Diane Matt
Birthdate: 5/13/69
 
Where are you from/where do you live:Troy, IL.
 
Job/School:Technical Corporate Auditor for SBC, I have an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis, Masters of Telecommunications from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from SIUE in Edwardsville, IL. I am also a Certified Personal Trainer with ISSA and train clients in the evening and on weekends.
 
Hobbies / Interests: Working out, golfing, dancing, training clients, competing in bodybuilding contests
 
Favorite Movies/TV Shows:chic flicks, comedy and action movies
 
Favorite Music:Hip Hop, R&B, Top 40, just about anything.

STATISTICS

Height:128
Weight:5’ 2”
Biceps: 11
Forearms:8
Chest:34
Quads:22
Calves:14
 
BenchPress: Barbell Bench Press 3x8 105 lbs.
Incline Bench: Dumbell Incline Bench 3x8 45 lbs.
Bicep Curls: Dumbell Curls 3x8 30 lbs.
Tricep Pushdowns:  St. bar push downs 3x8 80 lbs.    
Dbell Rows:    One arm row 3x8 45lbs.       
Lat Pulldowns: Cable lat pulldowns 3x8 90 lbs.
Squats:   3x8 155lbs.              
Leg Press:    3x8 360 lbs.                    
Deadlift: 3x8 85 lbs.

 
Were you always strong/athletic/muscular?
 I was always athletic. I played softball since I was about 7 or 8 up into College. I always wanted to be a professional women’s softball player, but it never happened.

Athletic Background... I received a softball scholarship for my first couple years in college, but it ended up not working out. I always played sports, mainly softball, but did cheerleading, volleyball and basketball too.
 
 I lifted off an on through the years in playing sports. About 8 or 9 years ago, I just wanted to loose about 10 lbs, so I joined an all female gym. I would see a few women come in that were really buff and that inspired me. Through the years I read books and books on female bodybuilding and would always attend shows and just be in awe over those that had the courage to get up there on stage. After 7 years of working out and 5 strict years of bodybuilding, I finally got up the nerve to compete.
Has lifting had a positive impact on your life and how?:
 Yes, definitely. It has given me so much more confidence in myself. I was always a shy introverted type of individual. Bodybuilding and lifting has also given me inner strength to believe in myself.
What empowers/motivates you as an athlete..why do you train?: Basically right now, it is just my lifestyle. Other female athletes or athletes in general inspire me. I always want to improve myself, both the inner and outer part. Bodybuilding helps build confidence, inner strength and teaches you to push on when you just feel like you don’t have it in you.
 
Who are your role models and why?: My mother and father. They are both very strong people. They deal with whatever comes their way, both bad and good. They both have taught me the discipline to do what is necessary to fulfill my dreams.
 
How do people, men in particular, react to your physique?: Most of them are very supportive and have positive comments. I tend to keep to myself in the gym and I am very focused, so many people think I am a snob. That’s not true at all. I am just shy and I am on a mission and it comes off like I am unfriendly. Because of this, most men do not approach me or even speak to me.
 
What are your future goals in athletics and weight lifting?
 I would like to eventually obtain a first place or qualify for a National contest.