The Evolution of Nicole Gray: An Exclusive Interview
I've known Nicole Gray for a little over a couple of years and in that time 
I've been lucky enough to make a really good friend and see all the good she does for the fitness industry, albeit only online. This young woman is poised to succeed, whether it's turning Professional, representing her sponsor, keeping up with her friends, or encouraging others to care about their health and well-being. She'll be a success in whatever sport/division she chooses, and she will surely bring that great personality of hers wherever she goes.
We're all involved in an industry where genetics and shapely bodies dominate the rankings, but we need people that truly love the sport and truly care about the fans. That's also very important. So I introduce to Nicole Gray. I hope you enjoy reading this interview - my first for RxGirl.
CD: Welcome to RxGirl! Please introduce yourself to this great, new audience. What's your full name, where are you from, and what inspired you to start lifting?
NG: Hi RX Girl!
My name is Nicole Gray and I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philly, where I still reside. My start is a very common one in this industry...I was never athletic and was basically a lazy teenager/early 20-something who didn't take care of myself. I had poor self esteem/body image since I was a kid and finally decided I had enough of being miserable and did something about it.
CD: At what point in your 'hobby' of weight-training did it become something more than a pastime? When did you know that your place was on the stage?
NG: I was living the lifestyle for a couple of years, literally packing all my foods..bringing Tupperware to family dinners etc. A few people had mentioned I should compete..I thought they were CRAZY! That is not for me..I had never been on stage a day in my life, let alone in a tiny suit being judged! In a conversation with my brother about it, he encouraged me to do it..To not let fear hold me back, that I would never know if I didn't try and long story short...I gave it a shot, found my passion and never looked back. So, Thanks Bob ;-)
CD: For all those reading along, why do it? Where do you get the mental fortitude to endure the dieting, the training during restrictive diets? Speak to the ladies about to take on this challenge and to the veterans that live 'the dream.'
NG: Why do it? It's sounds so simple, but I love it. Even if there were no stage, I love pushing and challenging myself in the gym..There is such a strength and confidence I get from taking my body to another level. Are there good days and bad? Of course! Some days I want to have a cookie or celebrate an event while I'm p
repping but at the end of the day, nobody "makes" me do what I do..Anything worth having is worth the work and effort it takes to get it.
CD: Do you ever run into men or WOMEN in the mainstream world that give you shit about being beautiful and muscular? Do you ever get lectured by friends or family? How do you deal with people that give you grief over your chosen path, over the sport you love so much?
NG: I wouldn't say I get "shit" but people definitely think it's appropriate to give their opinions, which are sometimes back handed compliments. I will get women who will say that I look great "but they wouldn't want to look like that" or men who will straight up tell me "don't get too big" and all that shit. Men tend to give me a lot of respect for how I train and what I have accomplished in the gym, but at the same time they follow it up that they wouldn't want their girl to be like me. Most people don't have the balls to insult you to your face though, those type of people like to hide behind their computer and post shit on the Internet. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't phase me..I am doing what I love and I'm happy. I don't have time for negative people in my life..You don't have to understand what I do or why I do it, if you love me then you respect and support me..if not, then move along.
CD: Ok, so back to the stage. Talk to us about why decided on competing with the IFPA, and also talk to us about going Pro.
NG: When I made the decision to compete, the first thing I did was find a coach. I was fortunate to have IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Joe Franco who lived in my area and he was instrumental in my success within the OCB and eventually the IFPA. My goal getting started was just to compete and have fun, as I fell in love with the sport, my competitive drive kicked in and I wanted that Pro card. I won my card in New Jersey, right across the bridge from where I grew up..my family was there, it was surreal. I set goals for myself, sometimes far fetched but it never ceases to amaze me when I reach them.
CD: You're sponsored by one of the oldest, most respected supplement companies in the business. What's your relationship been like with Champion Nutrition? What are some of the staple supplements in your arsenal?
