Sherry McBride Athlete Profile

Your Background

Competition History

• NE Classic 2008 – Third Place Women’s Lightweight Bodybuilding
• Fitness Atlantic 2009 – Second Place Women’s Lightweight Bodybuilding
• NE Classic 2009 – Second Place Women’s Lightweight Bodybuilding
• Fulton’s Fitness 2009 – First Place Overall Women’s Bodybuilding – WNBF Pro Status

What is your background and how did you get started in bodybuilding?

I was born in The Bronx, NY to a crazy (I say this endearingly) Italian family and grew up what you would call a usual kid: running, jumping rope, riding bikes, hopscotch, stickball, playing ‘till dark, and eating an average Italian/American diet complete with my Mom’s best meat sauce on Sundays and many Italian pastries (Sfogliatelle are my favorite) to complete each Sunday dinner.

A routine blood test at the age of 19 indicated that my total cholesterol was 417 with my LDL being close to 300.  I was never overweight, so this puzzled my doctors.  This would begin the next 24 year battle to control my enormous risk factor to heart disease.

I was placed on many cholesterol lowering medications, blood tested every 6 – 8 weeks, sent for Stress Thallium tests, was prescribed such a high dose of a Statin that my liver nearly shut down, started to lose my hair, only to continue to have alarmingly high cholesterol never lower than 400.  My doctors had me convinced that this was something that I would have to live with and eventually need to rely on bypass surgery.  I resolved to the fact that they may be right and went on with my life.

In 2001, after I had the first of my three sons, I begged my cardiologist for a catherization – I had been doing extensive research and through the course of my education I had become aware and intelligent enough to know that cholesterol that high for that many years HAD to be depositing itself SOMEWHERE in my body.  I wanted to know the extent of this damage – I had a baby to live for.  When he said “No” I continued to research lipid disorders, devoured research studies and periodicals from the American Heart Association and NEJoM, and continued my education.  I had 2 more sons (for a total of 3 sons) over that time which made my determination THAT much stronger.

Through my research I read a periodical from Yale University which led me to my diagnosis.  I then found a specialist in lipid disorders in NYC, brought him my blood tests and the periodical which taught me what my condition is:  Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolimia (heFH).  My total cholesterol at the time was 585.  The worst part was that two of my three infant children were also diagnosed with the condition.  I was determined to learn everything I could about the disorder and how to improve our odds for a healthy long life.

HeFH is a genetic disorder where the LDL receptors in the liver are defective/mutated and constantly call to manufacture LDL even when the body doesn’t need it.  LDL is the damaging lipoprotein which has been determined as a risk factor to coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as heart disease, stroke, etc.  With CAD the #1 killer of Americans (8 times more deadly than Cancer) I wanted to know the right way to handle my condition.

During my research I also learned that there was a high powered CAT scan – a non-invasive way to determine arterial plaque in my heart.  After receiving my diagnosis, I went for the test.  My biggest concern was then realized: I had CAD with plaque in both my LAD (left anterior descending artery) and LCX (left circumflex artery) arteries in my heart.  I was only 39 with 3 babies.  I had a lot to live for.

With my cholesterol at 585, I was placed on a high dose of medication to bring down that alarmingly high number but I also knew from battling the condition that my blood tests were always the best when I was eating a diet with no sweets, less than 5g of saturated fat/day, and unprocessed carbohydrates.  My lipid specialist explained that with heFH you can be very diet sensitive.  I realized I needed someone who could work with me and my diet ideals and actually LISTEN when I said “hey, when I refrain from eating {X} I notice a drop in my cholesterol.”

In the end of 2007 I found that person and within 4 weeks he got my cholesterol the lowest it had ever been in my life which, in turn, is allowing me to take a FRACTION of the medication I was initially prescribed.

I spent half my life with doctors (essentially) experimenting on me with a number of cholesterol lowering prescriptions and never came close to what he did for me IN ONE MONTH.  He changed my life.  This person is Mr. Todd Ganci of ProfessionalDiets.com.

When I began communicating with Todd, I did not know his extensive background in bodybuilding.  Then one day Todd suggested that I compete - he had said “to celebrate the adversity” that I overcame.  From that point forward I realized that being a natural female bodybuilder had to be not just a part of my life, BUT my life.  It has been a hard road with many obstacles, but Todd is there every step of the way with me – not as my bodybuilder coach but as my life coach.  You see, it’s not what he does for me to get me on stage but rather what he does for me to live a healthful life for my kids.  His impact on my health inspired me to continue my education in health and fitness and I now hold many certifications to help others pursue their individual health and fitness goals – with a focus on heart health.  This is all with his blessing.

