Like everybody at Muscle With Attitude, I'm always looking for athletic women to inspire and motivate me. We're lucky to have many of these women, including Oleysa Novik and Gina Aliotti, active on this site for us to learn from.

Another competitor I've always admired is Julie Lohre. I've followed her fitness and figure career since before she turned pro in 2004. You'll enjoy getting to know Julie and getting a dose of inspiration in the process.

Muscle With Attitude: Thank you so much for the interview, Julie. You have a lot to offer as a female who lifts weights, competes at the professional fitness level, and is a mother. Yet you manage to balance it all so well! Tell us a little bit about your background.

Julie Lohre: Thanks, Rachel. I'm excited to be a part of it! I was born and raised in the outskirts of Cincinnati, and fitness has been a way of life for me as long as I can remember. I began gymnastics at three years old and haven't stopped flipping since!

Being a bit of a tomboy throughout high school and college, when I wasn't in a game of pick-up football or soccer, I was competing in cheerleading and diving. I've enjoyed dabbling in many different types of sports from golf, to tennis, to rugby. Helping children and young adults meet their potential as a gymnastics and cheerleading director was a great pleasure for me throughout college.

After graduating college in 1997, I began a career at Procter & Gamble in consumer research. During this time I married my college sweetheart, Rick, and settled happily into married life. While my career was very intellectually challenging, it did little for my fitness level.

Eating fast food on the run or behind my computer became a way of life. Although my genetics and prior activity level kept me from becoming overweight, I began losing muscle and slowly falling into a mediocre body. Of course I made attempts to stay in shape by getting a gym membership, but something always kept me from following through.

Then something incredible happened to me that set the stage for my future competitive fitness career -- I got pregnant. Now typically, pregnancy isn't seen as a means by which to get into the best shape of your life, but for me, it was. I became determined that I'd have a natural childbirth and knew it would be much easier if I was in great physical shape.

I began eating well and working out four to five times a week, under my doctor's supervision. I walked regularly, did yoga, and lifted moderate weights. Well, it worked. On October 22, 2002 I gave birth to our son, Tre, after 18 hours of natural labor. Exhausted, but thrilled, I was ready to take on motherhood.

I began a fitness program as soon as I was released by my doctors and quickly returned to my pre-pregnancy weight. I was fortunate to be able to take time off from work to stay home with my son. It was at that time that I found out about fitness and figure.

I decided to compete in the upcoming 2003 NPC Northern Kentucky Figure and Bodybuilding competition. Five months to the day from my son's birth, I won my first overall figure title in a tough contest with over forty outstanding figure competitors.

MWA: Congratulations! Most women would call pregnancy the perfect excuse to eat as much as they want and not exercise. You're truly an inspiration to every woman, especially anyone pregnant or considering getting pregnant.

Since it was your first competition, what sticks out in your mind about the experience?

Lohre: My most memorable moment came when I took my son backstage to nurse him between rounds. Nothing could top the look on the other competitors' faces! They were actually proud of me, and to tell you the truth, I was very proud of myself. That was it, I was hooked.

MWA: What a great story! That's definitely a moment to remember. How's your career shaping up since your first win?

Lohre: Since then I've competed again and again, usually placing first, and often winning the overall at regional figure contests.

In early 2004, I decided to try my hand at fitness, where my passion really is. I competed at the 2004 NPC Pittsburgh and took the fitness overall at my first fitness contest. From there I went to Las Vegas for the NPC USA's and placed sixth in a class of 23, winning the routine round.

Then I headed to Dallas, Texas for the 2004 NPC Nationals. I not only won the routine round again, but won the best routine of the show and placed second in my class, winning an IFBB Pro Card. This was a dream come true for me. I've been competing professionally since then. This year I placed fourth at the IFBB Europa Super Show and second at the IFBB All Star Fitness Show.

MWA: As if that's not enough, what else keeps you busy these days?

