It wasn't long ago when we met up with Kelli Barnes for the first time. Kelli has only been competing for 3 short years and has already vaulted herself into a nationaly ranked NPC competitor and has one of the fastest growing Myspace sites on the internet.

After talking with Kelli for only a short time I knew right away Kelli isn't just another pretty face with a body that most women would give their right arm for. Kelli is hardcore through and through when is comes to working out. Not because she says so, because we at OSXFitness.com say so. Kelli's drive, determination and love of the sport make her a favorite here at OSXFitness.com.

Kelli also sports some awsome ink and rides a bitchin Harley Davidson Road King. In fact, Kelli took pictures of her bike for OSXFitness.com just moments after she picked up her bike from the shop. Custom chrome and an awsoeme stitch job on the seat. We have the exlusive pictures to prove it.

Please sit back and welcome Kelli Barnes to OSXFitness.com.

TBM: Kelli, Thanks for taking the time to talk with us at OSXFitness.com

KB: Thanks for having me.

TBM: Congratulations for all the success you had in 2006. You have been competing for a very short time. What made you want to begin competing in contests?

KB: Thank you very much! I was struggling with my weight for several years.  I tried many diets and often lost weight, but since I was losing the weight incorrectly, I would always gain it back soon after I ended that diet.

TBM: You have been competing for 3 years in the NPC and in 2006 you placed in the top five in four out of five of the shows. Tells us how you did it.

KB: Well, I trained very hard.  I made significant improvements since my 2005 season.  I needed to lose muscularity in my upper body and lean out more in my lower body.  I did that and was rewarded for it. 

I am also very organized and prepared during my competitions. I have  my trainer there to help me as well as friends and family to help keep stress and worry to a minimum.

TBM: Did you work with a personal trainer and nutritionist when you were preparing for the contest?

KB: Yes! The most talented BodyByO.com and Charles Kidd from Kidds Sports Gym in Sacramento.

TBM: What motivates you to want to go to the gym every day?

KB: Well, I don't go EVERYDAY, but when I do go, I am motivated by trophies! (smile)

TBM: You had a very good year in 2006. Tell our readers what other competitions you competed in and where you placed last season.

KB: San Francisco Show 2005 3rd place

Sacramento Show 2005 7th place

Tournament of Champions 2006 5th place

San Francisco Show 2006 2nd place

Border States 2006 1st place

Sacramento Show 2006 8th place

Excalibur Figure 2006 2nd place

TBM: What is your workout schedule when preparing for a contest?

KB: Shoot, I workout for hours.  I do my regular weight training routine, then a few hours of cardio to ensure that I am lean enough.


TBM: How important is nutrition to you?

KB: Wow, nutrition is the key.  Honestly, I could probably get by without training so hard, but diet; diet is the key to a perfect transformation.


TBM: How many meals a day do you eat a day?

KB: Six. Seven if I'm up later than normal.


TBM: How about giving our readers an idea of what you eat on any given day let’s say 4 weeks out from a contest?

KB: Lol, Tilapia, asparagus, oatmeal.  That's about it.


TBM: Do you have plans to compete in 2007? If so when and where?

KB: I am still deciding if I will compete at the National Level this year.  I am focusing a lot of my efforts on modeling.  I am trying really hard to create my portfolio.  In order to do this, I must travel to shoot with different quality photographers for a diverse book.  That takes time and money.  For sure I will hit the NPC stage in October through December.  I'll be starting with the San Francisco Show in Hayward and ending with the Excalibur in Los Angeles.


TBM: Kelli we love the ink. Tell us about what you have and why you got it.

KB: Okay. I have quite a few (smile).  It started with the design on my outer thigh.

.....Then came the collage of a butterfly and birds on my back.  I got those to represent my family.  My husbands last name and daughters names are represented there.

After having my daughter, I got the  floral design on my waist to cover a surgery scar. 

Lastly, I got the cherries on my rear shoulder.  They represent my Harley Road King.  Its Black Cherry Pearl with a Peanut Butter custom seat with cherries embroidered on it.  Its hott!....and it's my baby.  I HAD to represent for that!

No one ever asked me WHY I got my tattoos.  See, you caught an earful! Thanks for asking.

TBM: Do people ever get put off because of your ink? If they do, tell them to come talk to us at OSXFitness. We’ll take care of them for you. Wink…. wink

KB: Ahahahhahahaha! I'm sure they are.  I am sure I am judged by my tattoos, my look, and my bubbly personality.  I am an exhibitionist, sexy and confident.  I am also a lady, well spoken, and intelligent.  When I am given the opportunity to speak or express myself verbally, people quickly learn that.


TBM: OK now lets step back a little and let our readers learn a little bit more about you.

TBM: Where are you from?

