April 1, 2005

Trina Gillis: A New Focus on Figure

• Name: Trina Gillis
• Height: 5’ 2"
• Competition weight: 120 lbs.
• Off-season weight: 135 lbs.
• Residence: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
• Competitive level: CBBF National
• Favorite cheat food: peanut butter and chocolate
• Favorite body part to train: shoulders
• Competitive highlight: 2003 Alberta Bodybuilding Championships (1st-place Middleweight class)

The moment you meet Trina Gillis something becomes quite clear – you immediately understand how she’s been able to achieve her success as she noticeably beams with an intense passion for her sport and competing. Her friendly nature, combined with her striking innocent look, allows everyone to quickly feel comfortable with her; before you realize it, you are left feeling motivated and rejuvenated.

Trina was born to be active. From an early age she was a bundle of high energy. At the age of 13 she picked up her first dumbbells, and, although not pursuing anything seriously, she was well on her way to developing an athletic, muscular physique which has caught the eyes and respect of fellow competitors, photographers, and industry business people.

What many don’t know, is that a good part of Trina’s passion for training climaxed after a near tragic traffic accident when she was 17. Although no one knows why such incidents happen, Trina was able to pull through without any severe lifestyle-altering physical consequences and decided to make the most of her second opportunity on life. Her twin sister, Tanya, was unfortunately not so lucky and after the accident had the difficult task of learning to walk and speak once again. Although not fully understanding why she was able to walk away without the same obstacles that faced her sister, Trina has grown from the situation and constantly looks to focus on the positive side of life. She is motivated by Tanya’s personal drive to overcome the hardships she’s had to face and she is quick to point out that her success pales in comparison to that of her sister. Trina says, "I wish I had half the inner strength that my sis has."

With a similar impact that Arnold Schwarzenegger has had on the male population, seeing images of her favourite idol, Lenda Murray, plastered around various gyms, Trina decided that was the sort of physique she would like to train towards. Without the knowledge and direction, she was fortunate to run into Glen Johansen, a national-level Alberta bodybuilder who would soon become her training partner and would also introduce her to Bernice Green, another top national-level bodybuilder and current holder of many powerlifting titles and records. This was the foundation Trina needed and in 2003 she became the Alberta Middleweight Bodybuilding Champion.

When Trina made the decision to cross over from bodybuilding to figure, it was a tough one. She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to perform a bodybuilding posing routine as the adrenalin rush was second to none. In figure there’s no such routine round. As is becoming more prevalent, though, there comes a point in a person’s training where they examine the opportunities that are available to them as well as their commitment to themselves and those close to them. Trina comments, "The jump from a provincial-level bodybuilding athlete to a pro-card-contending, national-level bodybuilding athlete is quite distinct and takes a good number of years to accomplish." Trina realized the commitments and sacrifices that would be involved in that pursuit. Consequently, she decided that figure would present her with healthier opportunities sooner than bodybuilding could. Trina says, "I’m happy with my overall level of muscularity. I’m not looking to get any bigger really – I just want to work on fine-tuning what I have and make the necessary adjustments according to the criteria the judges set and expect from me. My goal is to enter national figure, come in at a personal best, and have fun. What happens after that will be out of my control."

Living actively has allowed Trina the continuous opportunity to better herself and build a muscle therapy and personal training business that rewards her each day. Competing has encouraged her to become more goal-oriented, something many people have problems with throughout their lives. A busy lifestyle definitely requires organization and consequently increases the opportunity each day will present.

Trina’s day begins between 5:30 and 6:00 am with a cardio session. Returning home, she prepares her five to six meals for the day and then it’s off to work as a muscle therapist. Once her work day is complete it’s another 20 minutes of cardio to warm her up for a one-hour session of intense weight training. After that, she returns home to relax and have supper. But is her training day over? Not a chance! She still has one additional 45-minute session of cardio before her last meal of the day and heading to bed.

All success requires a team effort, hard work, and a strategy. What does Trina feel contributes to hers? These three things:

• A strong base of support from everyone close to her. Her fiancé, Glen, and her family have always supported her and she acknowledges the importance this has played throughout her training and contest preparation. Trina insists, "I would never be where I am today without the love and support that I see day in and day out."
  
  
• "Always keep a positive outlook on life, those around you, your training and yourself. Never let negativity sneak up on you. Maintain a healthy diet and training regimen keeping everything balanced and in moderation."
  
  
• "Never be content with yourself. Be sure to arrange a video of your time onstage and perhaps even include in it your training and prep prior to the show. This documents the experience and allows you to compare in the future." After each show, Trina makes a list of five items and areas she feels would benefit her most to focus on over the next off-season. Trina says, "Until you actually see yourself performing, you never really know where you are at and how much you have improved from your last show. The videos are a big help!"

What does Trina see in her future? Trina answers, "Living healthfully and having fun is the bottom line. I enjoy mingling and meeting new friends, and with the help of the sport I’ve been able to travel to California, other parts of Canada, and, most recently, to the Arnold Classic in Ohio. I have met some great people and want to thank them all for their continued support – they know who they are. Right now I have my eye set on CBBF Canadian Figure Championships in Winnipeg where I’m hoping to make many new friends and step on stage at my personal best."

...David Ford

Trina Gillis is from Alberta, Canada. You can learn more about her by visiting her website at www.trinagillis.com.

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