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20 Questions with Cover Model Ashley Godfrey
1) Please introduce yourself? What makes you special? Who is Ashley Godfrey?
I’m originally from Dallas, currently living in South Florida. I am a Nationally Qualified NPC Figure competitor on the hunt for my pro card in 2017. Bodybuilding became my passion shortly after college. I grew up with a long history of gymnastics and cheerleading. In fact, once I retired from college cheerleading I kind of lost that “light” and passion that I had. It wasn’t until a friend talked me into doing a bikini competition that I was finally able to find that again. I consider myself to be a lifelong athlete. I always work to better myself and to inspire others that they too can achieve their goals and dreams no matter how big they might be.
2) Please tell us a bit about your family, friends and surroundings?
My family is a huge part of my life. The reason I relocated to Florida was to follow my family. They are by far my biggest support group and my mother has yet to miss one of my shows. My sister/best friend is also a huge part of my success. We are known as the “fit sisters” at our home gym as we’re always in there working out together. Whenever I have my lows and struggles during prep she is always there to push me further and to motivate me! As far as friends, I have gotten such great support from old friends, and made quite a few new friends from competing. Although this is an individual sport, I would not be as successful as I have been if it wasn’t from all of the support I receive.
3)How did you start competing in figure?
After training myself for my first bikini show, the judges advised me to take a step up to figure as I have a very muscular frame (thanks cheerleading and gymnastics!). It was the best decision I ever made! I went from doing a lot of cardio and circuit training to “lifting all the weights” – if you will. To me, it’s so satisfying to push my body and to see how strong I really am. Although I would say that it can be much more challenging in the fact that you do have to be more dialed in, but figure is my calling.
4) What is your personal policy (not what the judges want) about conditioning and muscularity when coming into a show? Soft or hard?
All you can do is bring in a better version of yourself every time. If that means dialing in and being more conditioned, then I’m going to be doing everything I can to get there. If that means putting on more muscle or trying to tone down others, then that’s what I’ll do. The look of figure is gradually changing to a harder look, but I do think there is a fine line. I believe that figure should be a feminine look. Posing however can make you look more or less feminine regardless of your physique and conditioning so it’s really a huge factor to practice your stage presence and posing so you don’t lose that. Body types differ from one girl to the next, you can’t control your shape that was given to you genetically (ie a short torso vs longer). In the end, I personally feel that conditioning should be a huge factor in who takes home first.
4) What is your idea of what judges want in a Figure competitor? Do you think judges are clear enough with competitors about how they want you on stage? It seems in Europe they are very clear unlike in the USA and now in Canada things are confusing.
I think every show is different depending on what the majority of girls bring to the stage. If the majority come in with a tiny waist, nice v-taper, but not the most shredded, then that’s the look you are going to see in the top 5. However, if most of the girls come in with jaw dropping conditioning, that’s what you’ll see the judges lean towards. It’s really difficult sometimes and everyone dials in differently so it can be a guessing game at times. However, if you’re stepping on stage for the second or third time and continually are bringing a better package then the judges should take notice. But, at the same time, if it’s your first time stepping on stage and your conditioning and body is on point, they should not be able to deny that and give it to someone else simply because it’s there 4th-5th time stepping on stage.
6) For the next shows what do you think you need to work on physique-wise/conditioning-wise? If anything!
There is ALWAYS room to improve and grow. One of my biggest focuses is going to be my quad sweep. Not only is that one of my weaker points, but it helps visually with the “X” shape needed in the figure division. I think my legs have great size but it’s hard to see because I do lack somewhat of a sweep!
7) What is your typical training routine in the gym (per day, include sets and reps!) How much cardio do you do before a show?
It really depends. I never repeat a workout for two reasons; 1) it would get repetitive and boring 2)it’s important to keep your body guessing and pushing it in different ways to prevent from plateauing.
However, no matter what body part I’m training I try to aim for at least 21 sets. Lately my routine consists of lower volume, heavier weights and lots of drop sets! My rep range is anywhere from 6-12 for most exercises, and shoulders I’ve been doing a lot of sets until failure. I currently train shoulders and back 2x a week, abs 5x, legs chest, and arms once.
8) What is your pre-contest diet? (per day, 1 week before the show)
For my last show (Miami Nationals), I was counting macros. I try to stay pretty simple and keep to chicken/turkey/fish. Right before the show my macros were down to about 150 grams of Protein, 50 carbs, and 45g fat per day (around 1200 cals).
