Fit doctor takes shot at physique contest
Date: 23-08-2003
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States |
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When physician Mickey Barber turned 40, she didn't like the way she looked or felt and suffered from a dysfunction that left her with severe fatigue, muscle pain and hypertension.
Barber decided something had to change. She started to exercise, eat better and get off medications she was taking.
Since then, her life improved immensely, and she has become a wellness advocate and a firm believer of the adage, "If you talk the talk, you must walk the walk."
Today, she will demonstrate her dedication to fitness by walking onto the stage for about 600 people to see.
Barber, now 48, will be among the oldest to participate in The South Carolina Excalibur, a bodybuilding, fitness and figure competition to be held today at Charleston's Sottile Theatre.
Excalibur co-promoter Tres Bennett said about 75 people, some from as far away as Miami and the West Coast, will participate in the fifth annual show. About 80 percent of the participants are locals who train at area fitness clubs.
While bodybuilding shows most often conjure up images of tan, oiled muscle guys, Bennett said about 60 percent of today's participants will be women, partly because of the women's fitness and figure contest categories that are based more on lean, not bulky, physiques. Fitness categories require aerobics routines, while the figure contest involves judging of physiques only.Barber decided to participate in the latter. About 2-1/2 months ago, she asked personal trainer Jim Thomas, who co-owns Vitality F.T.S. in Mount Pleasant with Atlanta Falcon Travis Jervey, to help her prepare for the contest.
"Normally, most people take three or four months to get in shape for a show, but we mapped out a plan, and it was full-steam ahead," said Thomas.
Barber, a graduate of College of Charleston in 1982 and the Medical University of South Carolina in 1986, changed her weekly workout routine from four days of weight training and three days of 30-minute cardiovascular workouts to six days of cardio, lasting up to two hours per session, and three days of weights.
"I had the muscle. I just needed to get lean," said Barber, who also started eating more protein and few carbohydrates. "I don't care if I ever eat chicken again."
Barber lost 18 pounds off her already fit 5-foot-5-1/2-inch frame and expects to weigh in at 126 pounds. She was interviewed Friday while she was working out at Vitality one last time before the contest.
Asked about people's reaction to her competing, she said that most people-- including her two children, mother and boyfriend -- have been positive and encouraging, but she admitted that a few don't understand.
A passer-by quipped in good nature, "We understand you, Mickey. We all know you're a little weird."
Ultimately, Barber said she will try to win, but if she doesn't, that will be OK with her.
After all, there's always next year.
WANT TO GO?
The South Carolina Excalibur, a bodybuilding, fitness and figure competition, will be held today at the Sottile Theater in Charleston. Tickets for pre-judging, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are $10. Tickets for the evening finals, which start at 7 p.m., are $25. See ww.bhpromotions.net for more information.
