FigureRX Magazine
September 2007

Alright, we know what you are thinking …. Why would a magazine that claims to be covering anything and everything related to figure and fitness decide to feature a bodybuilder? The answer is actually pretty simple. Female physique sports are all related, and at FigureRX we believe the goals on stage are the same regardless of division: symmetry, beauty, mass, classic lines, long muscle bellies, small joints, style and presence, all the indicators of a physique champion.

We’re also intrigued by that blurry line that often exists between figure and bodybuilding, and the back and forth that we see at the national amateur level. We know what looks good but we aren’t always sure if what’s good fits within bodybuilding, figure, or somewhere in-between. South Carolina’s Stacy Cox has all of the tools to compete at the top levels of both sports nationally, but has decided to hit the stage as a bodybuilder in 2008. She has the kind of look that we plan to support when we launch our sister site BodybuildingRX, so we decided to feature Stacy as our first 2008 “impact athlete,” and ask a few questions to get to know her better before *everyone* learns about her next year.

Please tell us about how you were raised and did you have any interesting experiences while growing up?

I was raised on a farm, doing all the typical country girl kinds of things…..from hunting to playing baseball on Sunday afternoons in the field in front of our house. I come from a very close knit family. I am an only child, but grew up with cousins who were like brothers to me.

You have been training for how long and why did you start?

I started weight lifting about two and a half years ago, and training for competition in the spring of 2005. At first I didn’t take it seriously, but then I attended an NPC show as a spectator and thought to myself, “Hey I could do this!” My boyfriend at the time, now my husband, showed me the tricks of the trade and I was surprised at my strength levels and found myself able to put on muscle quickly. I always loved the look of bodybuilding, but never thought I could put the mass on like I have. That is why I started with Figure.

What is your athletic background? Are there any notable achievements that you would like to relay?

Before lifting weights in 2005, I had not been very athletic. I know most competitors usually recite their history of being a star athlete in some sport, but I was never into sports. I was your typical choir nerd, traveling around and singing. And, might I add, I weighed 100 pounds soaking wet!

What is your academic and professional background? What is your current occupation and how long have you been doing it?
I graduated from Francis Marion University (here in Florence) in 2002, with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. I love science and anything having to do with science. I currently work as a Quality Assurance Manager. In the future, I would like to be able to help other aspiring competitors with diets, posing or training.

What is a typical day like for you, when do you usually train and how often? How much cardio do you do before a show?
My typical day starts at 5:20am when the alarm goes off. Of course a non-morning person like myself has to hit the snooze a couple of times until my husband nudges me in the back, shoving me off the side of the bed! Cardio is my awakening for 45 minutes then off to work. I train after getting off work for usually an hour or an hour and a half at the most. More cardio after my lifting session, then home to cook. When getting ready for a show, I do an hour in the morning and an hour at night. I train year-round 5 times a week, sometimes 6 depending on my energy levels and time available.

Where do you work out and who do you work out with?

I lift with my husband at a Health and Fitness Center here in Florence. It is usually him, one more male bodybuilder and myself. So you can guess that there is no whining or griping. They totally make me lift like a dude!

Stacy competing at the 2007 NPC Palmetto Cup

What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? What’s behind your decision to go with bodybuilding and not figure?

Although I love figure and have enjoyed all my wins, I do believe that my heart resides with bodybuilding. There is nothing like going out on stage barefoot for your very own time of fame backed by your own music. You get to show off all of your hard work – the muscle separation, the leanness, and the muscle hardness … all things that are very limited to show off in the sport of figure. I do take pride in the fact that I can get hard and I have the femininity that I think that there needs to be more of on stage. After much consideration and consultation, I realized that I didn’t have much further to go with figure. Yeah, I could compete nationally but to be able to add muscle mass and get more separation - those are things that can be frowned upon in the figure world. I knew at that point of decision, it was time to just chalk it up, sell the one-piece suit and switch over!

