Introduce yourself to the GWPL community.
Hi there! My name is Emily DeMorest. I've been officially training for powerlifting since March of this year. Prior to that, I did NPC bikini and figure competitions between 2013 and 2015, and before that I was a soccer player-I played since I was 4 so sports and being active has always been a part of my life. I currently live in Dayton, OH and work on Wright Patterson Air Force Base. I happened to get lucky enough to find Jimmie Pacifico, my swolemate and we have a condo together with our cat Bella.
When did you get into powerlifting and why?
I got into powerlifting in March for several reasons. I had been doing NPC competitions but didn't feel at home doing them, nor did the dieting/rebounding create a healthy relationship with the sport, food and myself. I'd always loved lifting heavy and the challenge to continuously try to get stronger so I made the switch after prepping halfway for a figure show and realizing my heart was with powerlifting. I think overall powerlifting promotes a much healthier balance and lifestyle than what comes with doing bodybuilding shows-at least for myself that is.
Best meet total to date?
My first official meet is on January 16th, however to date my best training numbers are a 480 squat, 200 bench, and 460 deadlift. My aim for my first meet is somewhere between an 1120-1200 total. Aiming for those 500lb squat and deadlifts.
So you're in a relationship 
with Jimmie Pacifico. Do you guys train together and what kind of influence does he have on your lifting?
Jimmie definitely has a big influence on my lifting. He guides my workouts and always helps push me to work hard, get stronger and make the best of each workout. I'm extremely motivated myself but having him there supporting me and being proud of everything I accomplish of course makes the training that much better! We do train together every Mon, Weds, Fri, along with the whole group he has there as well. On the auxiliary days I train on my own, but since he owns the gym he's still always there even if we may not be exactly working out together.
I've noticed that most girls that are into powerlifting, also have significant others that are into it too. How do you think it affects your relationship? (positive or negative).
Well, personally I think it's amazing to be with someone who shares the same passion for lifting as I do. Sharing that drive, motivation, and support of each other really brings a whole other level of drive for us and our training. Relationship wise it gives us something to bond over and something to support each other in. He's extremely proud of me and wants me to be the best I can be, and vice versa and that level of support in the gym transfers to the rest of our relationship as well, so I think it definitely has a positive effect for us.
What's your approach to nutrition?
My approach to nutrition is flexible dieting. I follow a meal plan 90% of the time and the other 10% is made up from the occasions that we'll go out to dinner, or when I'm craving a donut or something sweet ;). Since starting a flex diet my body has responded amazingly. I've gained muscle, gotten leaner and been all around much happier than when I attempted to stay to a strict cookie-cutter diet.
Favorite go to meal? My favorite standard meal that I eat most says is chicken or lean turkey, sweet potato and asparagus. I tend to vary my veggies and carb source but I keep the measurements about the same.
Favorite cheat meal?
Hmm this is tough, there are so many options...but Lately, my/our favorites have been a burger/fries, like from Red Robin, or ribs from Smokey Bones. And of course anything chocolate or donuts for a dessert cheat!
3 tips for newbie lifters?
- Tip 1: Be patient!! It takes time to hit those goals whether it be getting stronger, losing weight, gaining muscle, etc. Change won't happen overnight, but it'll happen when you stay consistent and work for it!
- Tip 2: Don't get discouraged! Everyone has their own path, and from personal experience, don't get caught up comparing your step 1 to someone else's step 10. Everyone, regardless of what IG says, has bad days, falls off track, and makes mistakes. We're human, but keep at it, don't be too hard on yourself and enjoy the process!
- Tip 3: If you're going to find a trainer, or a diet plan, or go somewhere for help/assistance...make sure they know what they're doing. There are so many "trainers" out there that don't really know what they're doing and they cause more damage than anything else. Tip 4 for a bonus: Love yourself and every step of your process. There's a reason it's a called a fitness journey. All those tips may sound corny or cliche but they're all so true.
What get's you through the tough training sessions?
I'm very competitive, so when I'm having a down day, or a tough session I think about my goals and how giving up is only pushing me farther away from what I want to accomplish. I want to break records and be on the top 20 list, and I can't accomplish that if I don't work hard and earn it.
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