Achieving a Bikini Ready Body After 40: A First-Time Master Competitor’s Journey
Name: Adrielle G.
Age: 40
Hometown: La Canada Flintridge
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I am Adrielle. I’ve been a Neonatal ICU nurse for 17 years. Married with 2 children. I was a cheerleader in high school and was part of the competition team. People would describe me as a ball of energy. Initially I did workouts at home (Beach Body, Insanity, P90x), all the fad home video programs at the time. I then started looking into group workouts. I noticed the group workouts made me accountable. Group workouts were also fun and challenged you. It started with Pilates, Barre then Orange Theory to F45. I was enjoying the muscles I was developing.
However, I just couldn’t understand why with all my energy and workouts I still had the belly bulge and I would watch my muscles come and go. I also enjoy eating, I’m a real foodie. So you can say I yo-yo’d with fad diets as well. I tried carb cycling, cut off carbs completely then keto. Keto I had the most success with weight loss, but I didn’t gain much muscle and I started to lose my hair. I began searching for something balanced and healthy that I could do long term.
What Led You To Working with Julie Lohre as your online bikini competition coach?
A few months before I turned 39 I told myself, I’m going to join a bikini competition. For my 40th birthday, I want to be able to step on stage and be the fittest version of myself. It was a challenge to get started on my fit journey. I started in Aug 2023, I found a different online competition coach before beginning with Julie. I received my nutrition and exercise plan. I was ready. But it was August, beginning of the school year and did I forget to mention I was a Cub Scouts Cubmaster for our elementary school that practically quadrupled in size. Include 12-hour work shifts and mom duties, I felt like I was in over my head.
I contacted my previous competition coach and expressed how can I modify the exercises as it’s taking me close to 2 hours to complete the workouts? How do I incorporate my work shifts, prepare for the next day and get the suggested amount of sleep? I wasn’t making excuses; I was hoping I would get feedback on what other clients did to give me an idea on how to modify the plan around my schedule.
The response I received, “You just have to figure it out.” I was crushed, I felt as if I was set up to fail in the start. I then decided I’ll just have to put a hold on my own goals and I cancelled the program. I broke down, HARD. It was that very moment I realized, this was bigger than just walking on a stage. It was to prove to myself that I was mentally and emotionally strong. I found another coach, this one was at a nearby gym. 1st private session was a bust. I looked months for another coach. I don’t have social media so I relied heavily on google, yelp and friend recommendations.
Then one night, I decided I need someone like me. A woman who understands what it’s like to be dealing with hormones and how to manage a life as a full-time working mom. I changed my search to “female bikini competition coach” and BAM, there was Julie.
Fitness Accomplishments
My greatest fitness accomplishment to date is becoming a bikini competitor! That’s right, at 40 I made my goal. I got on that stage and had fun! All I wanted to do was to be able to walk alongside the other contestants. If I got a medal that would be a cherry on top, but not necessary. The win was just the fact that I made it there. But let me tell you, I ended up medaling 5 out of the 6 categories I had joined. I felt like I needed someone to pinch me. It felt surreal. It was a great experience and I met a lot of great people throughout the show.
Before the fitness competitions, my family and I would join Spartan races. It was a good way to test our strength and endurance. It was fun for the whole family and a way to keep us active and bond.
NPC Titan Grand Prix Bikini Competition Results
True Novice Bikini: 2nd place
Masters 40+ Bikini: 3rd place
Masters 35+ Bikini: 5th place
Novice Bikini: 2nd place
Hero Bikini: 3rd place
What unique challenges have you faced in your Journey to Be A Masters Bikini Competitor?
Time. Time has always been a challenge for me. Time for exercising, time for meal prepping, time to sleep. As a child I remember complaining about how time would move so slow. As a mother, wife and full-time nurse, I keep trying to find as much time as I can.
