Female Bodybuilding Interview of the Month
Female Bodybuilding Interview of the Month
February 2010
FBBFan.com Q&A interview with the 2009 NPC Light-Heavyweight Women's Bodybuilding winner, new IFBB Pro, Nicole Berg.
Editor's Note:
Special thanks to Nicole for taking the time to speak with FBBFan.com. All photos courtesy of Nicole Berg.
FBBFan.com: Hello Nicole, Congratulations on earning your IFBB Pro Card at the 2009 NPC Nationals! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share a bit about yourself with FBBFan.com readers!
FBBFan.com: Would you please tell us a little bit about yourself?How old are you? Where are you from? Current Residence? Relationship Status? Family Life?
Nicole: I am 30 years old and originally from eastern Washington, a little town called Warden. I am currently living on the busy western side of the state now near Olympia. I’m single but not looking.
As far as family life... I visit my parents and two sisters as often as I can. Growing up in and near a small town on a farm, strong family values have been instilled from the beginning and they are absolutely THE most important people in my life.
As far as family life... I visit my parents and two sisters as often as I can. Growing up in and near a small town on a farm, strong family values have been instilled from the beginning and they are absolutely THE most important people in my life.
FBBFan.com: What is your current profession?
Nicole: I work as a Security/Transport Officer in a Juvenile Corrections Institution. I also teach Defensive Tactics/Personal Safety/Self-Defense for the State of Washington.
FBBFan.com: How did you get involved in the sport of Women’s Bodybuilding?
Nicole: I was sort of recruited for bodybuilding. I had an interest but no knowledge of what it really takes and was told I had the potential to do well, so I sought out some help and began taking it one show at a time back in 2002.
FBBFan.com: How does your friends, family and the general public react to your physique?
Nicole: Friends and family are pretty supportive. They like to cut up and make jokes about it, but always in a positive way.
The public either way, some folks are genuinely impressed and very complimentary, and others just stare. I haven’t had much negative feedback from it at all really. Occasional whispers and stares, but usually from extremely out of shape people looking to make themselves feel better by putting someone else down.
The public either way, some folks are genuinely impressed and very complimentary, and others just stare. I haven’t had much negative feedback from it at all really. Occasional whispers and stares, but usually from extremely out of shape people looking to make themselves feel better by putting someone else down.
FBBFan.com: What kind of emotions were you feeling being on-stage at the 2009 NPC Nationals, hearing the announcement, and realizing that you just won the Light-Heavyweight class and earned your IFBB Pro Card?
Nicole: I was absolutely shocked. I had a feeling I would get 2nd place and was, in my mind, seriously ok with that. I was ready to congratulate LaDawn and somewhat had already developed a game plan for the following year, and then, they called my name as the winner. I was like “WOW... REALLY?” After it was all said and done I truly felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. It was exciting, and to be honest, took awhile to really set in. I feel a sense of accomplishment reaching another pinnacle in the sport of female bodybuilding.
FBBFan.com: What did you have to eat after your big win? Was there a favorite food you were craving?
Nicole: I had no idea that I had SUCH a sweet tooth until this prep. I have never craved sugar so much as I did this time around. However, after carbing up and getting a few treats during the day of the show, I was over it. My Mom and youngest sister, Casey, flew all the way down to Florida to support me, so after the show, Mom took me, my trainer, Dylan Armbrust and his wife IFBB Pro Heather Armbrust, and top National level heavyweight Holly Geersen (who flew down to take EXCELLENT care of me), to the Hollywood Prime and I ate filet and lobster. It was amazing... friends and family in one setting enjoying a great meal to celebrate.
FBBFan.com: So now the big question, What does being an “IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder” mean to you?
Nicole: To me it basically means reaching another level which is also an honor to be a part of this particular tier of female competitors.
As an IFBB Pro, I feel a sense of responsibility to represent the sport in a positive and healthy manner, as well as setting a fine example to upcoming regional and national level athletes. IFBB Pro means exactly that, “Professional”..therefore acting like a professional in the sense of carrying yourself like a lady first and an athlete second.
