Fitness/Figure competitor Tracy Winters has quite an impressive track record for someone relatively new to the sport. She placed 1st in Fitness and 4th in Figure at the 2006 NPC Red River 
Classic, 1st in Fitness and 3rd in Figure at the 2008 NPC Ronnie Coleman Classic, 1st in Fitness and 2nd in Figure at the 2008 Europa Super Show and, most recently, 10th in the Fitness class at the 2009 NPC Jr. Nationals in Chicago.
With a contest history like that under her belt, the future seems full of possibilities for the girl with an endless supply of energy!
I recently had a chance to speak to her about various aspects of her life. in and out of the sport, beginning with a look into the past where the foundation for her future in Fitness competitions was forged......
So Tracy, for those who don't know, you have a background in cheerleading and gymnastics. How did the interest in those two activities come about?
"I started obsessing over the sport back when I was a little girl, I would watch gymnasts like Shannon Miller and Dominique Dawes and mimic everything they did... literally! I would record every single gymnastics meet that was on TV, watch them over and over, go outside and just go for it! I eventually taught myself how to tumble and was then enrolled in gymnastics. I couldn't stop once I started! I remember being in the grocery store or mall and just start tumbling when my parents weren't looking. Of course, I was showing off, but I just loved tumbling and the feeling of everyone watching me! As I got into Jr. High, cheerleading consumed my time and energy and it became my priority through high school."
So tell us about those cheerleading days...
"In high school my team competed at a national level and had the legacy of regional and state champs that continued for years. There was a lot expected from all the girls, including a "summer pride" weight training program where we had to lift with the football players! We had to keep up with them and, if I remember correctly; a few of us could lift more than the boys! That's where it all began...."
So what made you decide to begin competing in bodybuilding competitions?
"What triggered me initially, at the time of my first competition was I had lost myself. I had lost the little girl who was so full of life and endless energy and I wanted to regain that confidence I knew I had in me. I allowed obstacles in my life at the time to determine my happiness, which was a huge part of my decision to compete! For me, personally, I knew performing was the only way to bring that happiness back into my life. Although, I couldn't have imagined how much of an impact that first show would end up having on me!"
Ah yes, that first show...just how did it feel being up there on stage for your first bodybuilding competition?
"It was insanely fun! But, I have to admit... I was a beautiful mess before, during, and after I got on that stage, and I still get that way today! That actually all started at my first show in October 2006. Not only did I leave my bottoms for my fitness routine at my house but also as I stood on stage for the 2-piece pre-judging round, they asked #53 to move to the center 3 times... I was thinking "stupid girl and why isn't she moving??" I leaned forward and glanced down to see what my number was because I did NOT want to look like the stupid girl if they asked me to move places, that's when I realized... I was #53!"
And here's me thinking I was the only one who could do stuff like that (lol!)....
You have competed successfully as both a figure and fitness athlete; do you plan to continue 
competing in both classes or select just one?
"I've always entered figure for fun and for more stage time! I'm kind of a stage hog I guess! I can't help it, I just love being up there as much as they‘ll allow me! I do enjoy figure, but fitness is my passion! For now, I would have to definitely say I am sticking with fitness!"
Would you ever consider making the move to bodybuilding?
"Ha ha!! Have you looked at my pics!? I'm pretty tiny even in the fitness class A! I don't think I could hang with those women! That's my first excuse, second, I don't think I could do a BB diet, I'm sure it's absolutely treacherous! I give props to all BB's! For now, I'm sticking to fitness, although I am pretty spontaneous.... So, never say never!!!"
What are your thoughts on the new bikini division?
"I love bikini! I think it's a great addition to the industry and I have met a few amazing girls who have competed in bikini and have made that division look AWESOME! The only thing I miss since bikini started is our one-piece round, I loved wearing my one piece... or maybe I loved getting to go on stage double time! I am actually debating on trying bikini in my off season.... Once again, never say never!"
How do you feel about your 10th placing in the recent Jr. Nationals in Chicago?
"I definitely gave it my best shot! I guess you could say the stage was a whole lot bigger and the lights were a heck of a lot brighter than in Oklahoma! Of course I wanted to place higher, but my competition was extremely tough! That show is over now and I received a LOT of constructive criticism from judges and professionals in the sport that I will focus on for next year!"
Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
"YES! I would have definitely taken a Xanax! Ha ha! I was a disaster in Chicago! There were 3 specific things I would‘ve done different. First, I need to gain more muscle in my upper body, mainly my back and shoulders. Second, I need to add a few things to my routine, I worked with Trish Warren and she did a phenomenal job, but looking back I probably needed to work with her more to polish the routine. And third, I need to RELAX once I'm getting ready to hop on stage! It's amazing how much I can enjoy performing and at the same time freak myself out so much!! I also printed out the judges' scores from my class and they are on my fridge...that's my MOTIVATION!!!"
So Tracy, getting back to everyday life for a minute, what is your day job and how do you fit in your training around it?
