Name: Shellie Harshberger

Hometown: South Bend, Indiana

Personal Information:
I am a 35 year old college student who is just finishing up her college experience. I will be teaching high school science (biology and chemistry) in the fall. I am happily married to my best friend and training partner. I am very fortunate that we both enjoy working out and following a healthy lifestyle.

What are your greatest fitness accomplishments so far?
When I first became interested in competing, I was interested because of superficial reasons. I wanted to have time in the spotlight on stage and I wanted to acquire an enviable physique. However, I have found that my greatest fitness accomplishments have been so different from what I expected. I find that being fit has changed my whole attitude. Instead of "I can't" being something that I say, I have a real "bring it on" attitude; like I can take on the whole world. I often am pleasantly surprised when I pick up what used to be a heavy item and I nearly throw it across the room because it is not as heavy as I remembered. My husband
notes that I walk and talk with an air of confidence that I never previously had. But, most importantly, my greatest fitness accomplishment is just learning to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Are you involved in any fitness sports, if so, what and when did you start in your sport?

I compete in figure competitions. My first competition was in November 2005. I have only competed in 2 competitions so far. At the level that I am at, I use the competitions as a way to stay on track and determine where I am with my physique and where I need to be. I am very small-boned, while also being tall with a fast metabolism. Due to those conditions, I have a very difficult time building the muscle necessary to make me competitive with the other women in my height division. However, I am very tenacious and continue to strive to acquire the physique necessary to be true competition for the best competitors.

Awards/Titles
In my first competition, there were 19 women just in my height class. I place 10th overall. I was very pleased with the outcome since I was very tiny and lacked the experience of the other competitors.

In my second competition, I took 4th place. To be honest, while my physique had improved and I had gained more mass, I did not feel as confident on stage and I know that reflected in my stage presence.

I am competing in about 3 weeks and hope to have more confidence, better posing and presence, and more muscle mass.

What do you enjoy most about fitness?

Being fit makes me feel powerful. I feel like there is nothing that I cannot do. I approach every challenge in life with more confidence and strength. Overall, being a part of the figure world has empowered me in every life circumstance.

What are your fitness goals?
I have a lot of fitness goals. Probably first and foremost, is to be a fit and healthy role model to my students as a high school teacher. Statistics show that more adolescents are obese today than ever before and I want to be the person who models that it doesn't have to be that way. I would like to continue competing in figure competitions and acquire a physique that would be regularly featured in magazines such as Oxygen. I would also like to gain my pro card and compete on a professional level.

Lastly, I would like to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle so that my husband and I have a long, healthy life together.

What motivates you to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Ah, motivation is such a funny thing; it almost has a mind of its own. I won't lie, there are times when I dread my workout, yet, somehow I push myself to do it. Why?? That is a multifaceted answer. In the short-term, it is as simple as the enjoyment of meeting or exceeding my own expectations. I love that I am in charge of my physique and how it develops. I love that I am strong and that I have 6-pack abs. I love that when I look in the mirror I see the fruits of my labor. However, it is truly the long-term goals that keep me going. I want to be a role model for my students and other women my age. I want them to look at me and say, "If she can do it, I can do it." One element that motivates me above all others is that I want to live life to its fullest. I want to savor it and enjoy it. To me, living life to its fullest is being healthy and active; having the energy to do whatever it is that I want to do. It is when I live life to its fullest that I am the best me possible and that is the person that I want my husband to spend the rest of his life with.

Would you like to thank anyone?

I would like to thank my husband for his unconditional support. From the moment that I shared with him my desire to compete, he has supported me every step of the way. He has never faltered in his commitment to support me. Sometimes, it is his support that motivates me to be the best that I can be. If he can support me 100%, than I should be giving 150%! "Thank you sweetheart for being my biggest fan!"

Your Website:
I don't have a website yet, but I will in the future.

Your Email:
I can be reached at: shelrvt@michianawireless.com

Your Sponsors:
I would love sponsors. Please contact me if you are interested in sponsoring me.

Any other comments or anything else you would like to share?
Being a part of the fitness industry has made me feel like I belong to an organization comprised of amazing and inspirational people. I feel very blessed to have found such a group and hope to one day become an inspiration to others.