VM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a fitness journey similar to yours?

LB: Discipline is key. The question I am asked most often by others is how do I stay motivated? Honestly, I’m very rarely motivated. Everything I’ve accomplished thus far is due to discipline. Getting up every morning to go work out when I’d rather lay in bed, prepping my healthy meals for the week when I’d rather be eating pizza, turning down social engagements because I know it’s going to interfere with my competition prep. These are just some of the things I’ve had to commit to in order to achieve my goals. It’s not for everyone and that’s OK. But if you truly want to change your life, you have to make yourself and your goals a priority. Even on the days when you may not want to.

VM: How has winning Pro titles impacted your career and personal life?

LB: I’m very blessed to have a supportive spouse and family. I don’t think I could’ve achieved Pro Status and continuing to win as a Pro without a partner who is by my side and 100% committed to my goals as much as I am. As previously mentioned, there have been times where I’ve had to maybe turn down a social engagement because I’m in the midst of prep, but I have still been able to maintain an active social life. I firmly believe in the importance of having fun and taking breaks so you don’t get burnt out.

VM: Can you share some of your favorite fitness routines or exercises?

LB: I know most people in bodybuilding dread cardio, and honestly that used to be me. But now I seem to have developed kind of a love-hate relationship with it. I use it as a time to kind of meditate and clear my mind. My favorite is either incline walking on the treadmill or when I get bored with that I’ll move over to the stair climber. For weightlifting I don’t try to do anything fancy. Just stick with the basics.