Soldier strives to become pro bodybuilder

204th Public Affairs Detachment (Forward)
Story by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado

Date: 10.05.2011
Posted: 10.05.2011 02:43
News ID: 78018
Soldier strives to become pro bodybuilder

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – When at home, Capt. Flossie Jeffrey’s day starts at 4 a.m. She goes to the gym for a morning workout after dropping her daughter off at school and also manages to squeeze in another workout during her lunch break. After work Jeffrey attends courses for her master’s program and sometimes does not get home until 11:30 p.m., only to do it all over again the next day.

For Jeffrey, a semi-pro bodybuilder and a member of the National Physique Committee, her passion for the sport makes the long day worth it.

“As a semi-pro bodybuilder, I get paid during the season to be in shape and compete,” said Jeffrey, who is currently deployed with Third Army/ARCENT as a collection manager in the intelligence section. “What better way to earn money and maintain great health?”

Jeffrey, a native of Lake View, S.C., continues her workout routine while on deployment.

Jeffrey started weightlifting for cheerleading in college. During her workouts, she obtained an interest in weightlifting and has maintained a workout schedule for years.

In 1997, she joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. While there, she met Linda Murray, who was the reigning Miss Olympia and her inspiration to start competing.

In 2007, Jeffrey competed in the North American Sport Federation All Forces Bodybuilding Military Show in Chesapeake, Va. She placed first as best poser and finished in the top three in her division.

Jeffrey recently competed in the Desert Classic V Bodybuilding Show here and placed second in her division.

“Jeffrey’s routine definitely showed a stage presence of someone who has been in bodybuilding competitions before,” said Patrick Wyatt, Desert Classic V Bodybuilding Show coordinator and one of the six show judges. “She has a very nice physique and drew a great crowd reaction.”

Wyatt said choosing first place in Jeffrey’s division was difficult. It was a tie between the judges.

“It came down to points, and Jeffrey missed first place by one point,” said Wyatt. “It was a matter of one pose and one judge’s view against her favor. The competition was that close.”

Wyatt added the competitors have to come into competition in peak form. With service members being stationed overseas, training is more difficult because of missions and limited food selections.

Jeffrey also faces similar challenges. She manages to work out in the evenings and eats mostly different kinds of fruits and vegetables from the salad bar.

Prior to the show, she followed a strict diet plan of six meals a day and works out twice a day.

A week before the competition, Jeffrey began a diet plan of three meals a day and starts chewing ice chips instead of drinking.

“To get muscle and body cuts to stand out during the competition, you must dry out the water in your body,” said Jeffrey. “Chewing ice chips lowers water intake, allowing your skin to become tight around the muscles. It’s a method called shredding, which is used by professionals who are skilled in nutrition.”

Jeffrey added she does not recommend shredding to amateurs because of the risk of dehydration. During her spare time, she assists Soldiers seeking help in proper diet plans and workout routines.

Jeffrey, who is also a military level one Modern Army Combatives instructor, will continue competing as a bodybuilder when she returns stateside. Her goal is to earn a Pro Card, which would make her a professional bodybuilder.

“One day I would like to be a full-time body builder,” said Jeffrey. “To wake one day, knowing my job is to work out and body build would be awesome.”

Jeffrey’s leadership is supportive of her efforts, as she strives to become a professional. Her example reflects Third Army, for its continuous support of maintaining physical fitness, healthy living and Soldier readiness.