(This is a profile featuring competitors in this Saturday’s Guam International Fitness Championships at the Leo Palace)

Name: Ariel Johnson

Age: 24

Competing in what category: Figure/Fitness

General Background: I was born in Guam, raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Dental Assistant (USAF), I married my high school sweetheart Tommy, we have no kids but have two awesome dogs! My hobbies are doing anything active outside from hiking, swimming, beach volleyball etc.

How did you first hear about the Championships and what motivated you to compete?: Friends of mine have competed here in the past and I’ve always wanted to give it a shot, but never had the drive. Proving to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to was what motivated me to compete this year, and what keeps me going.

Do you have experience? When? What contest(s)? None.

How long have you been training?: 4 years

What’s your training regimen/strategy?: Weight training six times a week, cardio four times a week

Top 5 must do exercises?: Squats, lat pull down, single arm rows, pull ups, side lateral raises

What does your daily diet look like?: I eat five to six small meals a day.

Supplements: Quest (chocolate) protein, Casein protein (before bed), BCAA’s, multi-vitamins.

Proteins: Chicken breasts, tuna, salmon, various lean red meats

Carbs: Oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice

Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans

Fruit: Green apples, grapefruit

Highlights and struggles during contest prep?: The biggest highlight during prep is seeing my body transform and the progress I’m making each day. The main struggle is your body and mind getting tired but the important thing is staying FOCUSED and keeping a positive mindset.

Favorite song to listen to during training and/or cardio session?: Eminem “Till I Collapse”

Tip of the day or favorite motivational quote you would like to share?: Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. -Lou Holtz

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Fitness competitor Ariel Johnson does pull ups as she winds down her training this week. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

It’s all about the lat pulls for fitness competitor Ariel Johnson. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Fitness competitor Ariel Johnson performs tricep dips as she winds down her training this week. (photo by Richard Camacho IV)