Traveling. My family loves to get out of the house and travel. Whether it be a weekend outing or a full week, I feel as if we’re always out. I guess that’s where most of my time goes. Haha. But with traveling, in order to stay on track with nutrition plans and exercise I had to pre-plan and do my research. I purchased a travel food scale and made sure I had the right equipment available for my exercises. Resistance bands were light, so I always had those on hand. Most of the time, I would be able to tell by their gym photos if they had what I needed, otherwise I would call ahead and inquire. Meal prepping was a must in order to stay on track and not get tempted.
Parties and Gatherings. This was the hard. All gatherings included alcohol. I was one who would indulge during social gatherings, date nights, and when I needed to wind down after a long day. With my goal in mind I cut off alcohol completely, my choice. It was hard for my friends and family to understand at first why. In the end they were supportive. Aside from the alcohol, the food. Coming from a Filipino family, food is what brings us together. Not being able to eat the food prepared was difficult because I would see my parents saddened faces. However, I would be able to make up for it when I complimented on how great the food smelled. The morning after the bikini competition I made sure to help myself to a yummy plate of Filipino breakfast staples. It was ahhhh-mazing!
Last but not least – I got attacked and was bitten by a dog 2 weeks before my competition. I was unable to lift anything with my affected arm, not even my cell phone. I had to stay off my arm and let it heal, thankfully I was able to see a sports therapist who was able to provide me some mobility to complete my posing on stage.
How Did You First Hear About Julie Lohre and the FITBODY Online Bikini Competition Program?
It was a late night and I googled “female bikini competition coach.” I found Julie’s website. I went through her whole website and read all the testimonials, even did youtube searches. Everything Julie represented and felt passionate about resonated in me and was confirmed with all the testimonials I viewed. As soon as I woke up the following day, I made sure to reach out to her ASAP.
What Questions & Concerns Did You Initially Have About Working With Julie As Your Online Masters Bikini Competition Coach?
Will online work for me? That’s a question I asked myself when thinking about my goal. At a group class there is always a coach present to push me to my limits, hype me up when my body is still sleepy, or just be present. For my situation, although I loved that part of group workouts, I needed flexibility while still being accountable for the daily plan. Time was a big component for me. For me to be successful I needed the plan to fit around my schedule. I needed someone who was also accountable on their part and was easy to reach out to for communication. Julie checked all the boxes and more. And even as an online masters bikini competition coach specializing in women over 40, she still pushed me to my limits and always motivated me.
Online Masters Bikini Competition Transformation
True novice: 2nd place
Masters 40+: 3rd place
Masters 35+: 5th place
Novice: 2nd place
Hero: 3rd place
The overall results on the scale and in my measurements were incredible…
Total Weight Loss: 22.5 Pounds (25-27 Pounds of Bodyfat!)
Bodyfat Change: From 25% to 9% (via InBody Scans)
Muscle Gain: Approx 5 Pounds
Hips: Down 3 Inches
Waist: Down 3 Inches
Overall, I lost 22.5 pounds, 3 inches off both on my waist and hips. With an InBody Scan, My Percent Body Fat before my journey was 25% and dropped to 9%. It seemed almost instantly I noticed the pounds dropping. Then I started seeing muscle definition in my arms and my abs! I have never had abs, ever in my life. With the fit test, I surprised myself. I was able to shave off a minute from my mile runs and my pushups went from 18 to 38.
Fit Test Results:
Pushup Strength: 18 starting to 38!
Mile Run: Decreased by 1 minute to sub 9 min mile!
Flexibility Improvement: 5 inches
Long Jump Improvement: 12 inches
What Was The Hardest Part About Your Online Masters Bikini Competition Journey
Aside from the dog attack incident, the hardest part was the time. Although I would work out early morning as to not affect the family. Meal prepping took time. I would meal prep for the week so I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, calculating macros, cooking, weighing and portioning.
Now That You Have Accomplished Your Goal To Do A Bikini Competition At 40, How Do You Feel?
