While our goal is to make sure we showcase our competitors and vendors with our interviews, I decided that everyone needed to know why and how the NPC Max Muscle Virginia Classic came to being. So, welcome to an introduction to our show Promoter, Corry Matthews.
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1. What got you started in the fitness realm?
Well, I think I have always been into fitness since being young. I grew up playing ball outside with the neighbor kids, choreographing routines with my girlfriends and even putting on “shows”. In middle and high school, I was on the dance team and worked out … a LOT! Those dance uniforms were tiny! In 11th grade, I had my first Anatomy class and that is when I learned more about the body and what it could rally do vs. how to stay skinny! It was then that I decided I wanted to go on to college to learn how the body moved, what made it work and why it did the things it did. In college, I started as a biology major but quickly switched when I realized that Anatomy and Physiology were not part of the curriculum. Throughout my BA I taught group fitness classes. It was in college that I first started watching fitness competitions on TV and decided I wanted to try them. I married right out of college and moved to Japan with my husband where I entered my first competition. And the crazy thing, for that show my diet consisted of lean cuisine – that was what I thought competition dieting was all about…HA! My second show in Japan I won, and also had the opportunity to fly back to Seattle and compete in the Emerald Cup – wow…what an eye opening experience that was. I even made my own suit! The desire to compete was born, and I wanted that elusive pro card.
How it all “really” started – in 2004 I was badly injured in a competition – tore my hamstring during a fitness routine. It was at that point I decided I wanted help and found Mike Davies of the Fitness Factory. He completely helped me change my diet and training routine and the lean cuisine was quickly replaced with oats, eggs, chicken and fish – nothing processed! I began working with Mike and in 2005 I entered 5 national shows – placed 1st in the first one and in the top 5 at every other show, barely missing my pro card at the 2005 nationals in fitness by one point. In 2006, that was my year.
Although I injured my hip flexor one week prior to Team Universe where I was compete in both fitness and figure, I still entered the figure division and won my PRO CARD. My first PRO show was the Arnold Classic…and I went on to do 3 other pro shows in 2007. In 2008 my desire to start a family was greater than my desire to compete, so I put up my competition shoes and had two girls…but always wanted to still be a part of the industry…and another dream of mine was to still have my own show!!!
2. What did you love most about competing?
Being that in shape! The thrill of the show, seeing all the muscles showing, especially my abs. And of course, the pictures to have forever.
3. What was the hardest thing about competing?
The diet!!! I had no problem training, that was the fun part but the dieting was crazy. I have no idea how moms do it! I was done competing before I ever had my kids…that was the point. I wanted to compete and enjoy it fully and then once I had my kids, never regret when I had them. To know that I had done everything I wanted to do competing wise before having them! And I did.
4. Why your own show?
I need to be a part of the industry. My 20’s were all about competing! But what I realized after I stopped competing and had my girls was that I had just as much fun helping other competitors get ready for their show as I did getting ready for my own show.
My husband and I have been talking about running a show since as early as 2003. My show is for the athletes…and I do everything I can to make it fun and memorable for them. At the end of the day, only one person can win each class, but with the right attitude and event, everyone is a winner no matter where they place.
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Corry’s experience includes corporate health and wellness speaking; coaching/mentoring; corporate wellness program design, government/military fitness programming, personal training, group fitness instruction and nutrition coaching. Corry is an IFBB Figure Pro and fitness model. She has served on both the Regional Chamber of Commerce Board and the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce Board. Her work has been featured in numerous print and broadcast media outlets including: Potomac News, NBC News Channel 4, Body Fitness Magazine (UK), Flex, Max Sport and Fitness, and Oxygen.
She lives in Alexandria Virginia with her husband, daughter and two dogs! For more about Corry, visit www.corrymatthewsinc.com.