You wouldn’t know to look at her that she has 5 kids. Bet you can’t guess her age either. Most people judge before they even hear her speak. But she doesn’t care. Melissa Fillmore is a strong and unique woman, and she’s an ATHLETE.
Five years ago Melissa made the decision to take her tired, unhealthy body and make it fit. At 5’3” and 210lbs she was on the verge of diabetes, heart disease and serious back issues. Her self esteem was also at an all time low. Initially Melissa’s goal was to increase strength. What happened? She became a whole new woman. The change was so drastic that many friends and family didn’t recognize her.
Today, her weight ranges from 140 at the top of her bulk, down to 115 on stage. Her body fat ranges from 18-20% off season to 8% competition ready. “I learned early on in my transformation that nutrition makes a bigger difference than exercise. I eat very clean no matter what season I’m in, including lots of protein and complex carbs. Six meals a day keeps my metabolism revved up and feeds my body while I’m building muscle. My vice, however, is chocolate. I find ways to make myself earn Coconut M&Ms once in awhile,” she shares.
“I love the way my body responds to exercise. My favorite is weight lifting. It’s incredible the way my muscles pump up when I lift. It’s funny to me the way guys stare when I invade their space at the gym. They always ask if they should be afraid,” Melissa continues.
Melissa responds with, “Yes, you should be very afraid.”
“I may be short but dainty is not a word I would use to describe myself. And lazy is not in my vocabulary.”
She’s most proud of her booty. It went from fat, to flat, to FABULOUS! Melissa’s back is ridiculous, one of the easiest group of muscles for her to build. Shoulders is the one area she would pick, that needs work. Her focus? Just working everyday to get bigger, better, badder……
Melissa enjoys helping others and not only loves, but lives her job as a personal trainer. “My true love is my own workouts. I’m currently off season and lifting to build size. My lifting is very intense. I lift 5 days a week with 2 days of active rest for recovery,” she adds.
Melissa’s training split
Monday – Back
Tuesday – Quads and glutes
Wednesday – Bi’s and Tri’s
Thursday – Hams and glutes
Friday – Shoulders
A typical workout 5 or 6 exercises per muscle group and average 6-12 reps depending on how heavy she chooses to go. Her main goal is getting blood to the muscle. Whatever she is doing, works, as her strength has been steadily increasing this year.
“I don’t currently lift for chest as it’s not needed (if you catch my drift). I also include 30-45 minutes of daily cardio to help keep my legs in check,” Melissa comments on her split.
Melissa is excited as she surpasses her heaviest lifts ever. She leg presses 290lbs (3 sets of 12) and deadlifts 140lbs. Best of all, she still has 4 months of building to go before it’s time to lean out for her next competition.
“I find that I thrive when I have a goal and a deadline. Last September I won my first NPC Figure competition. In October, I won my first overall. In June I got my first taste of a national competition. I was inspired to return next year with a bigger, more impressive package. My current goal is to add some size. My ultimate goal is to win my IFBB Pro Card. My dream would be to grace the cover of a fitness magazine.”
“I’m thankful to all those who have told me I “can’t do it”, “shouldn’t do it,” or “won’t do it.” To all those who judge me, don’t believe in me, and have no faith. It’s because of those people that I give my best everyday. I train hard, renew my commitment and become even more determined when others try to discourage me.”
“I am a lady. I am a beast. And I am out to make a mark on the world.”
To find out more about Melissa, visit her website at MelissaFillmore.com.