IFBB Pro says it all. Means you have achieved the ultimate Leigh Brandt did that. She started in Figure but found her home quickly winning her Bikini Pro card. Leigh also is proof that those who say Bikini competitors don't work and train hard are wrong. They do, and Leigh proves it. Her Pro card is just the beginning of many more big things.
Q: First, Leigh, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thank you for asking!
Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I'm from Port Moody, BC Canada! I grew up here with 2 brothers A sister and my mom and dad!
Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or
anything?
A: Yes I wrestled through out high school, my brothers were heavily into sports and I guess it rubbed off onto me! Lol
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: My brother! He use to take me with him when he had to watch me. When I got older I started going on my own but I wasn't consistent, I just went when I felt like it. Wasn't until 2007 that I got heavily into it!
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to
see results?
A: In 2007 I hired a personal trainer because I wanted to have something to focus on, this is when I decided to do my first show and I started to see results within the first week of consistent training and following a strict meal plan, I loved it and feel into the grove of training very easily having a program to follow.
Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: After high school I was pretty inactive and I was working a sedentary job. I really wanted to shape up and make some changes in my life. I knew a guy that trained people for shows who owned a local nutrition store and after seeing somethings online I decided to contact him and ask him to train me for a show. And he did!
Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: For sure! When I first started out in figure no one knew what it was, but they could see my focus, commitment and passion for what I was doing and were behind me all the way! everyone came out to my shows to support me with t'shirts and signs "go Leigh" "team Leigh" it was amazing, and they came to all of my shows! If I wasn't traveling so far for shows now, they would still be there. My husband travels with me to all my shows, and I have made so many great friends in the USA that I still have a great cheer squad at the shows when I go. Its the best feeling when you walk out on stage and people are cheering you on.
Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: Haha well starting in figure - the suits were really high cut and had to be pulled up so high on the sides that surprised me, thought it looked ridiculous but I understand why it has to be like that! As for bikini it is everything I expected it to be but I was super surprised with my nerves Getting the best of me every time I walk out on stage... And they still do. It's crazy! You'd think I'd be use to it by now!
Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: For bikini:
*2009 Canadian nationals-1st place and overall (won pro card)
*2010 Ifbb Muscle Contest 10th place
*2010 Ifbb Sacramento Pro 6th place
Upcoming shows:
2011 Muscle Contest- March 26th
2011 Toronto Supershow June 17th
Q: What did winning your IFBB Pro card mean to you?
A: Meant everything to me! All the hard work finally paid off! It was hard to take in at first, I represented the whole country not just a team, gym, city, or province the whole country! The pressure was on! Lol it's been an amazing journey so far, so many doors opening and opportunities arising, I'm very blessed a grateful to be where I am today.
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My legs - quads!
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: Love training my glutes, and shoulders!
Squats, good mornings, lunges, shoulder press, I do this exercise that supersets 3
shoulder exercises while laying face down on an incline Bench...really burns! With all workouts and exercises I lift really heavy weights.
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for
contest prep?
A: I do 30 mins of cardio a day, and work a different muscle group each day. I do this both on and off season. During on season 1-2 weeks out I may start to add in full body HITT workouts. Depending on my conditioning. As for diet I have lean meats like fish, chicken, eggwhites and turkey sometimes, and bison. lots of veggies,asparagus and broccoli, salads and good carbs like yams, rice cakes, cream of wheat, oatmeal and some fruit also. I also allow myself 1-2 cheat meals a week. during prep I cut out cheats, and increase cardio to two times a day.
Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what
is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Always positive reactions... Super motivating for me and defiantly boosts my confidence, "you look amazing" "you inspire me" are the most common, and "you have crazy will power" lol
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are
most sick of hearing?
A: I never get sick of hearing it, it makes me feel great knowing that all my hard work gets noticed. Inspiring people is an amazing feeling and hearing it makes me push harder.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one
thing you wish people understood?
A: I wish people understood Bikini girls train hard too! I think the word "bikini"
is a misconception it self. The word just throws people off ... A bikini athlete? Bikini is a sport? I hear it all the time. Makes me laugh I think they should have called it something different.
Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: I love weight training and seeing changes in my physique. The worst part is the
cardio.... So boring! Happy for my iPad to watch movies! Lol
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I really like Ava Cowan, she's got a wicked physique and so feminine!
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Blizzards & my moms homemade Mac & cheese!
Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of
advice you would most want to give her?
A: Set a goal!
Q: Is fitness modelling something that interests you?
A: Yes I love it and always jump on the opportunity when it comes up!
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I like to travel, I love las Vegas, shopping, hanging out with family and friends when I get the time. My life is work, eat, sleep, train, & repeat! I don't have a lot of time for other things so I like to go away somewhere warm when I get the chance and a break!
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Leigh Brandt.
A: I think I just did! Haha I get up do cardio, shower, go to work, train, shower, prep meals, sleep.
I get weekends off work but I host 2 "Prep-Camps" on Saturday mornings to help
girls with their journey to stage.
Q: Describe Leigh Brandt in five words.
A: DURTI - determined, unstoppable, relentless, tenacious, irresistible.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: Aside from competing I work full-time!
Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: Yes! Thanks so much to my incredible husband, family, friends, and my sponsors whey gourmet, legarewear, thesuitlady. Everyone here as helped me so much and are great supporters. Love you all!
Q: Leigh, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before
you go?
A: Thanks so much, it was a pleasure doing this interview!