I do like to lift hard and heavy- and I love to get sore! If you don’t get sore, then what are ya doin’? I utterly despise cardio. The only think that keeps me going on any piece of cardio equipment is my Techno music and the thought that these pounds will shed away over time.

Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Is there anyone in particular who you would like to thank?
Chip, my husband, and I have always written diets and workouts for ourselves with a little help from fellow NPC friends along the way. I recently had the help of IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Johnny Stewart for the shows this year. I have since begun working with him more and he is here to help me get ready for the year of 2008. I do thank Chip for all he has done for me- especially putting up with me when I diet, which is not a pretty picture. And Johnny as well, as I have learned so much from him.

What is your favorite thing about training or competing? What is your least favorite thing about competing?

I love the rush of getting on stage. You always hate the dieting, the cardio, the tiredness, the low energy and the feeling that if you eat one more chicken breast you will vomit…..but when you get on stage, that’s when it hits you that this is what it is all about! I love meeting people in the industry and getting tips from them. My least favorite part of competing would be the days after when you put on like 20 pounds of water weight. I still can’t get it through my head that I should not be shoving everything I can find in my mouth the week after because, duh, I swell up! And then the long-desired abs are gone….

What are your upcoming plans to compete? How will you determine when and where you will be making your national debut?

I will compete in the South Carolina State NPC show next summer. This will start me off for the year. Next I plan to compete at Junior USA’s in Charleston on May 17th - my first national show! I also plan to compete nationally one or two more times next year. I am super excited about next year and hope I do well!!

What are your areas of focus and how do you plan to get there, prior to your national debut?

I am focusing on my bodybuilding future. I hope that through this winter/fall of my bulking diet, I will put on the muscle that I need to attain to make an impression on the national stage. I just hope that I can continue to compete nationally, meaning that I can financially afford it.

What are some of your skills and hobbies? You mentioned an interest in southern books, does that mean gothic novels or are you a history buff?

I love to shop! I have been decorating our house and getting it all together, so that has been so much fun! I love Southern books like Southern Romance Novels that take place in the South. I haven’t had as much time lately to spend on reading as I would like. I can find time for a fitness/bodybuilding magazine here and there.

What makes you crazy – any pet peeves?

Oh, the usual. Crazy drivers, smacking, not loading your plates back on the rack when you are done!!! The more in depth my dieting gets, the more likely I am to get aggravated with little things! My poor husband!!

What are your future goals in sports, in your job and in your life?

I want to compete nationally as long as I can. My goal is to become an IFBB Pro. I will compete until I have had my fill and I am ready to have children. Then I will have all my time focused on having a family. In my job, I just want to be happy and fulfilled. If I can have a fulfilled life with a loving family and successful career, then I have done everything right.

What’s your general philosophy in life? How does training help you in your daily life?

You gotta live it! And when you lose, don’t lose the lesson. That is my latest motto. I always try to learn something after a show. Training helps me in my determination in life and my dedication. I can say that I think I am a more dedicated person since starting my fitness career.

What are your favorite supplements, if any?

I LOVE BSN’s Mochacchino shakes! They are the greatest I have found out there. The cookies and cream shakes are also such a treat! I also love True Protein, they are such great people and the ordering time is so prompt!

Any corporate affiliations?

I am sponsored by Xtreme Nutrition and Fitness in Lexington, SC (WWW.xtremefitness-sc.com) and American Physiques. Greg at Xtreme has been very good to me and I hope to keep him in my corner for a long time.

Is there anything else that you would like for people to know about you?

I am just a normal girl who loves Rock music, has a little Punk side to her, changes hair colors frequently and loves to lift weights. I am very grateful and proud of all the accomplishments that I have made over the past two years. It has been hard, but the ride has been fun! I just can’t wait for 2008 - the year of Nationals!! Look for me on the National stage!

Thanks Stacy!!
Photographer credits: Boomer, Patrick Collard, Dan Ray

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