NG I am honored to be a part of such an amazing team of athletes at Champion Nutrition. From day 1, I have been treated with such respect, like a member of the family...It's an incredibly supportive and encouraging atmosphere. CN has been a staple in my supplementation regimen since 2010, whether prepping or throughout the off season..I am Champion fueled year round. My current regimen includes: Champion Nutrition's Multi-V, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Performance BCAA's, ProFlex Advance Joint Support, Liver Cleanse, Muscle Nitro PM, Power Creatine, Power Glutamine, Adrenol8 (pre/wo) and Pure Whey (both Chocolate PB and Cookies & Cream...yummy!)
CD: You've decided to start competing in the NPC. Why? And does this mean you've effectively left the IFPA?
NG: I made the switch to the NPC when I decided to try my hand at the Women's Physique division. I had my eye on it when the NPC first introduced it, but I sat back and watched how the division played out. I loved the look of the competitors..that was the physique I wanted to build. I got my feet wet by doing a small local show(only 2 girls!) and I watched the direction the NPC WP division is taking, I am in love with the look and the physiques that are being rewarded. It's a much more fun division to take part in as well and it's definitely a challenge that I am enjoying taking on. I began working with Noel Fuller in anticipation for the up coming year and prepping is underway for this season...I couldn't be more excited for what the future holds.
CD: You've also decided to compete in Physique. Who (or what) inspired you to want to enter this Divis
ion?
NG: I was VERY excited when the NPC first introduced the division. Even while I was competing in figure, there was a little bodybuilder inside of me...busting to get out LOL! Everyone who knows me, knew it was only a matter of time before I kicked off the heels (which I hate wearing!)...I've been doing bodybuilding posing since I picked up a weight, so this was a natural progression for me. I was scared as all hell to do it, because of the routine..I am NOT a performer and the thought of getting up there and doing it was terrifying. After some encouraging words from my friends (who always seem to believe in me even when I doubt myself), I went for it and LOVED it!
CD: I want to backtrack a little bit here. I'm always telling athletes I promote to give their fans respect, to give them the time of day. You don't seem to have many 'fans' in the conventional sense, rather, you have an extended family of friends. Your fans can talk to you, you talk to them; they're loyal to you. Talk to us about Social-Side of Nicole Gray - the side of you that's always friendly and caring, no matter what may be going on. Have you always been like this?
NG: I hate the term "fans"..it just seems silly to me. I'm no different than anyone else in the sport..I'm just a normal chick who loves to train, I am by no means an expert or anything like that but I love the sport and I love to share in it with anyone I can. There have been countless people who have helped me along the way..be it advice or a quick message to motivate me etc so I make sure to do the same. This sport and the friends that I have made, people I've met through it have given me so much, I love to pay it forward any time I can. I do my best to respond to messages/comments etc..Sure, life gets crazy sometimes but If someone is taking time to reach out to me, I do my best to respond as best I can. We're a small niche community, especially being female so the support for each other is important. You never know how something one person perceives as "so little" can make someone else's day.
CD: Thank you soo much for taking the time to speak to us. If you could, please tell the readers where they can go to keep up with you? Your blog, athlete page, etc
NG: No need to thank me, Christian! Thank you for the opportunity :)
The best place to keep up with me and all my musings is via FB and I am currently blogging all about m
y contest prep, where you can follow along with my craziness at
http://theresadiamondunderallthisdust.blogspot.com/
This interview may be complete for now, but Nicole Gray is a woman on a mission - just when you think you have her all figured out, she'll set her sights on a new goal. Once she commits to a goal, she's consistent and will see her efforts to fruition. She went Pro in a relatively short amount of time. And while there's many natural division where going pro is quite doable, the IFPA isn't one of them. She worked her ass off and she succeeded. I have no doubt she'll go Pro in the IFBB, and she'll do it with food supplements like protein powder, creatine, and a natural fat burner. She's got heart. You can't hold someone down that's willing to put it all on the line to succeed.
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