By Suzanne Irwin
Leyla Yurchick has enjoyed a diverse athletic background. One of her most outstanding accomplishments has to be the transformation she has achieved from a 175-pound professional women’s football player to a figure contestant. In 2009, she will take that transformation one step further as she takes center stage at Veterans Memorial in the new NPC Amateur Bikini competition.
The competition is part of the annual Arnold Sports Festival, March 6-8 throughout Columbus.
Yurchick's three-year career as a National Women’s Football Association professional team player included one year as a strong safety for the Pittsburg Passion and a two-year stint as an outside linebacker for the Columbus Comets. As a figure competitor she competed at about 131 lbs. in the 5-foot, 8-inch class.
“I competed in 2007 and 2008 in the Arnold Amateur Figure Competition. At the end of last year’s show I was backstage at Veterans Memorial and I felt frustrated, as though I wasn’t going anywhere with this," Yurchick says. "I saw Mike Davies and I’d known him for years. I told him I thought I needed something new.
“Mike suggested I try training with him; take a new approach. Previously I had strength trained and really put on a lot of muscle. I decided that evening I would begin with Mike and the Fitness Factory. Now instead of putting on muscle, I am working more on shaping with higher reps and lighter weights.
“Mike has altered my training style dramatically. I am at the gym every day at 5:15 in the afternoon and I also complete two Boot Camps a week. Today, I can say I have lost a lot of body fat and have much more energy at 131 pounds of lean muscle.
“As a youngster I played softball, volleyball, and danced from the ages of 2 to 18 years in tap, jazz, ballet and point. I always loved sports and my mother’s very positive message to my sister and I was: 'You Can Be Whatever You Want to Be!' I guess I took that to heart.
“As I began training with Mike, the routine was awfully hard. The intensity is much higher. At first I resisted Mike with questions such as 'Why are you having me lift such light weights?' I’m able to lift so much more! He told me to stick with him. Mike took me through my first shoulder workout and I almost threw up. I knew then this was not going to be as easy as it looked. Mike has totally transformed my body type. My legs, glutes, and ham strings have changed completely. I have much more shape. Today I would say my shoulders and legs are my favorite body parts.
“Right off the bat, Mike had me change my diet. Before I was eating lean meats and carbs. He made me realize I needed many more vegetables, some good fruits, different carbs and fish. Now every few weeks he changes my diet again.
“Professionally, I am very busy. I have a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and as Regional Manager for Enduracare. I supervise the services of Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Physical Therapists. I am also a certified personal trainer and massage therapist. I have to travel often. In order to stay on my meal plan I eat on a definite schedule and prepare my food for the week every Sunday.
“My biggest struggle is I do not like water. My goal is to consume 1-½ gallons to 2 gallons every day. I’m fortunate because my training has become a lifestyle. Mike has a way of keeping you on track and accountable even when you are on the road. He monitors and helps me be certain I’m not far off the mark.
“Professionally, I feel now that I am more motivated. I have more energy and manage my time well. My job is stressful and the training relieves that and keeps me on a consistent schedule.
“My contest preparation and time in the gym has become my hobby. It’s my time for me, away from the Blackberry. It’s relaxing.
“Several years ago I did the EAS Body For Life Challenge and made it within the top 10 finalists within the U.S. Initially I just hoped to lose weight. I’d moved to Columbus from Pittsburgh and I didn’t really know anyone. The competition became a tool to get me off the couch and set some personal goals.
“In 2007, I competed in the Arnold Amateur Figure and placed 10th out of a class of 25 competitors. I was happy with that, and yet after 2008 I was thinking about going in a new direction. Mike mentioned that the NPC would be adding a new Amateur Bikini division. This past November I agreed to try it.
“In preparation for the 2009 Amateur Bikini a few things will be adjusted. I start a new diet now at eight weeks out and my training will be adjusted as well. Likely that means more cardio.
“I am a naturally curvier athlete; moreso than most figure athletes. I have 'Baby Bearing' hips and am naturally fuller than most figure contestants. I am excited to try this new competition. I think it will give a new level of competitors the opportunity to showcase a figure that is obtainable year-round without an extreme level of training.
“I get very positive reactions from friends. My former football team members are supportive and through my training with Mike, I have many new friends. My family will travel to the Arnold from Leechburg, Penn. to support me in this new event. My sister played in the same professional football league. We actually competed against each other at one time.
“I often rely upon a favorite quote to stay motivated. I don’t know who said it. The message is – 'To uncover your true potential you must first find your own limits and blow past them.'"
For more information on the bikini competition and a full schedule of events, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.