PFB: Chaundra, That is not a common name, What is the origin of your name?

CT: Although I am Italian, the name is actually Indian. It was ChAndra originally, but my mom didn't like the long a sound, so she added the U and made it ChAUndra.


PFB: Are you married?

CT: Yes. I have been married for almost 4 years.


PFB: Tell us, how did you become involved in the sport of Fitness? How old were you?

CT: I was overweight for some time and wanted to make a change in my body and in my life. When I first training regularly, I was 162pounds. I did my first bodybuilding show 6 months later and weighed in at 108pounds.


PFB: What was the name of the first show you participated? How was that experience?

CT: After realizing that as a natural competitor I could go much further with Fitness competitions, I decided to try it at the NPC Northern Colorado in 2000. I won the entire show! It was an amazing experience. I had no expectations whatsoever, all I knew was that I was in the best shape I had ever been in and I did everything right to prepare for the show. I remember telling one of the other girls before we went on stage that all I cared about was doing my best. As they placed each of us, I remember being shocked everytime I didn't hear my name. When they got to the TOP 5, I was ecstatic- when they announced me as the Champion, it literally changed my life.


PFB: How did you learn more about fitness as you were going along, did somebody take you under their wing, or did you ask questions, what did you do?

CT: For Fitness, I had a lot of support from all my friends and family, and good workout partners, but at that time, I did most everything myself. My bodybuilding trainers, Mike and Nancy Hunter helped a lot, but didn't know much about Fitness since it was so new. Shortly before the competition, I met Dave Fujii, who is my current trainer. He helped me with final preparation, and has been training me ever since!


PFB: Who choreographs your routines?

CT: Troy Burrell of Motion Underground in Boulder Colorado. We knew each other in college and although he is a dancer and choreographer, he had never worked with Fitness competitors before. My wins have been a great victory for him too.


PFB: When did you get your pro card? How did you feel it about it?

CT: I earned my Pro Card at the first National Figure Championships (Team Universe) in New York 2001. I was competing with a few friends who were a little more experienced than I, so I really had no idea that I could win. I would have taken 2nd or 3rd to either of them any day, but I was absolutely shocked and ecstatically happy! Sometimes I still can't believe I have come this far.


PFB: Let me ask you, whenever you started fitness, what did your family think of it?

CT: My husband was extremely supportive and so was my mom. My dad had a hard time at first with his daughter getting in front of people in a skimpy suit, but he came to my show and is now very proud of me.


PFB: I see that you have worked hard since past 5 years, your body transformed a lot since 1997, lose weight was a motivation for you, what else motivated you?

CT: Inspiring others. I love helping others reach their goals, and I feel that I need to be a role model.

PFB: Sure that you are, your constant work took you where you are now.

PFB: What goals did you set up since you started the life style of fitness?

CT: To earn my Pro Card, and now that I have done that, I hope to qualify for the Olympia this year.


PFB: It¹s clear Fitness is a healthy life style, it is a sport too, there are many definitions about fitness, what is Fitness for you? Why should the people practice fitness?

CT: Personally to stay in shape year round. It's hard to add muscle and remain lean at the same time. After everything I have accomplished, I don't like to hear excuses. Working out should be a part of daily life, not an option. It's good for your bones, your muscles, your body, your brain, your metabolism, your heart and just about everything else!


PFB: What are people reaction are on your body?

CT: I get a lot of compliments, and I shock a lot of people when I show them my before and after pictures. I am honored when other competitors and even just people at my gym tell me that I have inspired them.

PFB: Cool!

PFB: I saw you won the 2001 National Figure competition in your category . why did you switch to figure? Isn¹t that like other category of bodybuilding?

CT: Actually Figure is the exact same judging criteria as the two physique round of Fitness. The reason I entered both in New York is because in the past I scored higher in the physique rounds than in the routine round. My trainer thought I would do great in both- he was right, I placed 3rd in Fitness with only 1-point separating me and the 2nd place girl; and I won the Figure class!


PFB: As far as becoming a fitness professional, you've probably had to have some sacrifices right?

CT: Chocolate. No really, it is hard on those around me at times, but really I feel so fulfilled that I don't see it as a sacrifice.


PFB: Do you have social life?

CT: Sure, at the gym. My husband, Brian, and I go to movies with our friends a lot too. We sometimes have to argue at the theater so they let me take my cooler in though! Also, my 5-year old niece keeps me going- she make me laugh and makes sure I don't cheat on my diet. She often comes in the basement to do abs and cardio with me!


PFB: Finally, if someone wants you to personal train them, do they call the gym first or what do they need to do?

CT: They can reach me though my website www.articulatebodies.com or they may email or call me at Greenwood Athletic Club, which is [email protected] 303-770-2582.



PFB: Thank you very much Chaundra, It's been a pleasure to know your experience. Hope many people can find their own.

CT: Thank you- I look forward to adding to my site and keeping the fans happy!

Other info of Chaundra

Favorite color: RED

Favorite movie: Cinema Paradiso (It's an Italian foreign film)

Favorite food: Garlic Bread

Favorite Fitness or bodybuilder Athlete: Cory Everson for bodybuilding and Adela Friedmansky-Garcia for Fitness

Personal web page: www.articulatebodies.com

e-mail: [email protected]

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