Page 129 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2016

TRAINING AT IRON WORKS.
Taylor with business partner &
personal trainer Rashad Roper. EARNING PRO CARD. Winning overall championship at Nationals, 2014.
Taylor’s ambitions led her to obtain her personal training license and pursue a career in bodybuilding. “You begin as an amateur and have to qualify to reach a professional status,” she said. “In 2014, I earned my pro card by winning the overall bikini champion at a national competition in Chicago. In the same year I won my first pro show, qualifying me for the most prestigious stage in our sport: The Olympia.” Each year, The Olympia is hosted by the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) and hosts some of the sport’s highest ranking athletes.
Taylor was the first athlete from the state of Mississippi to qualify for and compete in The Olympia, and even went on to compete a second time earlier this year. “I recently finished 16th out of 42
of the best physiques in the world at the most recent Olympia last September in Las Vegas,” said Taylor.
She competes in the bikini muscular division and trains rigorously for her competitions. “Leading
up to The Olympia, my training was especially intense,” said Taylor. “ My typical training includes various elements of boxing, weight training and cardio throughout the day. These workouts focus on conditioning, agility and confidence.”
Meal prepping is another important aspect of Taylor’s training. “What you put into your body is so important,” she continued.
For Taylor, competing in The Olympia has been life-changing. “My platform in competing and representing the state of Mississippi has opened the
door for amateur competitions to come to the Coast,” she said.
She is a positive role model for aspiring body builders and hopes to continue to counsel and mentor new athletes through her nutrition and lifestyle coaching. “I counsel several amateur women bikini competitors, guiding them to follow in my footsteps so they can continue the cycle in our communities,” said Taylor. “Although the reward for my personal accomplishments is self-satisfying, the mentoring aspect is the most fulfilling.”
IRON TO GRID IRON. Taylor supporting son Cash, 7, at his football game.
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