Shelli Jones in Pursuit of a Bodybuilding Goal

My first contact with Beverly International was in 1997. I was preparing for my first bodybuilding show. I haphazardly followed their nutrition plan, and as a result was far from achieving the physique I had always desired.
I managed to win the overall title at that show, but believe me, it wasn't on my own merit-the competition was not what you would normally encounter at an NPC show. After that show, I was disappointed. I knew my self-discipline failed miserably in following the nutrition regimen Beverly designed for me.

A year later I decided to try again. Once again, I contacted Beverly International to help me prepare for the NPC Bluegrass Bodybuilding Championships. This time, I dedicated myself 100% to my training and nutrition regimens. I took the stage in June of that year with eleven other competitors and walked off as the overall winner. However, after reviewing pictures and the video of the show, I was still not satisfied. I was definitely in condition, but felt I now needed to add more muscle.

Two years went by, consumed with work and spending a great deal of time with my daughter, Lauren's sports and academic activities. Although I did manage to train off and on, I must admit it was half-hearted. Then, in August of 2001, I decided to prepare for the NPC Northern Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships. I began my first ever "mass up" diet with the guidance of Beverly, and I must say, I added a lot of quality size. I began my "lean out" diet for the contest in December 2001. As March approached, I felt more ready than ever to step on stage. By weigh-ins on March 8, 2002, my bodyfat was the lowest it had ever been and I at 132 pounds. This was seven pounds heavier than at the Bluegrass! I was nervous but very anxious to get on stage again.

Meanwhile, my best friend (a former elite collegiate athlete) and my personal training business partner, Kim was suffering from acute liver failure and desperately needed a donor to live. I received a phone call at 4 a.m. the day of the Northern. Kim's mother told me Kim had finally received a donor for an emergency liver transplant, and just in the knick of time-she had less than 12 hours to live without a new liver. There was no decision on whether or not I would stay to do the show. I packed up my bags, grabbed a croissant and some orange juice and left seven months of hard work behind to be with my friend through this ordeal. She came through it successfully and I set aside my training to care for her when she was released from the hospital. She returned the favor 5 weeks later when I underwent bilateral inguinal hernia repair. And once again, my training was interrupted for another month.

Bodybuilding is still my passion and no matter how many trying times come my way, I'll continue to follow my dream. Thus, I decided to enter the 2002 NPC Kentucky State Bodybuilding Championships this past November. This time I started the Beverly diet a few weeks earlier and trained especially hard for this competition. It was a daily struggle to stay focused and disciplined. (More so than normal since I had dieted 12 weeks earlier in the year for the Northern.) But my determination to do my best kept me on track.

Finally, it was show time. And what a great time it was. Every competitor in my division was extremely nice and supportive of one another. The show was very professionally conducted and full of energy. The promoters, Brent and Michelle did a fantastic job! One competitor in particular drew my interest. Tracy Beckham has been on the bodybuilding scene for a very long time and I had a lot of respect for her. She came in looking exceptional, and admittedly, I was intimidated by her. Tracy's onstage presentation was tremendous, as always. Off stage she displayed great sportsmanship.

Shelli credits self-discipline and perseverance as two of the key factors in her bodybuilding success.

As time ticked by and the evening show approached, I was overcome by anxiety back in the hotel room. I tried to relax, but I knew the show was a close one and I had longed for this title for five years. I was certain it was between Tracy and me although the rest of the competition was excellent. I finally calmed down a little and proceeded to the auditorium for the evening show. I felt a little depleted or "flat" if you will, and knew I really needed to get some glycogen to my muscles to come in at my best. At two hours out, I began eating my Muscle Provider, honey, peanut butter mixture until I could feel warmth surge throughout my body, so much in fact that I began to sweat. I knew then that the glycogen was surging and getting a "pump" would be no problem.

I took the stage and got through my routine without error. Then, the announcer called our class out for awards. As they called out numbers five, four, three … my heart began to pound erratically, and then second place, OH MY GOD, I did it!! I was first. I could not believe it. This was the happiest day of my life-a five year dream realized!

Sticking with Beverly paid off once again. Their diet and awesome supplements gave me the look I needed to prevail. Well, it wasn't quite over yet; they called me back out for a pose-down with the Lightweight Champion. I won! Was this the best day of my life or what! I can assure you it was the one bright spot in a very difficult year for me.

Meal 1:
½ cup Oatmeal
2 scoops Chocolate Muscle Provider
1 tbs. MCT Oil

Meal 2:
2 scoops Chocolate Ultra Size
12 oz. Water


Meal 3:
5 oz. Lean meat
2 cups salad
1 tbs. Olive Oil / 2 tbs. Red Wine Vinegar

Meal 4: Same as Meal 2

Meal 5:
3 oz. Tuna
2 egg whites

Meal 6:
5 oz. Lean Meat
1 cup green vegetables

1 med. sweet potato
1 small banana
1-cup brown rice
1 tbs. butter

* At four weeks out, I dropped all lean beef and replaced it with chicken. Additionally, I changed meals 2 and 4 to a shake with 2 scoops Muscle Provider (vanilla), 3 frozen strawberries, 1 tbs. flax oil and 12 oz. water. As well, I changed meal #1 to 4 oz. tuna, 3 egg whites/ 1 yolk and 1 kiwi or ½ grapefruit.

* At a Beverly Seminar in March, I had learned how to drop my water through sodium depletion/ potassium loading and that worked very well for me the last week.

(All Beverly International, of course)

Thank you, Roger and Sandy and the whole Beverly International Team for providing me with the winning plan and encouraging me every step of the way. I have used Beverly supplements for five years now and will always use them, because they are by far the best. I really appreciate all of the support you have given me; I couldn't have done it without you!

Personal Information

My other passion is weightlifting. I live, love and teach it. I love having the opportunity to help others achieve their goals. I've seen far too many people say, "If only I had stuck with it, I could have been in shape five years ago." Procrastination and lack of motivation are always the culprits that cost people their dreams.

My partner, Kim, and I have a personal training service. Recently, one of our clients won a body transformation contest. We'd love the opportunity to help you to get in the best shape of your life. If you are looking for a Personal Trainer to help you develop your physique to its fullest potential, improve your health and encourage you every step of the way, get in touch. You can email us at Zoomfitness@yahoo.com.

I believe that once a person reaches the goal for which she has constantly worked, it's time to rest for a short time. But, we're no longer completely successful until we set a new, higher goal toward which to work. With that in mind, I hope to see you again on the competition scene at the NPC Northern Kentucky, March 22, 2003. very soon. May God bless all of you who have given me support and encouragement. Again, thank you, Beverly International and special thanks to Kim and Lauren for helping me give my best.