FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Kaitlin Martindale, native Virginian, local Army Spouse, and National Academy for Sports Medicine -Certified Personal Trainer, isn’t only flexing at the Box Fitness Gym– this bodybuilder is making national championship strides.
Martindale placed first in the Novice Figure B Competition of the National Physique Committee’s (NPC) national championship on Sept. 7 in Fresno, California. The NPC is the premier armature physique organization in the world.
“It’s like a beauty contest with muscles and heels,” Martindale, who is proud of her accomplishments, said.
She also said she had to step out of her comfort zone to compete and wasn’t expecting to do so well her first time out.
“I felt glamorous getting ready. I had multiple people fixing my hair and doing makeup. The sparkly bikinis and spray tans were a bit much,” the self-proclaimed tomboy said.
Martindale, who said she’s tough but also cried when she got her ears pierced, played lacrosse in college. She has always been and athlete and said being competitive comes naturally to her. Martindale explained that her division was judged on the symmetry and development of your muscles and this particular competition focuses on your figure, back, lateral area, hamstrings and legs. But Martindale said there is a “girly” flare to the competition that wasn’t easy.
“I used this competition as a guide to see the process and identify what I need to work on,” she said.
Martindale eats every 2-3 hours and works out 3-4 times a day. She says her relationship with food and exercise made this competition easier.
“Being physically fit isn’t all just working out. It’s 80% diet and 20% working out,” she said.
Martindale views all of her meals as “fuel,” and will indulge only occasionally. She explained for a competition like this, she doesn’t count cardio as a “real work out.” She attests that cardio and strength training or bodybuilding are what makes the difference. But had to add cardio to her daily routine to achieve her ultimate body fat percentage goals.
“I have 15 percent body fat, but that’s mostly because I have my mom’s butt,” Kaitlin said as she grabbed the side of her glutes.
“Learning how to walk and pose was one of the hardest parts of preparation, because learning the walking techniques is so hands on,” Martindale said. Martindale, who primarily worked with her trainer online, said she had to schedule time to meet her trainer, Maj. Sean Calder, in person.
“Posing is one of the biggest factors in the competition,” she said. “You have to swing your hips, flex your muscles and have a presence about you. And, I’m NOT the most feminine girl. But when you walk across the stage, you have to be feminine, all while in high heels and a bikini.”
This competition was extremely challenging, on the day of for Martindale, since her support group, husband, trainer, and friends were back home supporting the rotation while she was walking across the stage. Fortunately, she said the other trainers and competitors were extremely supportive and helpful.
“Competing has made me a better athlete,” she said. “I see more progress than before. I’ve always had abs (stomach/abdominal muscles) but now they are really popping.”
Kaitlin’s next competition will be in October and she believes regular competition forces you to review your workout and be a better athlete.