SC: Thanks for the interview Maria. Can you please give us a description of yourself?

MM:  Thank you for the opportunity, Shaun!  I am a Capricorn who is goal oriented and when I set my goals I go after them so I can also be very driven.

SC: How long have you been into bodybuilding / weight training?

MM:I have been lifting weights for about 12 years. The first 2 years was basically to stay in shape while I enjoyed windsurfing in the summer months. The last 10 years I seriously got into training for bodybuilding. I have been competing for 8 years and am moving into my 9th year competing. I took a couple of years off competition in there because I needed it, but continued to train.

SC: Tell us about how you got into bodybuilding?

MM: Well, bodybuilding actually found me. I had moved to the United States on a work permit. While I was there I found a gym similar to my gym back at home. The owner of the gym promoted bodybuilding competitions. He held 2 each year. When I first walked into his gym I was already in great shape and sported the look of a fitness competitor. He talked me into competing in a bodybuilding show. I would have done fitness but he didn’t have that category at the time, so bodybuilding was it.

SC: What or who inspired you to compete?

MM: Well, I can’t say I was inspired. I figured since I never had the gymnastics career I was hoping for, I thought I would try one competition and see what I thought. My first competition preparation experience wasn’t what I had expected. After stepping on stage and hearing the crowd cheering for me and placing higher then I had thought I would have, I was hooked. I would give it another try but this time I had help from a fitness competitor who became my friend. She helped me and I helped her with her gymnastics. I found it filled the void I was missing after my gymnastics career ended so abruptly and stuck with it.

SC: How did it feel winning the Women’s Open at the IDFA Canadian Classic II and being awarded the IDFA Pro Card?

MM: Well, as you know, I did compete at your Canadian Classic I and missed the pro card by one place. Since I didn’t get the pro card the first time, I had to come back and try again. Not a lot of people know, but I won 2 other pro cards with 2 other organizations (one is with NGA that you just partnered up with) so winning this pro card really made my year, not to mention the best poser award, that just topped it off.

SC: What is your favourite bodypart to train?

MM: I don’t really have a favourite body part. I just love to train hard and lift as heavy as I can handle. I enjoy challenging myself.

SC: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to compete for their first time?

MM: Yes, I do have some advice. If someone wants to get into competition and doesn’t know too much about the sport, find someone who has the experience and the knowledge to help you. Stay with that one person and see it through. Going around to different people for advice will only mess you up. There are all kinds of different ways to prepare for a competition and some will contradict others. You have to find what is right for you.

SC: Do you train on your own or do you have a training partner?

MM: At present, I train mostly on my own but do train with a couple of guys, mostly the big guys. I like to train with the guys who lift heavy so I challenge myself to keep up to them.

SC: What about supplements? What are your favourites?

MM: I take a multi vitamin, glucosamine, glutamine, EFA’s, extra B vitamins and antioxidants. Those are my basics. In my off season I use protein powder but when I prepare for competition I cut that out and eat whole foods only. I can’t say I really have any favourites. I use that for overall good health and would use them even if I wasn’t training or dieting for a show.

SC: Any big shows coming up?

MM: Yes, I always have shows coming up. I plan on using my pro cards this year.

SC: As you know we are holding our very first PRO Show (IDFA PRO Classic) on November 3, 2007. We will see you there. Right?

MM: You bet I will be there! This is IDFA’s first pro show and I want to be there to make history with you!!

SC: Any final words?

MM: I would like to thank my sponsors (KHP Custom Suit Designs, Water Bug Health Food Store, In Shape Nutrition, Mocha Tan, Rock’s Custom Embroidery, Kinsmen Club, Marcy Printing and Ironworks Gym) and all those who have supported me along the way, including my family, friends, training partner and clients. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

SC: Thanks for the interview Maria.

MM: Thank you Shaun, it was an honour.