Deborah Goodman

A little About Me...

I am a mom of six kiddos, an IFBB Bikini Pro and a Personal Trainer at Az Pro Physiques in Gilbert. I specialize in contest prep athletes, weight loss, and Pre/Post Natal clients. I have been competing for two years and recently earned my Pro Status at USA's in Las Vegas, where I won Bikini Class B Open.

Working out and living a healthy lifestyle started as a hobby and is now a huge passion of mine. I can't say enough positive things about this sport. What started as a dream has now become my reality. I can't begin to explain the growth and changes I have made both mentally and physically. This sport has given me a new outlook on the meaning of dedication, patience and success.

It was after the birth of my twins that I really got interested in the idea of competing. I always knew how to be "skinny" but wanted to take my training to the next level. Seeing all these women/competitors with full physiques yet still lean and tight amazed me!

There was something about the sport that drew me in. The women always looked so fit and healthy and had an air of confidence about them. I thought that this was impossible for me to achieve since I had given birth to six children...along with a set of two. Believe it or not, my husband was the one that convinced me to compete. It was when my twins were 5 months old that I was introduced to Damian Segovia, head of contest prep, at AzProPhysiques. Looking back I can definitely say it was the start of a new beginning.

His confidence in me gave me a new outlook on the possibility of success in the bodybuilding/NPC world. The twins were 8 months old when I competed in my first NPC competition with Miles Productions. I have had my ups and downs.. sometimes placing, sometimes not. I have learned and grown through every prep and every time I've stepped on stage. Always confident and more determined than ever to be better than my last.

My Story...

I guess what makes me different from many other competitors is that I have given birth to six children. I know, it sounds crazy. I got married at 19 years old and had my first baby at 21. I can sum up my 20's with having children, getting my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Edu, and having more children while working full time as a 2nd grade school teacher.

My oldest child is 11 and the youngest are 2 year old twins. I have said it so many times... my physique only comes through time, hard work, and determination. When people ask what motivates me... I usually struggle with my answer. I think I'm more competitive than I realize. Yes I compete with myself, always trying to improve and change, but I know I'm competitive with other athletes as well. I love being able to push my body to see what it can do and how much in can change between shows/comps. I have to admit, competing is by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do. How do you balance 6 kids (two still in diapers), workouts, meal prep, my job, the kid's schedules, and family time? The only answer I can come up with is dedication and priorities. If you want and love something enough then you will find a way to make it work.

My husband is my biggest supporter. He's a police officer on DPS's Swat team and between the two of us we have found a way to make it work. We have become pretty dang good at balancing this life we have created. Only through structure and routine have we found a way to make it work. At the same time it's important to be flexible and know that you can't control everything and that's ok. I've had to learn this the hard way and sometimes have to just relax and breathe. It's called life. We only get one. Therefore, you should make sure it's one you would love to live in. I believe in never settling and always pushing the limits.

Why I love Fitness:

I love being healthy and fit because of the way it makes me feel. It's hard to describe how rewarding it is to set and accomplish goals. To be able to watch your physique continue to evolve, change and improve is one of the most gratifying experiences out there. This is one thing that I feel I can do for myself and no one can take it away from me.

I love being able to set an example for my kids. To show and teach them the importance of being healthy and active, to commit to something and not give up regardless of how hard it is. I never realized how many people I have touched through my competition history... many of them being moms of course. I have a love for other women out there who feel they can't succeed or that children have damaged their bodies. They are by far my most favorite clients. Giving a new life to others who don't know how to change, eat, and workout is what I thrive on.

My Experience with Miles Productions:

I have both participated and been an audience member in Miles' shows. I have competed twice with Miles and watched my own clients/athletes compete. What stands out most to me is his clear love for this sport.

He pays attention to the athletes competing and sincerely wants everyone to have a positive experience. Miles continually talks about being fair and makes it very clear that the athlete's opinions are heard. The show is always amazing and the venue is beautiful. Whether you are a friend, family member, or competitor you will not be disappointed.