Former Bodybuilding Champ Etta Shields Joins our Family to Get R.I.P.P.E.D. Again!

It’s a motivating program that you’ll love and you will see success. Did you know we have a former bodybuilder champion in our family? We had the pleasure of sitting down with Etta Shields after she recently became R.I.P.P.E.D. Certified. She shared her incredible fitness story with us about how she went from bodybuilding to being 20 pounds overweight, to finding her passion for fitness again with R.I.P.P.E.D.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: Tell us about your fitness journey, how did you get into bodybuilding?

Etta: Back in the 80’s when I was in college I started modeling in Florida. That’s when Kristy Brinkley was popular so I started working out to get a different look. I did my first bodybuilding competition just to see what it was about. I was watching everyone else to see what they did and I ended up winning. That’s how it began.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: Why did you stop bodybuilding?

Etta: I won competitions all the way through the 90’s but I decided not to turn pro because there was a heavy use of steroids during that time. I then got pregnant at 36 and by the time my son graduated high school, I was 20 pounds overweight. I decided I needed to do something about it, and went to Gold’s Gym and met R.I.P.P.E.D.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: What or who got you to your first R.I.P.P.E.D. class and when did you join the family?

Etta: I joined Cristy Owens class. She hooked me with her motivation, style of teaching and personality. I had some limitations because I’ve had two knee replacements and she’s so good at explaining and breaking down different levels that we can keep up with. She’s able to curtail it to all ages. It’s an incredible, incredible experience every time.

Etta (top left)  and the rest of our new Georgia R.I.P.P.E.D. Trainers at Christy Owens and Susan Jessups Certification Course

R.I.P.P.E.D.: What do you enjoy most about R.I.P.P.E.D.?

Etta: I’d have to say, the spirit amongst all the members—the unity. We all enjoy what we’re doing. Even though we’re getting a major workout, we all enjoy it. It’s the perfect way to get an all-inclusive cardio workout. When you leave you’ve worked everything to the max.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: How has R.I.P.P.E.D. impacted your life? What changes do you see?

Etta: I have increased coordination and increased mental clarity. Learning the routine has been better than doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku. I lost 30 pounds, toned up, gained muscle strength and increased my endurance. And I feel much better about myself.

R.I.P.P.E.D. gave me an added ability to think clearer. The repetition gives your brain the ability to exercise your memory.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. How Else Has R.I.P.P.E.D. impacted you mentally?

Etta: I had a silicone breast rupture, which caused severe memory problems for me, in addition to getting older. The R.I.P.P.E.D. routines gave me an added ability to think clearer. The repetition gives your brain the ability to exercise your memory. The routines can be challenging but it clicks after a while and you’re thinking sharper. I’ve seen a huge change.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: Why did you decide to become a R.I.P.P.E.D. trainer?

Etta: I’d like to retire in the next couple of years and become a full-time instructor in the next couple of years. I never thought about how much detail and work R.I.P.P.E.D. trainers put into putting this routine together and teaching it for us. I’ve had to go back to the gym and tell everyone I have so much respect for what they do. I’ve helped seniors join and I let them know that they can do a modified version that they can keep up with.

It’s a motivating program that you’ll love and you will see success.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: Do you have any inspiration for people who have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but think it’s too hard?

Etta: You have to give it a try. You have to experience it and give yourself time to develop. The music and instructors will get you hooked, so if you give it a try, you’ll get hooked. It’s a motivating program that you’ll love and you will see success.

 

Looking for more inspirational fitness stories and advice? Visit our blog for regular updates and fitness inspiration from our #RIPPEDFamily!

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