Name: Heather Bear
Birth Date: September 3, 1976
Height: 5'0"
Weight: 115lbs on-season  120lbs off-season
From: Aurora, Indiana  USA
 
 
CONTEST HISTORY
- all NPC contests unless otherwise noted  -
2008 Kentucky - 8th Place in Figure A
2007 West Virginia Grand Prix - 2d Place in Figure
2007 North Americans - 18th Place in Figure A
2007 Arnold Amateur - did not finish
2006 Monster Mash - 8th Place in Figure A
2006 Natural Northern Ohio - 11th Place in Figure A
2006 Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix - 4th Place in Figure A
2006 Northern Kentucky - 4th Place in Figure A
2005 Natural Northern USA - 11th Place in Figure A
2004 Natural Northern Ohio - 7th place in Figure A
2004 NPA Battle of Champions - 2d Place in Figure
2004 Northern Kentucky - 7th Place in Figure A
 
 
How long have you been training?
Since early 2003. I did run track, cross-country, and was on the swim team in high school. After college I started lifting weights but had no idea what I was doing. My form was "way off." I initally wanted to lose 35lbs for my wedding. Having accomplished with the help of IFBB Pro Jenny Hendershot, I then set my sites on training for competition. Four weeks out from my first contest and having trouble dieting, I found I was 11-weeks pregnant. During the preganncy I gained 58lbs. Lost that all again with Jenny's guidance and took up competing.
 
 
What would like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
Women's fitness needs to start in grade school with gym class. Children  
should learn how to eat properly in school, so that they can continue with good nutrition for the rest of their lives. High school gym classes ought to include instrunction on the proper way to weight train. School cafeterias should always offer something healthy. There should be no excuse for kids to be as overweight as they are today.
 

 
Do you get negative comments from people with regard to your muscles?
No, but I knew that my butt and legs should have been tighter. I didn't need anyone to tell me that.
 
 
Have you ever surprised yourself with you own strength? Like you forgot you were THAT strong???
No, but after a week or so of not training, I realize how weak I had become
 

 
How have you used your physical strength, outside the gym, when it has come in handy?
My strength comes in handy as a veterinary technician. I never have a problem lifting animals.
 
 
Any message for fans?
Set your goals and do all that you can to achieve them.
 

 
What is the best way to contact you?
Bearclaw@seidata.com
 
 
Where can you be found on the web?
http://www.heather-bear.com
 
You can also learn more about me, here:
http://myspace.com/hbear93
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/HBear
 
Another profile of me:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/transf76.htm - Transformation of the Week!
 
 
What else you would like to share?
In addition to being a mom and wife, I am a ceritifed personal trainer and the personal assistant to IFBB Pro Jenny Hendershot. I am also a registered veterinary technician and a registered nail technician.
 
I hold "Bear Retreats" at my home for women athletes. It works like this: You come live with me for three days and I teach you everything I know. Everything I know has come from Jenny Hendershott. I will have someone cook all of your food while you stay in my house and train, do cardio, and ask me as many questions as you want. The evenings are open for movies, tanning, Internet, soaking in my jet tub, or whatever else you would like to do. We also can work on posing/presentation, if needed. Interested athletes, please contact me. I accept only 5 women per weekend, when I'm not at Phat Camp.
 

 
I want to thank these talented photographers for the courtesy of using their pictures:
1-piece & back - Dan Ray of http://musculardevelopment.com
2-piece - Juan Carlos Lopez of http://hardfitness.com