Figure competitions are growing in popularity across the county, and for Angie Reinke those competitions are a growing part of her life. But up until a few years ago, that wasn't the case. In fact, she entered her first competition only as a form of motivation.
Reinke says, "Because, when I first decided that I wanted to get into it, I was pretty out of shape and I decided I needed some motivation. I just registered for one."
Next, Angie started to panic. She didn't know much about body competitions, but she soon learned what they're all about.
Reinke says, "Just started training for it and in the process of trying to figure out how to train for it. That's when I got into fitness and nutrition and so on. And that's when I decided I also wanted to be a personal trainer."
So in just a few months time, Angie transformed her life and her profession. But at the first competition, she wasn't an overnight success.
"I actually ended up breaking my ankle and having to come home early. So that one didn't work out so well,” says Reinke.
But that didn't discourage Angie from her goals. She continued to pick up more personal training clients, while preparing for more competitions. One year ago, she placed fourth in a contest in Des Moines. Then in October, she scored her first win. She backed that up with a recent win in Minneapolis. While many would call it success, Reinke just calls it motivation.
"A lot as a matter of fact,” says Reinke. “And especially because I was so far out of shape and have had three kids of my own. It took me quite a bit and it keeps me motivated and that's why I keep it up."
That's right, believe it or not, she's also a mother of three.
Reinke says, "They love it. They think it's great. Probably my oldest, I think has mixed feelings about his mom doing that. Overall, they're very supportive of me."
But don't think that motherhood is making her soft.
Reinke says, "And that's why a lot of times when I’m training too, and people try to use the excuse, yeah, but I’ve had kids, I don't take it."
And you won't find any shortcuts in this workout. That's because all figure competitors are carefully scrutinized to ensure no performance enhancing drugs are used.
Reinke explains, "They do polygraph tests to make sure you're not lying about the fact that you're taking a banned substance and they also do test to the placers as well."
Failing one test results in a seven year suspension from the sport.
And while all of the hard work, and diet might seem like a lot, Angie says having the chance to do well in just one competition makes all the sweat and muscle aches worthwhile.
Reinke says, “It makes it all worth it. And when I get back, it gives me more drive to be more disciplined about it and keep me focused."
And with that focus, Angie's future in the fast growing sport appears solid.