As an IFBB Pro, I feel a sense of responsibility to represent the sport in a positive and healthy manner, as well as setting a fine example to upcoming regional and national level athletes. IFBB Pro means exactly that, “Professional”..therefore acting like a professional in the sense of carrying yourself like a lady first and an athlete second.
FBBFan.com: What is your long-term goal in the Sport of Women’s Bodybuilding?
Nicole: My one true and honest goal is very much a personal goal. I only wish to bring the best physical package to the stage while maintaining femininity that the audience can relate to and be pleased by the aesthetics of the total package.
FBBFan.com: Would you please share your competition history with us?
Nicole:
- 2002: NPC Washington state - Novice Heavyweight and Overall winner
- 2002: NPC Washington Ironman Natural - 3rd place Open Heavyweight
- 2004: NPC Emerald Cup - Open Light-Heavyweight and Overall winner
- 2004: NPC Contra Costa - Open Middleweight and Overall winner
- 2005: NPC USA - 5th place Light-Heavyweight
- 2005: NPC Nationals - 10th place Light-Heavyweight
- 2009: NPC Nationals - 1st place Light-Heavyweight (earned IFBB Pro Card)
FBBFan.com: When will we see the new “IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder Nicole Berg” making her debut on a pro stage?
Nicole: I will take 2010 to make improvements to become a “complete” bodybuilder and make the necessary changes it takes to even think about setting foot on stage at the pro level. Look for me early 2011 for a pro debut.
FBBFan.com: Can you tell us about your training and diet leading up to your Light-Heavyweight class win at the 2009 Nationals? Did it vary much opposed to previous competitions and in the past?
Nicole: Yes actually... it did vary. It was completely different from what I had done in the past. I have been fighting injuries, so I got rid of the heavy low-rep lifting style and focussed on volume. My diet, I’m sure wasn’t much different from a lot of other competitors. That being said, I think we were ALL sick of eating fish by the time Nationals was over.
I dieted on a lot of lean protein, mostly fish, and spinach and broccoli. My carbs consisted of the norm: Brown rice, oatmeal etc. I stay pretty low-carb as my body doesn’t do well with a moderate to high-carb diet.
I dieted on a lot of lean protein, mostly fish, and spinach and broccoli. My carbs consisted of the norm: Brown rice, oatmeal etc. I stay pretty low-carb as my body doesn’t do well with a moderate to high-carb diet.
FBBFan.com: What is your current height, weight during off-season and contest?
Nicole: Right now I’m too heavy. I gave myself free rein over the holidays and then I will pull it back down. I’m currently 165, and will maintain a 157-160 offseason.
I weighed in at Nationals right at the 140 mark. By the time I had carbed up I’m sure I was a few pounds heavier.
I weighed in at Nationals right at the 140 mark. By the time I had carbed up I’m sure I was a few pounds heavier.
FBBFan.com: What do you consider your best feature?
Nicole: My smile :o) Nah, I’m not sure actually. I get a lot of compliments on my quads, so let’s just go with that.
FBBFan.com: Can you tell us about your workout schedule? How do you train off-season versus preparing for a contest?
Nicole: Monday: Back, Tuesday: Shoulders, Wednesday: Quads, Thursday: Shoulders, Friday: Bi’s/Tri’s, Saturday: Hammies, and I throw in abs and calves a couple days throughout the week.
The actual movements vary a lot more in the offseason... mostly so I don’t get bored and I can focus on hitting the muscle groups from different angles. During pre-contest prep I try to focus my movements on my weaker areas and my weights get a little bit lighter when I get near the end as my joints start to get a little achy.
The actual movements vary a lot more in the offseason... mostly so I don’t get bored and I can focus on hitting the muscle groups from different angles. During pre-contest prep I try to focus my movements on my weaker areas and my weights get a little bit lighter when I get near the end as my joints start to get a little achy.
FBBFan.com: Do you have a favorite exercise?
Nicole: Not really. I enjoy the lifting aspect of bodybuilding, so I can’t really say I have a favorite exercise.
FBBFan.com: Do you have a trainer/coach, or anyone who has helped you along the way become the bodybuilder you are today?
Nicole: I do. I train under Dylan Armbrust, owner of Armbrust Pro Gym in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. His wife, Heather Armbrust had given me some advice when I first started out that I actually used well into my competitive career and I have never forgotten that. It truly helps to pay that kind of thing forward because you never know where an up-coming athlete will end up and if you can lead them in the right direction you can save them years of wasting there time.