KB: I was born in San Francisco and stayed there until the age of 9.


TBM: Where do you reside now?

KB: Sacramento, Ca.  It’s pretty slow here.  Not much industry, nightlife or athletes; but it’s a great place to raise my family.


TBM: Did you play sports in high school?

KB: None at all.  I think that’s why I’m into it so much now.


TBM: At what age did you decide that fitness and bodybuilding were for you, and how long after that did you begin to compete?

KB: I was 33 and decided in a day.  It took me a mere six months to prep for my first show.  When I set my mind to something, I freakin’ just do!


TBM: What was your first competition and where did you place?

KB: It was the San Francisco Show in Hayward, Ca.  I placed 3rd and brought home a trophy! Holla!

 

TBM: Every competitor has to experience some low points. What have been some of your disappointments since you have been competing?

KB: Well, I believe my shows have been judged fairly.  I am so competitive though.  I always want to win first place and I want a sword so bad; I dream about it.  Sometimes the attitudes backstage annoy me.  I love to get along with people ; but the dieting, competitive, and anxious chicks can get kinda catty at times.  Usually though, I have a great time and meet a lot of nice people.

 

TBM: What people in your life have been inspirational and supportive of your career?

KB: My husband is the best! He is my best friend and number one fan.  He encourages me to do my best and lets me do whatever I want to do within reason.  He is an awesome man maintaining a full time job, two businesses and ME! My daughters are very supportive as well.   They help me cook and keep the house in order while I am away working or working out. They are 20 and 16. Yes! I said 20 and 16! Lol.

 

TBM: What advice would you give someone wanting to compete for the first time?

KB: It’s so very important to be organized.  When you get backstage, you want to be able to zone out, and relax.  You don’t want to be back there stressing out and running around. Be ready.  It’s very important.

A big mistake a lot of women make is choosing the wrong suit cut for your body type. You worked hard to get your package ready.  Its important to wrap it properly in the best suit for your body type.  It should be custom; made just for you.

TBM: If you were given the opportunity change anything in female bodybuilding, fitness and figure, what would it be?

KB: I wish there were specific guidelines to shoot for regarding being judged.  The guidelines seem to be subjective.  I cannot complain though.

 

TBM: What do you think that this industry has to do to become more mainstream? Can it become more mainstream?

KB:I think the athletes/Competitors are the best spokespeople for the sport.  A lot of  people see us and want to be like us.  I see that the sport continues to grow year after year.  The industry could probably advertise a bit more in the Fitness and Bodybuilding Mags. 

I believe it can be a mainstream as men are getting a little more comfortable with chicks with muscles(smile).  No guy wants to get beat up by their girl. LOL.

TBM: Have you done any modeling work?

KB: Yes, I just got started early this year when I was approached by a recruiter.  I am the Team USA American Football Model liaison, I have and will be modeling for a few different clothing lines, I have been featured in several modeling/fitness sites, I have a monthly fitness column in the new urban mag called Straight Stuntin'.  I am going to be featured in a few more Fitness Mags in the near months to come. 

 

TBM: What do you like about modeling most?

KB: I love, love, love, the spotlight.  I love to be behind the camera and I love to be the center of attention.  I am an exhibitionist! I just love it-All of it!! I love to travel as well.

 

TBM: What is your favorite modeling job to date and who did you work with?

KB: I haven't had my favorite job yet.  It will be something like a Biker Chick Photo shoot for a Magazine Cover.  I will be dressed in a few ounces of leather, spikes and towering 20 inch heels....nah, but stilettos. LOL.


Kelli's custom Harley Davidson Road King

TBM: Where are we going to see you next?

KB: Hmm, I'm pretty sure I'll be out at the end of the year.  It will probably be San Francisco Show in October.  It may be sooner though.  I'll keep ya posted.

 

TBM: Kelli,
Here are our 10/60 questions.

Favorite movie
Players Club

Favorite movie star
Cindy Crawford

Favorite cheat food
Peanut Butter and Jelly on Buttermilk Bread

Favorite sport outside of the fitness and bodybuilding world
Bicycling

Favorite sports team
Don't do sports-at all. Don't watch'm-Don't Like'm

Favorite car
Mine-CLK Convertible

Beach or Mountains?
Most definitely the beach!

Motorcycle or Car?
Car-I'm not a real rider, just for leisure.

Pizza or Ice Cream?
Ummm.....Pizza!

If you could have one superpower for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Baddest Body till I die. Ha!

 

TBM: Thank You Kelli for your time.

Thanks so very much for having me.  I truly appreciate the support OSX!

TBM:How can our readers contact you?

KB: Kelli@KelliBarnes.com

http://www.KelliBarnes.com Contact Page

http://MySpace.com/MrsKelliBarnes