"I am a personal trainer so I don't really get out of the gym much! I work anywhere from 8-12 hours a day. I also work for my brother-in-law, Jason White's Corporate Apparel, where I am a sales rep for the company's business apparel!"
Outline a day in the life of Tracy Winters...
"Let's see...eat, walk my dogs, BeBe my boxer and Mister my yorkie, take them to doggy daycare. I'm usually at work by 8am. Eat. Train until about noon or one. Take a quick lunch break and eat, then back to the gym. Eat. Work until about 7pm, during that time I usually have an opportunity to train myself and do my cardio. Then, I either go to my sisters and see my niece and nephew or immediately go home and cook dinner (when I say cook I mean put chicken on the ‘Foreman'... I don‘t do ovens), play with my dogs, get online and snoop around the industry on forums and such until about 2 or 3am, then force myself to sleep, my brain never slows down. .. Repeat the next day!"
What does your daily diet consist of?
"There are a few things I don't go a single day without...my whey protein shakes, oatmeal, green beans, and chicken! Those are my staple foods! My other protein sources consist of salmon, tilapia, tuna, egg whites, filet, and flank. My carbs come from any and everything green, squash, tomatoes, baked and sweet potatoes, salads, and fruit (apples or berries). I will try and snack on raw almonds, natural peanut butter, or other nuts throughout my day as well. All I drink is water, black coffee, and black tea. I obviously drop some of my carbs closer to a competition, but I tend to eat fairly clean throughout the year so "dieting" for a show doesn't seem all that bad! My cheat meals usually involve going to my favorite Mexican restaurant or having sushi. My roll has cream cheese and eel on it, so that's kinda cheating, especially when you add a glass of wine or 2!"
Any ‘secret addictions'?
"Oh yes, I have an addiction to chocolate frosting, peanut butter, and peanut butter M&M's all mixed together! If you have these items, I'm like putty in your hands! Ha-ha!"
Do you use many nutritional supplements?
"I TOTALLY believe in supplements, when I take them consistently I feel like my overall performance is enhanced. I take whey protein isolate, multi-vitamins, Vit C, Fish oils, glutamine, and BCAA's before and after my workouts."
What kind of training split do you follow?
Mon: Back, cardio
Tues: Chest/Shoulders/Abs
Wed: Legs, light cardio
Thurs: Bi's/Tri's/Abs, cardio
Fri: Back/Shoulders
Sat: Cardio/Abs, cardio
Sun: REST
How do you feel that becoming involved in this sport has changed you on a psychological level
"I feel like my entire personality was enhanced since my first show!! I have always been full of energy and life, but competing has improved that tremendously! I started realizing how much self control and dedication I had for the sport. Which in turn, made me realize that I can use those traits, not only to compete, but in every aspect of my life! For example, I have no tolerance for excuses from clients or friends. Anyone who has done the cardio at 5am day after day, trained at 9pm with only 25g carbs, ate chicken and asparagus for 8 weeks straight, got the flu 2 weeks out or strained a muscle days before a show and continued to train.... it's inevitable that you take that mentality into your everyday life, especially when dealing with people! At times, I may be a "little much" but I strongly believe people respect "honesty over flattery"! I am a more motivating trainer and just a happier girl because I know what I am capable of mentally and physically. I refuse to allow anyone or anything to make me feel or believe otherwise! A large portion of that mentality comes from competing!"
How much extra weight do you tend to gain in the off-season?
"About 10lbs. I really never stop "dieting" or working out, it's literally my life! Don't get me wrong, I EAT BAD at times and definitely enjoy it, but I will be in the gym first thing the next day!"
Do you find it hard accepting the extra weight gain in the off season after being in
Contest condition?
"YES! Especially going from the feeling of "water depletion" the days surrounding the show and feeling almost perfect, than having to come back to reality days or sometimes hours later to what's "normal". I would personally like to gain some more muscle in my off season, so we'll see how I enjoy the weight gain..."
Any advice you would like to give to anyone out there thinking about competing?
"Go for it! I have girls asking me daily about competing and I always tell them the same thing... "Why not?" there is absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain, whether you win or lose, either way, you will take away a new respect for the sport and yourself, if you compete one time or 50 times! My motto is, "try everything at once"!"
Now, being me I could push the button on that comment and end this whole interview on a controversial not (lol!). However, I will behave myself, and ask you to share your future plans with the readers of RX Muscle....
"My plans are to first and foremost get that pro card in fitness! Since I won't be competing in fitness until next year, I want to make the best of my off-season and promote myself via the internet, attending shows, and especially through my website! I am adding a lot to my website very soon, including a members section with lots of videos, pictures, and a personal blog that's all about ME! I also have a goal of making an appearance on the cover of a magazine! I can't wait to see where I'll be in a year, until then I will hope and pray for the best..... And work for the rest!!"
All I can say is that you have a great attitude Tracy and with that attitude I know that you have the power to make all your dreams come true!
N.B. You can find out more about Tracy by visiting: www.tracydawnfit.com
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