Name: Denise Batalha
Birth Date: May 31, 1977
Height: 4'11.5"
Weight: 112lbs on-season  117lbs off-season
From: Ludlow, Massachusetts  USA
 
 
CONTEST HISTORY
2008 INBF Monster Mash - 7th Place in Figure Short
2007 INBF Monster Mash - 8th Place in Figure Short
2007 NPC Rhode Island Muscle - 3d Place in Figure A
2007 NPC MaggieFit - 5th Place in Novice Figure -5'4"
2006 NPC Connecticut & Northeastern - 13th Place in Novice Figure Short
 
 
RFOS Q&A
 
How long have you been training?
Since 2001. I hadn't exercised a day in my life or been involved in any strenuous physical activity prior to that. How's THAT for challenges and inspiration???
 
 
What would like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
For Figure, I say it's long past time that the federations and judges finally made up their minds about just what it is they're looking for. Honestly, in my opinion, Figure always had slightly less muscularity than the natural female bodybuilders and less softness than Fitness. Look at the competitors in any recent Figure Olympia — do they look huge??  
 

 
Do you get negative comments from people with regard to your muscles?
Lately that I have a little too much muscle for my small frame. And then there was a MySpace comment that I look like Nicole Bass!
 
Have you ever surprised yourself with you own strength? Like you forgot you were THAT strong???
Yes, not so long ago — and didn’t realize I had that much muscle! I had surgery in December 2007 for breast lift/submuscular augmentation and getting rid of the loose skin on my belly. The surgeon had a difficult time figuring out which of my pectorals was the minor and which was the major. I had THAT much muscle. Also, not having trained in a gym in years — I usually train from home — I recently joined one and decided to train on the Leg Press machine, which I had never previously used. I was able to press 200lbs for a total of 8 reps and 3 sets. My strength came back rather quickly post-op, as well, as I was able to bench my usual 115lbs.
 
 
How have you used your physical strength outside the gym, when it has come in handy?
Helping my dad move furniture and lifting boxes of stock items I need for my job.
 

 
Any message for fans?
Don't listen to those who are negative, especially yourself: Each of us tends be our own worst critic. To stay focused and motivated, paste up a picture of a lean you, and write goals in the present in daily, weekly, monthly, 3-months, 1 year, and ultimate goal. Be sure to read them daily. How do I stay motivated? I want it bad enough! To prove to others they can't bring me down! And just to see how much more I can lift. Do be careful, as lifting may cause you to build mass, strength, and self-confidence! If I can do it, so can you!
 
 
What is the best way to contact you?
denisebatalha@yahoo.com
 
 
Where can you be found on the web?
http://www.DeniseBatalha.com - my graphics art site
 
You can also learn more about me here:
http://myspace.com/battledragon
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/lil_death
 
Another profile:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/denise_batalha.htm - Transformation of the Week!
 
What else you would like to share?
I began my life depressed, literally: having seen psychologists since I could remember. After several years of frustration — psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and medications — I sought help with Dr. Gary Lasneski, a naturopathic specialist. He has helped me in a way no medication could. Through this treatment, I gained the motivation and self-esteem needed to change my ways and my body.
 
Upon graduating high school I weighed 120lbs and wore a size 10. After years of yo-yo dieting and getting deeper in depression, my weight was at its highest in 2000: 180lbs and size 16-18. My New Year's resolution for 2001 was to quit smoking, lose weight, and no longer suffer from depression. I did it all. I went from that size 16-18 to a size 7 by the end of 2001.  
 
From there, everything fell into place. Having decided to finish school and pursue a career in 3D animation, I received a bachelor's degree in science in computer graphics at Springfield College, met my current boyfriend in 2004 (who got me started on getting leaner, because I wanted to be). In 2006 I joined Cathy Savage while still competing and looking for a job in my field. I was able to push through and look my best when I was going to school full-time, working full-time, and training full-time.  
 
There is a life outside of competing and training, as some may forget. I really do enjoy working on computer graphics projects, painting plaster crafts (specifically ornaments around the holidays), working at Six Flags New England Fright Fest as a make-up artist (getting paid to have fun), and playing video games. As far as a career in 3D animation is concerned, it’s a rough industry. As with the fitness industry, it is a VERY competitive field — especially in the world of video games.
 
My interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) began when I started losing weight and my sister came begging me to train with her, as she didn’t have a partner. That was over six years ago. Ever since, I haven’t stopped training in Muay Thai, although it has been difficult lately: my cardio has sucked since my surgery. Now if you want a super cardio regime, Muay Thai training is the way to go. Not to mention that my brother in-law owns an MMA studio in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and trains guys to be fighters. Some got it, some don’t. One will hopefully be featured in the UFC. Look out for Justin Torrey!  
 
I sometimes speak publicly about health and mental health. Depression sucks!
 
I want to thank to my boyfriend, Jeff, who has been there for me from the time I began competing. He has dealt with a great deal and has been a great help. Thanks also to Cathy Savage and Jodi Jones for getting me started, Theresa Evans (dearest friend and competitor), Dr. Joe Klemszewksi, Dr. Gary Lasneski, Jeremy Libiszewski (brother-in-law), Lisa Davis, MY FAMILY, and Dr. Hadaegh. Last and not least, special thanks to my fellow Savage Sistas (Janelle, Julie, Liz, and former sista Leilani) for all the pep talk and help they have given me.
 

 
I want to thank this talented photographer for the courtesy of using his pictures:
Todd Ganci of http://tganci.com