RACHEL KUMMERER – Warrior’s Corner

I first grew interested in competing because I wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally, as well as gain control of my body and mind. I found out about TEAM Warrior Within through Rachael Pecoraro, a competitive bodybuilder who used to train with the team. I worked with Stacy Wig for my prep, and I love her!

Working with Stacy was phenomenal. She was always available to answer questions. Although our entire relationship and communication has been done online via email or Skype, she was responsive and thorough with her explanations and advice. Stacy manipulated my plan according to my specific needs and “shot from the hip” to make the necessary adjustments to my training and nutrition plan. She is simply amazing!

The most difficult part of my prep was the lack of support in my life, being abroad and away from close friends and family. I didn’t feel I had a very strong support group, mostly due to a lack of understanding of the industry. I myself was prepping for my first competition, so not having a balanced sounding board had me feeling isolated at times.

During difficult times, for motivation I simply focused on the end goal! Also, having Stacy to report to each week helped enhance the accountability factor. I didn’t want to let myself down by missing a workout or being lazy with my diet, but I certainly didn’t want to let my coach down. And of course, I stalked the heck out of competitors online and on Instagram for inspiration!

For those looking to get started with physique competition, I would tell them that once you make up your mind and are 100% committed, don’t look back! Don’t think about the happy hours you’re going to miss or the hours you’ll spend at the gym. Keep the end goal in the front part of your mind. Everything you are doing will work and will make sense in the end. But most importantly, surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Even if your peers haven’t ever competed or know the anxiety that can come with prep, having people around who support your goal and encourage you will keep you on track if and when you hit a low point.

During my prep, I learned that I am strong, both physically and mentally—and am only going to get stronger! Barriers only motivated me further to keep pushing forward for new goals.

I’d like to thank Stacy Wig, hands down a blessing of a coach. Her massive amount of knowledge and experience do not go unnoticed! She truly cares about her clients and it shows. Anthony Audain, Rachael Pecoraro for their support and advice. And of course my beloved husband, Matthew Dolley, for putting up with my crazy butt and being my rock through the highs and the lows!

Moving forward, I plan to continue competing in Europe as a bikini competitor through 2016. I plan to either compete stateside in the NPC for bikini in 2017, or work towards competing in figure in 2017/2018.