Fall In Love With the Gym

Q & A with NQ Bikini Competitor, Licensed Therapist, Coach and On Repeat Sports Brand Ambassador: Michelle Edwards

ORS: When and why did you start lifting? When do you feel like you became a serious lifter?

Michelle: I first started lifting weights in high school, while I was part of the varsity softball team. I also had to be in a weight lifting class, when I played college softball at Chapman University. I didn’t seriously get into lifting weights until I started studying to be a personal trainer in 2017 and listening to the Mind Pump podcast .

ORS: What time of day do you train and why?

Michelle: I used to train between 5 and 5:30 a.m., but now I do whenever I can get it in. My schedule is chaotic, so I don’t typically schedule rest days. I work out when I can and rest when I can’t.

ORS: What do you listen to on repeat at the gym to get you into beast mode?

Michelle: Cutthroat by Imagine Dragons.

ORS: Do you have a favorite exercise?

Michelle: Pull-ups.

ORS: What is your main fitness goal for the coming year?

Michelle: To build as much muscle as possible while staying lean.

ORS: Do you write down your goals?

Michelle: Yes. Beginning of the year and monthly, and then whenever I need a reminder!

ORS: What has led to the biggest improvements in your training or physique?

Michelle: Hiring a good coach/nutritionist.

ORS: Who inspires you in the gym? Do you have a hero?

Michelle: The top Olympians! No specific hero. Honestly, I am constantly inspired by anyone who busts their butt to step on stage and compete. Every time I see a competition, even if I know no one, I walk away feeling so proud of all the competitors and so excited to step on stage again.

ORS: What is most overlooked when it comes to getting the results you want in the gym?

Michelle: Focusing on the feel of the muscles that you’re actually trying to work. As opposed to just lifting heavy weight or trying to just get a good sweat.

ORS: What advice would you give someone new to the gym?

Michelle: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or find friends to workout with. People that work out at the gym are often the least judgmental people out there. We want to see you keep coming back, because we know the gym can be intimidating and consistency is so important. In reality, we just want to see others fall in love with the gym like we have.