NPC Kristal Martin is heading into her first bikini competition this weekend at the Arnold Amateur Bikini event. Check out what she has to say about the switch from Figure.

Name:
Kristal Martin
Reside:
Montclair, NJ
Number of NPC Shows & Results:
2006 East Coast Tournament of Champions, Washington DC – 2nd place tall division
2006 Bodyrock – 8th place tall division
What made you make the switch from figure to bikini?
I stopped competing back in 2006 – I knew that if I was ever going to compete on the National level I would have to put on A LOT more muscle, which is something I just wasn’t wanting or willing to do. It was a personal choice for me to stop competing in figure. When I found out that there is a new bikini division – I immediately jumped on the idea of competing again. I’ve always trained hard and dieted, but I want to take it to the next level and push myself harder – I love having a specific date/show I have to get ready for – SO motivating!
Some people think bikini has no place on the competition stage and is nothing more than a T & A show. What do you have to say about that?
I’d simply have to tell people to not generalize or stereotype the girls who compete in the bikini division. Are there some girls who present themselves poorly on stage and give bikini a bad name? Sure – that goes with any of the divisions. But there are a lot of really amazing women out there who are competing who obviously train hard and embody everything a healthy, beautiful and strong woman should be. Its really disheartening to hear all the girl-on-girl bashing sometimes. I think we should support one another, no matter the division we compete in. Up and coming bikini girls and also the current pros should carry themselves with grace and respect for themselves and others. Be a great ambassador for the bikini division and prove to all the “haters” out there that you DESERVE to be on that stage – that you’ve trained hard and you have the right attitude. The bikini division is a great platform for girls to compete – for girls who bust their ass in the gym, yet simply don’t have the muscle size that girls in other divisions may have. If it was just a T&A show I would have never considered competing in it. Bikini is so new – I think everyone is still trying to figure out what the expectations are and what the judges are looking for. I have faith that the NPC/IFBB will make positive progress in the bikini division in 2010 and it will continue to grow in popularity – promoting healthy, beautiful, conditioned women who inspire others.
You used to be a teacher, right? Kinda dispels the myth that all bikini competitors are dumb, eh?
Yes, I used to be a high school English teacher. I graduated from the University of South Florida back in 2004 with my B.A. in English Education. Although I loved teaching, I decided to pursue other interests and I am now a small business owner in New Jersey. I can assure you I’m no dummy – bikini or not, I’m an intelligent young woman with class. I’ll school anyone who thinks otherwise – bring it!
Why the Arnold Amateur contest?
Go big or go home! I wanted my first show to be the BIGGEST show – win or lose I know I’ll learn so much from the experience!
As a gym owner, what’s the biggest mistake you see women face when working out?
Its so frustrating to see women QUIT. They join the gym, bust their asses, but then they slowly fall off and stop coming. They’ll spend a weekend eating like crap, feel guilty, feel fat, and then just get stuck in a rut. They stop coming to workout and just continue on a downward spiral. If you mess up your diet – FINE! It happens sometimes! If you miss a few days at the gym – FINE! Sometimes “life” gets in the way. The most important thing is to pick yourself back up and push forward. Don’t cry over spilled milk, don’t dwell on the mistakes – learn and move on.
How has it been working with Mike Davies for your prep?
I would never work with anyone else. I started working with Mike back in 2005 when I was competing in figure. As soon as I decided to start competing again in the bikini division, I immediately reached out to him. I have so much respect for him and all the girls who work with him – he is so knowledgable and his no-nonsense approach is something I respect immensely.
Any supplements on the Martin Must have list?
Glutamine!
Goal for Thursday’s show?
Uhh…to win the entire thing….DUH! LOL
My biggest challenge will be overcoming my stage fright. I am the type of person who LOVES the training and dieting leading up to a show – but HATE being on stage! I’m a very laid back and shy girl around strangers – so if I can come out of my shell and bring my swag to the stage…I’ll be happy.
GOOD LUCK!
We’ll see you there. The Amateur bikini show takes place this Thursday in Columbus, Ohio.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Figure & Fitness Prejudging & Bikini FINALS
7-10 p.m.
Veterans Memorial
Visit: arnoldsportsfestival.com for more info.