Thirteen-year-old Madison James is an all-star softball player. She also set state and national weight lifting records—in her first competition! This strong chick spills her workout secrets, and lets us know why she pumps iron while blasting The Ramones!
GL: What’s your best advice to girls who are trying to get toned?
Madison: Be patient and don’t give up! There were so many times that I wanted to just quit because I wasn’t seeing massive changes overnight like I had wished.
Although I was offered many suggestions on what I should do to trim down, it wasn’t until I found a routine that I wanted to do that things started happening.
I started with a very light Kettlebell working out to a DVD called
Kettlebells the Iron Core Way. It was fun for me because I was able to control how much to push myself.
So, my advice is to make sure you:
1) Find a workout or exercise that is both fun and challenging!
2) Stick with it long enough to give it a chance to work.
GL: What’s your favorite thing about power lifting?
Madison: My favorite thing about power lifting is seeing results in my lifts fairly quickly. This has also helped me in other sports. My all-star softball team just took 4th place at the Western Nationals.
GL: What are some songs that motivate you?
Madison: I like to crank up an old song from the 70’s – Blitzkrieg Bop from the Ramones (“Hey Ho, Let’s Go”). The pounding beat seems to bring my heart rate up.
When I want to relax in between sets when working out I enjoy listening to:
1) Taylor Swift - Tear Drops on My Guitar
2) Alan Jackson - Remember When
3) Carrie Underwood - Just a Dream
GL: What’s the best advice a coach/trainer has given you?
Madison: My dad says that if you don’t challenge yourself in training, you won’t really see any gains. You’ll only remain where you were.
GL: What’s your favorite healthy snack?
Madison: My favorite snack would have to be peanut butter on celery. At least I hope it’s healthy, because I eat it so much!
GL: What motivates you to get through tough workouts?
Madison: Knowing that each time I work out I’m getting so much stronger and healthier keeps me on track.
GL: Fill in the blank. When I’m not working out, I’m...
Madison: Usually out playing basketball or softball!