I feel strong, confident and just wonderful. Fitness has been a great stress reliever. It can be rough having to roll out of bed so early in the morning. But as you see the progress, you get excited and it helps you to stay motivated. Having the goal of doing a fitness competition over 40 has really helped me start my day feeling refreshed and full of energy. I am so amazed with what I was able to do and how my body has changed. I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of. I’ve learned that I can be fit and still enjoy amazing food!
Supplements For First Time Master Bikini Competitors
Supplements I’ve used were from FITBODY.com and were Beverly International Fit tabs, Quadracarn, Density, Creatine Select, Lean Out, 7-keto Musclean. Julie rotated the specific supplements depending on where I was at with each portion of our journey and I took these supplements with my meals. They were all very helpful in my journey with my bulking and leaning out phases through my masters bikini competition journey. I definitely saw and felt the changes that each supplement provided. Equally, they all made a huge difference and was beneficial to help me get to my goal.
More about each of the first time masters bikini competition supplements:
Fit Tabs – Beverly International FitTabs is specially crafted multi-vitamin perfect for women over 40 that want to compete in a bikini show. It complements the dietary needs of those looking to take their conditioning and fitness to the next level. Popular among active women and competitors, this formula includes iron peptonate, a type of iron known for its easy absorption, and a probiotic to support digestive health.
7 Keto Musclean – Smooth, steady energy and fat loss acceleration. Beverly International 7 Keto Musclean is a thermogenic that will boost your metabolism and give you more energy while suppressing appetite.
Glutamine Select – Packed with not just Glutamine but the right BCAA’s. Glutamine Select from Beverly International is awesome for recovery and reducing muscle soreness after tough bikini competition workouts.
Lean Out – Non-stimulant formula specifically targets stubborn bodyfat Beverly International Lean Out is a fat transport supplement that helps to even out spikes and dips in energy and blood sugar.
Quadracarn – Beverly Quadracarn is a unique supplement that features four types of carnitine which plays an important role in fatty acid transportation and energy production. It is aimed at enhancing energy, recovery, and muscle preservation. It’s especially helpful for women over 35 seeking body recomp as it assists with muscle building, recovery and fat loss while addressing common peri & post menopausal symptoms.
Density – Total muscle saver when dieting for a masters bikini show! Density from Beverly International is an essential amino acid supplement that specifically helps with building or preserving lean muscle while on a calorie restricted diet.
Creatine Select – New and stronger CREATINE SELECT for Beverly International, is THE pre-workout that supports the fastest possible improvements in the appearance and performance of your physique. Perfect for women preparing for a master’s bikini competition, even first time competitors! Creatine + Phosphates + Beta-Alanine for Muscle Strength, Stamina & Size
What Is The Best & Worst Parts Of Working With Julie Lohre As Your Masters Bikini Competition Coach?
Julie Lohre is amazing in every way. She’s accountable, flexible, available, and may I add her personality and positivity is just infectious. She has always been my cheerleader from day 1. She always checked in when she said she would and would have my meal plans and exercise plans ready so I have enough time to review and ask questions.
She honestly helps you set realistic goals. When life happens and things change, share your struggles and Julie helps you modify your goals so you can still stay on track. Anytime I had random questions, whether it be regarding food, form, or my struggles, I would reach out to Julie and get a response before the end of the day. Even though she was online, I felt like she was always there with me.
The worst part? There is nothing negative or poor on Julie’s part, she is amazing. I did secretly wish she could join me on my masters bikini show. She was always in my corner, and I wanted to celebrate our success together in-person.
Any Other Comments About Your First Time Masters Bikini Competition Journey?
Julie truly cares about you as an individual and your goals. She is on this fitness journey with you. You are not just another client. She dedicates all her time and effort to you. Your goals are completely personalized based on your lifestyle. Its not just another cookie-cutter program. I honestly felt like I was one on one with her the whole time, from December to October. She had the same energy, motivation and positivity from beginning to end. Whatever goals you have in mind, rest assured, you’re in great hands with Julie.
Favorite Motivational Quote: Be a goldfish – Ted Lasso
