Laura Erchul

Laura Erchul was born and raised in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.  Laura is 36 years old and works as a Senior Benefits Specialist for a large Medical Corporation.  She was always a natural athlete growing up.  During her later years of high school and into College she was obsessed with her weight and became Anorexic. The sickness had become so severe that she ended up in the hospital and her heart actually stopped beating on 3 separate occasions.  After successfully gaining some weight back and being released she set her sites on wanting to be healthy and feeling good about herself and the way she looked.

It was at that time she decided to try bodybuilding. After heeding some advice from a trainer she entered her first show and won her class.  Laura entered one other show and again won her class but was told that due to her height (5'8") she should put on more muscle mass to be more competitive.

For the past 5 years she continued to train hard but decided bodybuilding was just a little too extreme with dieting and weight loss. Late last winter I talked to her about entering Figure competition.  Since the diet is not quite as extreme and needing a low but still healthy bodyfat comp, it might be something for her to try.

Laura entered the 2008 Natural Minnesota show and not only won her class but placed 2nd overall missing her Pro Card by 1.  Her first Figure competition and she's truly a natural.

Laura loves to train not only to stay healthy but she is a very competitive person.  She thrives on the high of feeling a pump and smiles as she lifts more weight than many of the guys in the gym.

Laura splits her training by doing cardio in the morning and going back after work for lifting.  Laura only trains one body part each time.  Her natural muscle development is absolutely amazing.

Laura is a firm believer in eating healthy but she treats herself every weekend with Fat Free Ice Cream, Fat Free Syrup, Puffed Wheat cereal an a little protein powder mixed in for good measure.

Since Laura just started competing in Figure she doesn't really have role models she follows.  She loves to read Oxygen Magazine.  It seems to have a good balance of muscle development/femininity.

Laura would advise new and upcoming athletes to reach for the stars.  Even having a sickness she will battle the rest of her life she never gives up on her goals and wants to be the best!  Find great supportive people to surround you as you take the journey into competition.  99% of the people would love to compete but it's only that 1% who make it.  The journey is well worth the work!!

Laura will be shooting for her Pro Card in 2009.

Laura Erchul

Laura Erchul can be contacted at laura.l.erchul@medtronic.com

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