9) How do you go about dropping your water before the day of the show? How much water do you drink the day of the show. Please be specific.
I have tried multiple avenues as far as dropping water goes. However, the best results I have gotten do not involve any water loading the week prior. Rather, I drink my normal water intake until 5pm the night before. Then show day I just sip on as needed throughout the day.
10) What motivates you to train/diet and compete? Are there any competitors you looked up to?
I do it for myself. I enjoy the process and results and feel that competing makes me a stronger person overall. I definitely look up to Nicole Wilkins and Swann Delarosa. There are definitely other girls I would love to step on stage next to one day, but these two ladies just stand out to me and I admire their work ethic and image.
11) Please tell us an interesting experience you had at a show recently, be it a fun thing or something rather not so fun?
I love competing at south Florida shows because of the back stage crew. At my second show this year I remember it being so incredibly hot on stage and we all know that sweat and tan do not go together. I remember one of the backstage crew members trying to troubleshoot a fan for us and another was waving his clipboard and papers to fan all of the girls down! It’s little things like that when you’re backstage all alone trying to fight the anxiety that really just help you relax and laugh a little.
12) What is your personal opinion about the figure, fitness, bodybuilding industry we are in? Anything you would like to see changed?
I am still fairly new to this industry to have created any strong opinions. I have witnessed some politics, but that is life in general!
13) What has been your hardest challenge to overcome either in your personal life or competing career?
A lot of people misunderstand me. I hear the phrase “you’re missing out” more times than I can recall. However I have never looked at it that way. Yes, competing can be a lonely road sometimes, but if you are truly happy with yourself it’s not hard at all. I have found my passion and want to pursue it whether I have a hundred people by my side or just myself.
14) Did you make any changes to your contest prep for your last show? Water intake, carbing up, etc...
I didn’t carb up until the day before the show which was a little different (later than usual). Also, my water intake wasn’t manipulated like it had been in the past. However it worked out for the best because I looked far better stepping on stage at Nationals than I ever could have imagined.
15) What do you think of bikini division?
I like the bikini division but personally I don’t see how the judges can make a decision! The girls all look amazing and there is such a fine line on where and what kind of muscle they want the girls to have!
16) What are your favorite foods to eat right after you compete on a Saturday night?
A juicy burger and a donut!
17) Please tell us about how you were raised and did you have any interesting experiences while growing up?
I was brought up in a very close knit family. I have two amazing sisters that always supported me growing up and we always challenged and pushed each other. I was raised to always give 110% of your best whether it was in school, sports, or work. I was also taught to be considerate, humble and grateful not only for what I have but for the opportunities and doors that open.
18) Do you have an athletic background? Gymnastics, soccer, volleyball or what?
I began competing in gymnastics at the age of 3. Eventually that turned into competitive and school cheerleading. I did play other sports along the way such as volleyball, track, and softball, but I had an extreme passion for cheerleading. Nothing was more exciting and physically challenging than tumbling and being thrown into the air! I ended up cheering competitively for 17 years, and went to Stephen F Austin State University where I cheered in college and won 2 National Titles. I think cheering shaped me a lot as a competitor and has allowed me to view other competitors not as my competition, but as teammates. We are all stepping on stage for the same reason and I wish nothing more than for each girl to bring her best. It makes for a more fun show!
19) What is a typical day in the life of Ashley Godfrey? From waking up to until going to bed?
Currently I have been doing my workouts in the morning. I aim to go for a run at least 3 times a week now that I’m in my progression season. After I workout I typically have to go into work. On my days off however I spend most of my free time with my sister, niece and nephew. Every day is different but I tend to keep a very busy schedule as I haven’t ever really known anything different! I’m always on the go doing something and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
20) What is your current occupation? Please tell us more about it, what do you specifically do in your job?
I am currently working three jobs and finishing school this coming spring. I have two different serving jobs where I wait tables, and my third job consists of online training. Serving is pretty self explanatory, but with my online training I offer a few different things to my clients. I have several lifestyle clients who I help with diets and write training plans for, I also coach two athletes who are looking to pursue fitness competitions! I love training the most because it is so rewarding. It takes up a lot of my free time but nothing makes me happier knowing that I’m helping someone become a better version of themselves.
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