Marla Arndt

Pound for pound Marla can hang with the best of them. This 5'3 110 pound personal trainer and mother of three teenage boys competed in The Ian Walling Classic.

This was Marla's first show, and she did not disappoint. Marla walked away with a big smile and a 1st place showing in the masters fitness model division. 

The next challenge was the 2007 Fitness and model expo (FAME) Nationals, again Marla did not disappoint and captured a top 5 placing. You can definately expect to see much more of her in the future.

 
What was your most memorable moment while competing?

My most memorable moment was being backstage with a group of fabulous athletes...bodybuilders, fitness models, bikini models and figure models and thinking to myself...this ONCE overweight out of shape woman is one of them!!! Oh and when a woman 20 years younger thought I was around her age!(she was definitely suffering from carb depletion) hahaha

Describe the first time ever you stepped on stage.

I was more excited than nervous...I was nervous that I may trip and fall off my six inch heels even though I practiced and practiced! I wasn't nervous about failing though because I was already a winner by following through with my goal...sounds hokey...but true.

Why Compete? 

I'm always searching for new and exciting goals pertaining to fitness. The goal previous to this was to take up running. I entered many sanctioned road races and then went on to increase my mileage training to run marathons....In 2000 I ran my first marathon! I decided to compete for two reasons...The first was to better my personal training business, by expanding my scope of training to new competitors. However, I felt the only way I could give them the best possible "all around" coaching was to know first hand what a fitness competitor goes through! The second reason was to take my body although fit and healthy to a completely different level! I made
amazing changes to what I thought was the fit body I had.

What word of advice would you give to any inspiring competitor?

To go for it!!! I signed up twice for competitions and then chickened out! Believe in yourself...then go out and educate yourself on proper training, nutrition, contest prep. Get the proper advice from those experienced in competitions.

After a contest the first thing you want to eat is?

It would have to probably be pizza...and RED WINE!




The one thing you hate and love about competing?

I love being on a specific program...as hard as it is sometimes it just feels like I am working towards my goal. I don't care for the week after the competition...Its kind of like waiting for the big event....all the hype...work...etc...then its  OVER!

 What does your training routine look like?

I constantly change up my training routine... I work out six days a week...I do cardio early in the morning before I eat...anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes depending on what type of training for the day. I change my resistance training up every 4weeks. I do a quirky split like.

Monday- back and chest
Tuesday-legs
Wednesday- shoulders rear delts and abs
Thursday-legs
Friday-biceps triceps
Saturday-some plyo and abs

My next month of resistant training may be  a full upper body one day followed by a full lower body workout the next...for a four day cycle with a rest day in between. The key is to always keep your muscles guessing!

What would you say is your favorite body part to train?

This is constantly changing all the time! Right now it is my glutes...a few months ago it was my back! When I come across some interesting and different exercises I love the change!

What would you like to say to those women out there who avoid weight training like the plague in fear they may get too bulky.

I am always trying to educate women on the benefits of weight training. The best way to prove to them that weight training doesn't bulk you up like a man by saying..."look at me....do I look bulky?" Then I tell them what I lift!

What do you advocate HIT or Low Intensity Cardio?

I advocate both....there is a place for both types of workouts and sometimes I let my body dictate! I listen to my body and how it feels.

 What type of diet do you follow or believe in?

I am so experienced in this area!!! I have not only tried every single diet from the age of 15 until 35 but can honestly say it wasn't until I started competing that I really learned how to eat for my body. I believe in... again...listening to your body...everyone is unique and has different needs and wants...Our bodies are smart and know what works. For my six times a day...lots of water...no or little processed foods....high protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and supplements.

What does it take to develop an aesthetically pleasing physique such as yours?

It definitely takes desire and dedication. My priority is to have the healthiest body possible... By giving it proper exercise, nutrition, sleep...I have a healthy mind and spirit. The aesthetically pleasing physique is icing on the cake!

 If you were not involved in the fitness industry what would you be doing?

 Hmmmm.. I just changed careers at the age of 38! So I will stick with personal trainer for now!

What is you favorite cheat food/meal?

That would have to be my homemade pizza...it's the best!

 What was one of the goofiest things you have ever done?

One??? Goofy is my middle name!

 What are your favorite Movies?

I love any type of chick flick.

 What is one of the wildest things you have ever done?

I can't say that on here!

 The ideal perfect getaway would be?

A villa, sun, beach, husband and a chef preparing my meals would be nice.

If you won the lottery, you would...

Do my happy dance!

What do you enjoying doing for leisure?

I love to travel!

What does the future have in store for Marla Arndt?

My plan is to continue training...working with women  my age to prove muscle doesn't know age! I want other women to feel the excitement of getting up on stage and showing off all the hard work they have spent time on their bodies. I have competition plans for the future...but am thinking of adding more muscle!

Anything else you would like to add or mention.

Thanks to Hype for getting in touch with me and putting up my Spotlight. I am pleased to represent the fit fabulous fourty something women!

To contact Marla via email marla@frameworksfitness.com or check out her website at frameworksfitness.com