Colleen Ritchie
Ritchiehome@msn.com
Birthdate: 6-30-78
Born and raised in: Olmsted Twp, OH (suburb of Cleveland)
Height: 5' 6.5"
Weight: 149
How big are your...
biceps-- 14"
quads-- 23.5"
calves-- 15
Max Lifts or best lifts for reps:
Bench: 155 - 8 Reps
Curls: 75 - 10 Reps
Squats: 290 - 1RM
School Background (degrees, schools, etc etc): Associates degree in Applied Business, Personal Training Certifications with AFAA and NCSF
Athletic Background/Achievements: "Pitcher for 6 years in fastpitch softball (captain during senior year in high school); Olympic Style Weightlifting for 2 years(4th and 5th place at Junior Nationals); Bodybuilding for 1 year (5th place, 3rd place, and two 1st place achievements)."
How long have you been lifting? What got you started?: "I've been lifting for a total of about 6 years. I started using weights in junior high on and off, then got really serious my sophmore year in high school when I started Olympic-style weightlifting. I did that for two years and took along break (about 5 years). As my new years resolution for the new millenium I decided to start lifting again and stuck with it ever since."
What are your future goals in athletics and weight lifting?:
"Right now personal training is my career and bodybuilding contests are part my recreation. I would like to switch those two around and get my pro card in bodybuilding. I also have a lot of fun with the perks that bodybuilding brings like meeting new people and doing photo shoots. I've also been in a commercial for the Muscle Mag Store in North Olmsted, OH, and been featured on bicepgirlz.com during the month of July"
What empowers/motivates you as an athlete?: "It easy, this is what I love to do, so I do it the best I can.."
How do you feel about the increasing trend of more and more women lifting weights and changing traditionally male domains by breaking past stereotypes?:
"I'm excited to be a part of this growing trend. Its about time people are realizing that muscularity is more beautiful than skin and bones."
How do people react to you lifting weights and/or being muscular?:
"I think its funny how some people react. There are some occations when I'm out and about where people will stop me and ask, "Do you work out?" I just kind of look at them, smile, and say, "I do alot of housework." And we all enjoy a good chuckle and I tell them I'm a personal trainer and bodybuilder. Seriously though, I enjoy and appreciate the recognition that comes with this lifestyle that I love so much."
Were you always strong, even as a child?:
"Yes, I have an older brother so I had to be."
Do strength and fitness come natural to you or is it mostly hard work?:
"A bit of both. I've always been strong, but need to consistently work harder to become stronger."
Has lifting had a positive impact on your life and how?:
Absolutely! As I've grown stronger on the outside, I've become stronger on the inside.
Have you ever tested your strength against a male: in the gym, on the playing field, in an armwrestling match? What was the turn out? Any good anecdotes you can share with our readers?:
Yes! I armwrestled a guy at the gym I used to work at. I really didn't want to but there were a couple of guys harrassing him that I could probably beat him. I knew there was a possibility I could too, but didn't want to embarassed this guy if I did. Anyway, they talked me into it after offering to buy me lunch. It wasn't a tough struggle, and about 10 seconds later his arm was lying limp on the counter top and his face was red with embarassment as the guys were cheering for my victory (or his defeat).
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