Inspirational Figure Competitor Ashley Horner Talks To Muscle & Strength

What do you love most about figure?

I love competing in figure because it pushes me, it keeps me focused and it brings the competitive side out in me. I was always an athlete but after I had kids, I always looked at moms that let themselves go and I said, not me... and I'm getting ready to prove that you can have a young child/children and still be better then the ones that don't have any children. I wanted to prove a point I wanted to be an example to show that it is possible. It was after I started my figure shows is when I really fell in love with the modeling.

What keeps you motivated?

I love the way my body feels when it's pushed, I love the way my body looks during and intense weight session. I see the influence and motivation I have on others so in return that pushes me to be better.

What are your future goals, dreams and plans?

I recently just landed a commercial with Gatorade being a Gatorade Athlete. I want to be the biggest name in the fitness industry. Look out Jamie Eason! :) Just Kidding, that girl is great. I will continue to do the bigger shows, I want to prove to everyone who didn't believe in me that I will accomplish what I've set out to do. Because I have always believed my myself. I would love to continue shooting commercials for the more intense companies. Ad campaigns and be a nation wide inspiration to many of the young girls and moms.

How often do you perform cardio?

I am active all day long. I love to move, I also get board very easily so changing up my routine is very important. Some days I will perform 2/30 minutes sessions at a moderate speed, my heart rate slightly elevated. Some mornings i will get up and go for a light jog. Other times, I will pound it out on the treadmill doing interval training and such, I recently started doing Crossfit with some of the Military Guys and I loved that.

So I will start incorporating that at least once a week. Cardio has to be done if your looking for fat loss. It doesn't always have to be on a treadmill or in a gym for that matter. It's just about thinking about ways to get that movement in... and by the end of the day your card account my just add up.

What are some of the most common mistakes made when someone is trying to build muscle and/or get ripped?

My biggest mistakes would have to be too much cardio and not enough calories and rest. Especially when you start getting close to a show you want to card cut calories and not have a day to rest, but that actually does more harm than good.

What are your favorite 5 muscle building exercises and why?

If I could only do 5 exercises they would be lat pull downs, walking lunges, shoulder press, sumo squats and bench press. These are all big movements and work large muscle groups.

Do you have any gym, muscle building or fitness pet peeves?

My biggest pet peeve in a gym is when people try and talk to me about their workout or anything personal going on in their lives. This is my time. My headphone are in for a reason to focus on me and my workout. Catch me before or after.

How do you prepare meals? Do you cook daily or cook for the week?

Every Sunday I go to the store, I prepare my meals for cooking but don't actually cook them till the day of. If you are not prepared with food and have not planned for the week, you will end up eating things you shouldn't only because you are starving. It's good to stay ahead of the game.

What are your thoughts of niche diet approaches like the Paleo diet, Adkins diet, Keto runs, the Warrior diet, Intermittent Fasting, etc.?

I don't believe in the diets mentioned above. You have to learn on your own to make the right choices. So many people try and find an easy out to cut weight quick with minimal amount of effort and longevity.  It never works… you have to change your life style if you want the weight to stay off.  People try for these plans they fail and then they become hard and negative on themselves for failing at something.

What are some of your favorite motivational quotes?

I am strong, I am a girl, I have boobs. I wrap my wrists, chalk my hands and workout with mainly guys. I am driven, confident and I won't slow down for anyone. My mom always taught me to walk tall, stand tall! I am a girl, I am damn strong. If you don't like it then get out of my way. - Ashley Horner.

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

www.ashleyhorneronline.com, www.facebook.com/ashleyhorneronline, or www.facebook.com/ashleyhornerfitness.

Do you have any tips for someone who is looking to compete in your sport?

It's a great sport. Everyone in your family has to be involved. You have to have 100% support from everyone around you. The more you compete the more independent you can become and the more discipline you will have.

Which college or professional sports teams do you root for?

HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!