fat fairly easy so I don’t have to do a ton of cardio. In the off season I mainly do weights and I keep the cardio to a minimum.

FitGems: Due to your muscularity, has anyone mistaken you for being in something OTHER than physique competitions (MMA fighter, boxer, pro wrestler, track and field runner, etc?)
Alicia: Yes, everyone asks me if I play basketball or if I’m training for a race.

FitGems: You compete in the INBF and NGA. For those unaware of what those federations are, may you explain a little bit more about it?
Alicia: They are natural organizations that are drug tested and require competitors to be drug free for seven years. They drug test by use of polygraph and/or urine sample.

FitGems: Even though figure is a subjective sport and consistency is not the best when it comes to how federations “stick with it” over the year, how do YOU personally think figure should be judged?
Alicia: Who has the “full package”, not just who has the best shoulders. I think maybe it would help if the judges had a checklist type paper and gave each competitor a score on each section, such as; shoulders, lat spread, symmetry, ect and tallied points up that way.

FitGems: If you weren’t a part of the female physique world, what would you be doing right now as your profession?
Alicia: I would still be a Correctional Officer, but would probably be more dedicated to running races, and I would still be dedicated to lifting weights and trying to improve myself.

FitGems: Which competitor (past or present) you look up to the most for your inspiration?
Alicia: I have always looked up to Ava Cowan and Jamie Easton, and basically any female competitor that gets on that stage because they all put a lot of work and dedication into training and preparing for the competition.

FitGems: If there’s one piece of advice that you could give to someone who’s on the fence about competing, what would it be?
Alicia: Go talk to a trainer and ask some questions, go see a competition, and read up about it online.

FitGems: What are your future plans heading into 2011 and beyond, and where do you see your career after you’re done competing?
Alicia: I plan to compete in the fall of 2011; I plan on doing the Fords Gym INBF competition again in October, and the NANBF Natural Badger Classic.

For more on Alicia, visit her BodySpace page at http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/byzika/ and her page on FitGems Nation at http://www.fitgemsnation.net/profile/AliciaMcBride. Best of luck to you Alicia on your career! :)