Bodybuilder overcomes shortcomings

Photo By Lance Cpl. Garry Welch | Erica Ortensie pumps iron in Gunners Gym July 23 in preparation for the 15th Annual Far East Bodybuilding Competition at the Camp Foster Theater Sunday.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.30.2010

Story by Pfc. Jovane Holland 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Multiple layers of mandatory tan lotions and sprays had rendered the normally fair-skinned Erica a head-turning shade of asparagus.

"I was told the best way to achieve a polished look under the stage lights was to pack on the layers," Erica said, flinching at the memory. "The night before, I sprayed on an extra layer, and when I woke up the next morning, my skin was green. I didn't know whether to laugh or scream."

Tan crisis aside, Erica went on to win 2nd place in the five-foot-three and under category at the 4th Pacific Muscle Classic at Kadena Air Base's Keystone Theater, June 6.

The victory was the destination of a long road's journey paved with obstacles and setbacks.

Looking at the military spouse and stay-at-home mom, you'd never guess Erica once struggled with an eating disorder.

Five-foot-three inches with a disarming attitude and an enchanting smile, the athletic, toned Charlotte, N.C., native is the ideal template of fitness-sculpted legs, arms, abs and the confidence to pull it all off.

"I'm in the best shape of my life," Erica said, flashing a content smile. "My health is in love with me right now."

Despite her current infatuation with her physique, it wasn't always "all love" with Erica and her body.

A self-proclaimed chubby child, Erica gained weight constantly through her adolescent years, reaching 190 pounds by the age of 16.

"I was seriously teetering on obese," Erica said of her childhood weight gain. Erica credits her father with initially putting her on the path to fitness.

"My dad signed me and my twin sister up for a membership in our town's gym the summer of our ninth grade," Erica said. "We were instantly hooked to the rush of working out and getting results. By the time summer ended and we went back to school as sophomores, no one recognized us. The change was that dramatic."

Erica's interest in exercising, however, soon morphed into an obsession.

"After that first summer, I became an exercise bulimic," the petite mother explained.

Exercise bulimia, a subset of the eating disorder bulimia, occurs when a person is compelled to exercise in an effort to burn calories and fat reserves to an excessive level that has a negative impact on their health.

Terrified of the possibility of regressing back to her former weight, Erica exercised strenuously and constantly. Even the smallest meal would trigger a vigorous workout.

"I would be in the gym for more than four hours at a time," Erica said. "My weight plummeted and my health was suffering at my own expense."

Erica realized her disorder was eating away at her life when her obsession began intruding in her everyday life.

While still in high school, Erica began slowly reversing her disorder's vicious cycle and gaining her weight back in the form of muscle.

"I'd been lifting weights ever since my father signed me up at the gym," Erica said. "After high school, I got interested in bodybuilding and started toning my body and concentrating on specific muscle groups."

In the process of rebuilding her body, Erica completely rejected her exercise obsession mindset and committed herself to healthy, controlled workouts.

What started out as a necessity gradually evolved into a passionate hobby for Erica, who eventually set her eye on one day competing in a bodybuilding competition.

"I'd talk about signing up for competitions all the time, but for a long time I was hesitant," the 32-year-old said. "You have to be in almost perfect shape, never mind the fact I had crippling stage fright."

Erica names her husband, Warrant Officer Matthew Ortensie, operations officer for Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as the driving force behind her mustering the courage to finally compete.

"Erica overcame so much adversity dealing with her weight and her disorder," Ortensie said about his wife's indomitable spirit. "I knew it'd be a shame for her to miss out on competing just because she was nervous, so I told her to 'put her money where her mouth was' and go for it."

Turns out, a push in the right direction and some trash talking was all Erica needed to conquer her fear and take the stage in the Pacific Muscle Classic.

"This is just the start," Erica said, basking in the after-victory glow.

Erica said she continues to take her training one day at a time and credits her tumultuous start to remaining constant.

"I've learned that I can overcome my shortcomings," she said. "All I have to do is work to keep myself on the right track and persevere."

Erica plans to compete in the 15th Annual Far East Bodybuilding Competition Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Camp Foster Theater.

• Date Taken: 07.30.2010
• Date Posted: 07.30.2010 03:49
• Story ID: 53679
• Location: OKINAWA, JP