While my health was the largest driving factor in my decision to accept the life of a natural bodybuilder, there were a few of key WNBF individuals to help me arrive:

Mary Ford who looked me dead in the eyes one day and said: "if you want those beautiful and developed legs you gotta train them heavy.". She then proceeded to load 8 plates (360lbs) onto the leg press machine and told me to climb in.  Scared to death and not more than a whopping 112 lbs myself, she reassured me that I “would do this” and said the word "powerhouse" to me - (there were other words but this is the PG version…).  By God (or fear of this incredible woman), I completed my set and that changed the course of my leg training from that point on.

Melissa Kelley who said to me: “you look great out there” after I had a disastrous first appearance on stage which was preceded by one of the worst case of the nerves (complete with dry heaves) this side of the Northeast.

Nancy Andrews who’s few simple words and warm encouragement gave me confidence to actually return to the stage.

Janet Marsico who’s closet I got lost in at least 6 times.

And of course:  Todd.

So I got started in natural bodybuilding as a result of my passion to adopt a lifestyle conducive to living long enough to see my three beautiful sons become adults.  And I am on my way.

Why do you love bodybuilding?

As a natural female bodybuilder:

• You are a unique, beautiful, and strong woman.
• You are a female who possesses quality muscular bodybuilding attributes - not a muscular bodybuilder who possesses female attributes.
• As a natural female bodybuilder our quality is in our tenacity of “pushing through” without the unnatural introduced to our bodies.
• All natural female bodybuilders should say: “I am Proud.  I am a natural FEMALE bodybuilder.”

Training

What is your training philosophy?

Train in a way that is best for your individual body – both inside and out all year round.  For me, push through that mental fear in your head.

What's a good workout routine that has given you results?

• Monday: Legs & teach the spinning program
• Tuesday: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
• Wednesday: Back and Biceps
• Thursday: Explosive work
• Friday: Shoulders & teach the spinning program
• Saturday: Off season – play with kids outside
• On season – Mixed cardio
• Sunday:  REST & FAMILY TIME

If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?

• Teaching The Spinning Program – Conditions the mind, heart, and body.
• Toddler Squats – Foundation building for lower body.
• Heavy Flat Bench – Foundation building for upper body.

What's the best training tip you could give to others?

Train in a way that is correct for your individual needs.

Nutrition

What is your philosophy on nutrition?

Whole food, clean and natural from the perimeters of the Supermarket.

Give us a typical day in your diet (contest prep):

Wake at 6:30am and get the kids and business settled to head off for the gym followed by meals every 2.5-3 hours until before bed with plenty of water between each meal.

What are your favorite meals and foods?

Meal 2 – Soybeans (cooked well) – delic!

Favorite cheat food?

Off-season – manicotti parm - yummmmmmm.

What's the best nutrition tip you could give to others?

Eat in a nutritionally balanced way that is right for YOUR individual body and needs with all health factors considered.

Supplements

What supplements do you use that give you great results? How do you use them?

Supplementation is a voluntary decision and one that should not be taken lightly.  Be sure when choosing a supplement you have either discussed it with your doctor and have done your research, or hire a competent professional for guidance.

Advice For Others

What are the 3 best tips you'd give to someone thinking about competing in natural bodybuilding?

1. Go for it!
2. Enjoy the journey.
3. Keep it in perspective.

What is your best advice for looking your best on competition day?

A good night’s sleep.

How do you stay motivated? What advice would you give to someone who's having trouble staying on track?

Ebb and flow – No one can give 100%, 100% of the time.

Future Plans

What shows have you got coming up, where can we see you compete?

WNBF Pro American 2010.

What would you like to achieve in your natural bodybuilding career?

It is very important to me to inspire other women to become natural bodybuilders and break the idea that female bodybuilders are not feminine.  As a natural female bodybuilder you may never become as “muscular as a man” nor should you want to.  The object is that you are a FEMALE natural bodybuilder.  You can be muscular and be feminine.  This opens the door to many women who feel they are not muscular enough to compete or feel they will lose their femininity.

My biggest pet peeve is a woman (or client) who says to me: “I don’t want to bulk up...”

Favorite Competitors/Idols

Who are your favorite bodybuilders and idols?

Frank Zane and Cory Everson.

How Can People Contact You?

How can people contact you?

People can contact me at: sherry.mcbride@comcast.net.