I actually have a long list of people to thank that have supported me and helped me along the way. I think each show has been a learning experience for me and I’ve taken a lot of great advice from some serious athletes along the way and weeded out some things that didn’t make sense to me that may have been detrimental to my success.
That being said, I like to thank each and every one of you. You know who you are, because I’ve personally thanked you for all that you do.
I actually have a long list of people to thank that have supported me and helped me along the way. I think each show has been a learning experience for me and I’ve taken a lot of great advice from some serious athletes along the way and weeded out some things that didn’t make sense to me that may have been detrimental to my success.
That being said, I like to thank each and every one of you. You know who you are, because I’ve personally thanked you for all that you do.
FBBFan.com: What is a day-in-the-life of Nicole Berg like?
Nicole: Well, right now it’s pretty simple. I get up early, walk my dog, shower and head to work. I train after work, sometimes I do a little cardio, go home cook for the next day, maybe walk the dog again and settle in for the evening.
Pre-contest it’s cardio first thing, then eat, shower, head to work, train, cardio, eat shower go to bed.
I’m pretty boring really.
Pre-contest it’s cardio first thing, then eat, shower, head to work, train, cardio, eat shower go to bed.
I’m pretty boring really.
FBBFan.com: What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world?
Nicole: I love to travel. I enjoy golfing, playing volleyball and shooting hoops once in awhile. I LOVE to cook. Sometimes I just like to have a quiet dinner with a friend or go shoot pool from time to time. I’m not much of a thrill seeker.
FBBFan.com: What’s currently on your iPod?
Nicole: Oh wow... what ISN’T on my iPod? LOL... I have such a variety. I have everything from Rob Zombie to Reba to Black Eyed Peas, some Ozzy, some pop, a little techno, some new-age stuff, you name it, it’s on there.
FBBFan.com: What are your “Top 5” favorite movies? Favorite actor and/or actress?
Nicole: The Blind Side, 300, Gladiator, oh gosh this is hard... ummm... Simon Birch, Tombstone, and The Green Mile probably rounds off my top five. I really like Sandra Bullock... she’s hilarious and very versatile. I can’t really think of a favorite actor... although Tom Hanks is extremely talented.
FBBFan.com: Who are your role models? And/or who do you look up to in your life?
Nicole: My Dad, my grandmother and pastor Ken Hutcherson.
FBBFan.com: What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in the sport of bodybuilding?
Nicole: Be VERY careful who you trust and always do what is in YOUR best interest. Always remember, you are a lady first and an athlete second.
FBBFan.com: Who are your favorite bodybuilders?
Nicole: Currently competing, I’d have to say Heather Armbrust has always been a fave since she hit the National level back in 2002... it’s those freaky legs. I also really like Nicole Ball’s look. There are so many great competitors out there that I could probably list so many names based on their best features that it’s really hard to pick a favorite.
Out of the men, I really like Phil Heath (maybe biased here since he is/was once a Washington boy). Also, really like Tony Freeman’s shape and frame... big dude with a tiny waste... again, hard to say who my favorite is. I have to be honest though, I pay way more attention to the female side of bodybuilding.
Out of the men, I really like Phil Heath (maybe biased here since he is/was once a Washington boy). Also, really like Tony Freeman’s shape and frame... big dude with a tiny waste... again, hard to say who my favorite is. I have to be honest though, I pay way more attention to the female side of bodybuilding.
FBBFan.com: How can people contact you? Do you have a website?
Nicole: I don’t currently have a website. You can contact me at nik132@msn.com.
FBBFan.com: Thank you Nicole, for taking the time to speak with us and share a little bit about yourself with FBBFan.com readers, is there anything else that you would like FBBFan.com readers to know?
Nicole: Not really... I’m a pretty private person... lol. Really though, if you all have questions, just shoot me an email and don’t hesitate to ask. I’m actually pretty laid back and I love to joke around.
Thank you for this opportunity to get my information out there and allow folks to get to know me!
Thank you for this opportunity to get my information out there and allow folks to get to know me!
