Fitness Enthusiast Exposed

My height is 5-foot-6 ½ (gotta get that half in).

My weight is 125 (on season) and 132 (off season).

My astrological sign is Gemini.

I grew up in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, but now I reside in beautiful Austin, Texas.

In high school I was a "brain" - I excelled in science and mathematics. It was in high school that I first started weight training regularly. I used to hit the small, crowded weight room several times a week to train.

I decided to compete in Figure competitions because I was tired of constantly being asked, "Are you training for something?" And, of course, my answer was always "No." So then, after much thought, I decided why not go for it. What do I have to lose? I've been weight training for so long, why not showcase what all my hard work has accomplished?

My first figure competition was the Texas State Championships in Houston on July 10, 2004. I placed 3rd out of 11 women in the tall class. I was so nervous; my knees where shaking the entire time I was on stage. Aside from the nervousness, it was a great experience, and I'm so glad that I finally did it.

I love training my arms. They're so easy to train, and I see results so quickly.

I hate training my legs; always have.

I'm told that I have incredible arms. They're very muscular and very well-defined. I once won $500 at the Southwest USA Health and Fitness Expo in Arlington, TX for having the "Best Biceps in Texas."

The questions I'm asked most are "Are you a trainer?" and "Do you take steroids?" The answer to the first question is "yes," I am a Certified Adventure Boot Camp Instructor for Austin Adventure Boot Camp in southwest Austin; I'm also a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. The answer to the second question is "no, never!" My physique is the result of 14 years of consistent weight training and cardio. Period!

I would love to work out with Corey Everson. I used to watch her compete on TV while growing up. After seeing her physique, I knew that I wanted to pursue a fitness lifestyle.

My favorite cheat food is any kind of sandwich, especially those from Schlotzsky's, Quizno's, or Thundercloud!

My favorite books are (believe it or not) the Harry Potter books, but right now I'm reading 1984. It's a fightening account of life in a police state - "Big Brother is Watching You." I highly suggest you read it.

My favorite movies are The Star Wars Trilogies! I can watch them over and over again.

My favorite TV shows are Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

My favorite CD is just about anything from the 80's. I love 80's music, especially the Smiths, Depeche Mode, the Cure, Flock of Seagulls, Echo and the Bunnymen, and the list goes on!

Outside the gym I enjoy home improvement projects - I've spent a lot of time and energy updating and customizing my home. I also enjoy shopping, reading, and relaxing.

My dream vacation would be to travel through Europe for three months. I really want to visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. I've been to London already, and I would love to go back. There are several other places that I would also love to visit.

If I won a million dollars, I would retire and travel the world.

Stephanie McDonald, Fitness, Figure, Bodybuilding, NPC, Fitness Model, TX, Texas, Austin

Stephanie McDonald, Figure Competitor and Fitness Enthusiast