Lohre: My website is off to a fantastic start. It's loaded with information on training, nutrition, and competing, along with tons of photos and video clips. I love the site design and have been having a lot of fun corresponding with my members. I've also started a personal training studio and have very big plans for the future!

I've been featured in numerous magazines including Flex, Muscle and Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, Ironman Magazine, and Oxygen. I also made the cover of the Oxygen Abs Collector's Edition! Look for me as a contributing author in fitness publications, too.

MWA: Your career really took off and to think it all started with getting pregnant. Now what about training: What do you recommend for a beginner female who's just starting to workout?

Lohre: Start slowly and seek help whenever you need it. Most women looking to get in great shape need to evaluate their eating habits first and develop a kick butt workout program second.

Both are important, but no amount of exercise will work without the proper nutrition. I have a lot of clients training via phone and e-mail that don't need or can't afford total hands-on personal training. They get my expertise in a manner that helps them achieve their goals and fits into their schedule and budget.

MWA: You hit the nail on the head with getting your eating habits in check. How did your training and nutrition change when you decided to compete in figure and fitness?

Lohre: It changed completely. I ate awful before that and coasted by on a good metabolism. Since becoming a certified personal trainer and having competed for a number of years, I now understand exactly what it takes to get in the best shape of your life!

MWA: Speaking of being a personal trainer, do you have a specific training philosophy that shapes your programs and training?

Lohre: Always keep your body guessing! Change up your workout frequently. But most importantly, make the time to get to the gym and take care of yourself.

MWA: Let's put down the weights for a moment. What do you usually recommend when it comes to nutrition for your female clients?

Lohre: Eat five, moderate sized meals a day with a heavy emphasis on quality protein sources, a moderate amount of healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. It also depends on their goals.

MWA: On a general level, what are the two top tips you'd give a female client who's looking to improve their fitness and obtain a lean, athletic look?

Lohre: First, cut out all fast food by eating at home as much as possible. Secondly, lift the heaviest weights you can safely handle.

MWA: Great advice, Julie. What are the most common mistakes you see women make in the gym?

Lohre: Doing too much cardio and relying heavily on very low calorie diets. They avoid putting on muscle, which will boost their metabolism and allow them to burn more calories all day. Each new pound of muscle you add burns an additional fifty calories! Just think about that. I do little cardio off-season and use it as a tool just before a contest to cut body fat below ten percent.

MWA: You're absolutely right. Every little bit helps! You always look great, what do your own workouts consist of? How many days a week do you usually workout?

Lohre: Well, thank you. Fitness has become a lifestyle for my family and we love to workout together. In the off-season, I lift weights four times a week and stay active outdoors anytime the weather permits (hiking, biking, swimming, etc.).

Pre-contest I become very regimented. I lift four to five days a week. I still use very heavy weights and perform either routine practice or cardio five times a week.

MWA: You moved up the ranks fast and became a professional competitor in a short period of time. What advice do you have for someone who wants to do their first figure or fitness competition? And for someone whose goal is to turn pro?

Lohre: I was surprised at how quickly I was able to move up, but I was extremely determined. I knew that I wanted to turn pro and spent every free moment learning about the sport and finding techniques that would make me better.

I highly recommend that first-time competitors seek the advice of someone who's been there before. Attend a show or two to see what it's all about. All of the competitors I've met are very open with advice and want to help each other. It's almost like a sisterhood. We've chosen a path that few follow and understand that everyone on stage is just like us. We all work hard and go through the same things in an effort to be in the best shape we possibly can.

MWA: A sisterhood; I like that. Can you let everyone know more about how to contact you?

Lohre: My e-mail address is julie@julielohre.com and my website is JulieLohre.com. I would be happy to answer any questions. On my site, I offer my Ultimate Posing Guide for Fitness & Figure DVD, Ultimate Abs DVD, and personal training and contest preparation.

MWA: I really appreciate all the time you've given us. Thanks again and best wishes in your career!

Lohre: Thanks so much!