March 1, 2004

Mindi O'Brien: Muscles of Steeltown

• Name: Mindi O'Brien
• Age: 29
• Height: 5’ 5"
• Competition weight: 123 lbs.
• Off-season weight: 126 lbs.
• Residence: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Competitive level: CBBF National
• Favorite cheat food: pizza and chocolate
• Favorite body part to train: chest and biceps
• Pet: Stinky the Hamster

When I first contacted Mindi O'Brien, she told me she was very busy. However, I didn't really appreciate what "busy" meant until she explained that she was not just a fitness competitor, but that she was also the owner of TEAMOBRIEN, and works as a competitive fitness, strength and conditioning coach, a personal trainer, a fitness and nutrition spokesperson, and a mom.

A true professional, Mindi did find time in her busy schedule for an interview. After competing with the World Natural Sport Organization (WNSO) for three years in the Fitness Canada Pageants, Fitness and Model Search, and Musclemania Bodybuilding Championships, Mindi has returned to the Canadian BodyBuilding Federation (CBBF).

"I was with the CBBF for two years before I switched federations," says Mindi. "During my time competing with WNSO, I was constantly being told that I was too muscular for fitness, and I placed fourth this year at the Fitness Canada Pageant. I wanted to see how I would compare to the bodybuilders, so the morning of Musclemania, I decided to enter the show. Ten minutes before stepping on stage, Dennis, my fiancé, taught me how to pose. That afternoon we made up a routine, and in the evening show I walked away with a first-place finish in the heavyweight division. It was after that show that I decided it was my time to come back to the CBBF and compete where my heart is -- fitness."

The drive to win has always been part of Mindi's life. As a girl she competed provincially and nationally in gymnastics for 15 years. Even a serious break to her elbow that led to a two-week stay in the hospital while doctors reset the bone five times couldn't keep her away from the gym. Mindi spent the next year in physiotherapy, five days a week, before she returned to gymnastics. She was only ten.

Years later Mindi began her career as a fitness competitor.

"It wasn’t until I retired from gymnastics and had my son, Alex, that I joined a gym. I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle to be a positive role model to my son. I still had that competitive drive and wanted to compete as an athlete. I did a few shows that took place in a local mall, and then I learned about the CBBF. That’s where it all began."

Life as a fitness competitor is extremely hard work, and Mindi is fortunate to have an exceptional support network. Throughout her life, Mindi's mother has taught her to never give up and has provided her with constant support. Dennis, who has been her training partner for the last eight years, is her inspiration and emotional support. Together, they train at her private personal training studio, the home of TEAMOBRIEN.

"Our workouts are designed to focus on my weaknesses. My off-season training consists of five days of weight training and three days of cardio. My routine and stretching are also included into my daily routine," says Mindi. "I train each body part once a week and my cardio consists of 30-to-45-minute sessions, three days a week. My weight training doesn’t really change much before a show, though I do increase my cardio. I will usually do two sessions of cardio a day, six days a week."

Working out is only part of the equation for success. Diet and nutrition can make or break a fitness career. For Mindi, her diet is her lifestyle, which is why her contest and off-season weight barely fluctuate. She explains, "I eat very clean all year round. My nutrition is done through N3. I supplement with Sportlab Essentials Whey Protein, Sportlab Essentials L-Glutamine, Sportlab Essentials Creatine, Sportlab Xtreme Pure-Isolate Protein, and a multi-vitamin.

"Dennis and I modify my nutritional intake closer to competitions. Before a show, depending on how I look, we may increase my protein and fat intake. I enjoy dieting for a show, because I eat so clean throughout the year, getting ready for a show doesn’t seem that difficult. I still have a lot of energy and I really like the way my body feels."

Despite evidence to the contrary, Mindi is human. "The food that I miss most during dieting is pizza. Friday is my cheat day, and on Friday evenings with my family we eat pizza and watch America's Funniest Home Videos."

There is another very important aspect to Mindi's success. "The mind is a powerful tool," she says. "When your mind is focussed, it can carry you forward to outstanding success. I often visualize myself performing flawless fitness routines over and over. I know that if I can visualize my routine in my head, then it will be done the same way the day of the show.

"Since 1993, I have been working out faithfully, and trying to set new goals along the way. My goal has always been to earn my IFBB Pro Card and compete amongst the best in the world. I’m back with the CBBF and going for my Pro Card at the Canadian Fitness Championships on July 3rd, 2004 in Brantford, Ontario. It would be wonderful to represent my country as an IFBB Fitness Pro."

...Alison Aulph
alison@seriousaboutfitness.com

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