Bio: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Read below for a little background about Maureen, how she got into competing and her future plans
You will find Maureen's competition history on the following page.
Change happens when we are inspired, see a vision of how our life can be better and redirect our actions towards making that a reality.
A Little About Maureen
Born in Paterson, NJ Maureen is the first of ten children. She learned about competition and other rewards that come with being first at an early age. For example, being first to get a hot shower…first to the dinner table…first to call the front seat of the car.... she learned that being first comes with some nice advantages ;-)
Maureen's dad enjoyed being competitive and was usually leading the neighborhood kickball game. He was always very encouraging
and quick to point out everyone's good attributes too!
Maureen was not able to participate at the competitive level she desired because she was born with a dislocated hip. Fortunately her mom and her pediatrician noticed the abnormality while she was still an infant. She was able to wear a brace to correct the dislocation. But the deformed, shallow hip socket remained and as the years went by, to reduce pain, she started favoring the "good" hip. Both hips got progressively both worse resulting in a bone on bone situation and the need for two hip replacements in 2004. She had one in January and one in December.
So How Did Maureen Get Into Bodybuilding/Powerlifting?
While very young, Maureen experienced a positive view of women exercising and being strong from observing her mom and Jack LaLanne. As soon as Maureen got her first documented job, she joined a gym and throughout her life, has made going to the gym a habit and a priority.
Although people have often asked, how she can work out so heavy after 2 hip replacements, Maureen has to laugh because working out prior to the 2 hip replacements was actually much more difficult! When she started continually limping... despite the strong pain medicine she was on, Maureen and her doctor knew, it was time for the hip replacements they had been talking about for years.
After completing rehab for the 1st hip replacement, she was carrying an extra 25 pounds, and decided to enter the national EAS/GNC Body for Life Challenge. She followed their program and WON!!
Maureen's home gym was proud of her accomplishment and put up a poster of her before and after pics. One of the personal trainers there recommended Maureen do a bikini competition. Her first thought was that idea was crazy, but then she reconsidered... maybe it WAS time to experience being a competitor!
Her 1st competition was April 2006.
What Comes Next?
When Maureen entered her first competition in 2006, she had no idea of how much she would learn and appreciate from her athletic, competitive experience. She initially discovered that working out and good genetics are a nice start but there was a lot more to being #1.
2016 was dedicated to training to compete in powerlifting. Her weight training strategy required a transition from Bodybuilder to Powerlifter. She must have done something right...by years end she finished first in two regional and one national event and is currently ranked 3rd in the world in her weight division, a mere 3 lb from #1!
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​Heading into 2017 it's the sport of Powerlifting that continues to peak her interest and challenge her very soul. She began the year by winning the Europa Games and in the process became the All-Time World Record holder in her division.
An injury in 2018 turned into a double shoulder replacement! Healthy now, she's preparing for even more great taccomplishments ahead.
We will keep you updated with her progress!