Bodybuilding Weekly: Leyla Yurchick - From Football to Figure to NPC Bikini

Leyla Yurchick - From Football to Figure to NPC Bikini
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Hardbodies News on 16 February, 2009 11:22:00
 
February 17, 2009
Leyla Yurchick has enjoyed a diverse athletic background. One of her most
outstanding accomplishments has to be the transformation she has achieved from a
175 lb. professional women’s football player to a figure contestant. In 2009
she will take that transformation one step farther. In 2009, Leyla will take
center stage at Veterans Memorial in the new NPC Amateur Bikini competition.
Leyla’s 3 year career as a National Women’s Football Association
professional team player included one year as a Strong Safety for the Pittsburg
Passion and a two year stint as an Outside Linebacker for the Columbus Comets.
As a figure competitor she competed at about 131 lbs. in the 5ft. 8″ class.
“I competed in 2007 and 2008 in the Arnold Amateur Figure Competition. At the
end of last year’s show I was backstage at Veterans Memorial and I felt
frustrated, as though I wasn’t going anywhere with this. I saw Mike Davies and
I’d known him for years. I told him I thought I needed something new.”
“Mike suggested I try training with him. Take a new approach. Previously I
had strength trained and really put on a lot of muscle. I decided that evening I
would begin with Mike and the Fitness Factory. Now instead of putting on muscle,
I am working more on shaping with higher reps and lighter weights.”
“Mike has altered my training style dramatically. I am at the gym ever day at
5:15 in the afternoon and I also complete two Boot Camps a week. Today I can say
I have lost a lot of body fat and have much more energy at 131 lbs. of lean
muscle.”
“As a youngster I played softball, volleyball, and danced from the ages of 2
to 18 years in tap, jazz, ballet, and point. I always loved sports and my
mother’s very positive message to my sister and I was You Can Be Whatever You
Want to Be! I guess I took that to heart.”
“As I began training with Mike the routine was awfully hard. The intensity is
much higher. At first I resisted Mike with questions like, why are you having me
lift such light weights? I’m able to lift so much more! He told me to stick
with him. Mike took me through my first shoulder work-out and I almost threw up.
I knew then this was not going to be as easy as it looked. Mike has totally
transformed my body-type. My legs, glutes, and ham strings have changed
completely. I have much more shape. Today I would say my shoulders and legs are
my favorite body parts.”
“Right off the bat Mike had me change my diet. Before I was eating lean meats
and carbs. He made me realize I needed many more vegetables, some good fruits,
different carbs and fish. Now every few weeks he changes my diet again.”
“Professionally, I am very busy. I have a Master’s degree in Speech and
Language Pathology and as Regional Manager for Enduracare. I supervise the
services of Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Physical Therapists.
I am also a certified personal trainer and massage therapist. I have to travel
often. In order to stay on my meal plan I eat on a definite schedule and prepare
my food for the week every Sunday.”
“My biggest struggle is I do not like water. My goal is to consume 1 ½
gallons to 2 gallons every day. I’m fortunate because my training has become a
lifestyle. Mike has a way of keeping you on track and accountable even when you
are on the road. He monitors and helps me be certain I’m not far off the
mark.”
“Professionally, I feel now that I am more motivated. I have more energy and
manage my time well. My job is stressful and the training relieves that and
keeps me on a consistent schedule.”
“My contest preparation and time in the gym has become my hobby. It’s my
time for me, away from the Blackberry. It’s relaxing.”
“Several years ago I did the EAS Body For Life Challenge and made it within
the top ten finalists within the U.S. Initially I just hoped to loose weight.
I’d moved to Columbus from Pittsburg and I didn’t really know anyone. The
competition became a tool to get me off the couch and set some personal
goals.”
“In 2007 I competed in the Arnold Amateur Figure and placed 10th out of a
class of 25 competitors. I was happy with that then yet after 2008 I was
thinking about going in a new direction. Mike mentioned that the NPC would be
adding a new Amateur Bikini division. This past November I agreed to try it.”
“In preparation for the 2009 Amateur Bikini a few things will be adjusted. I
start a new diet now at 8 weeks out and my training will be adjusted as well.
Likely more cardio.”
“I am a naturally curvier athlete, more so than most figure athletes. I have
“Baby Bearing” hips and am naturally fuller than most figure contestants. I
am excited to try this new competition. I think it will give a new level of
competitors the opportunity to showcase a figure that is obtainable year-round
without an extreme level of training.”
“I get very positive reactions from friends. My former football team members
are supportive and through my training with Mike, I have many new friends. My
family will travel to the Arnold from Leechburg, Pennsylvania to support me in
this new event. My sister played in the same professional football league. We
actually competed against each other at one time.”
“I often rely upon a favorite quote to stay motivated. I don’t know who
said it. The message is – To uncover your true potential you must first find
your own limits and blow past them.”
Source:  Arnold Sports Festival