Written By Nicole Lewis, Attorney, Certified Personal Trainer, Head Coach OrangeTheory Fitness (Emeryville, CA)
Photos by Arizona
Photos by Paul Buceta
Hair & Makeup by Monica Kalra
PART SIX in a six-part series following Fitness Expert Nikki Lewis through the process of competition prep.
The Decision that Changed My Life
The decision I made on June 1st, 2023—to start bodybuilding—extends far beyond being a great one. In fact, my decision was life-altering in that throughout the course of my year-long bodybuilding career, I discovered why I was put on this earth. I no longer have to ask, “What is my purpose in life?” In my last column, I stated that I believe it is my purpose in life to help others achieve a better version of themselves. For me, this statement is worth repeating because I now know that I was created to have a profound impact on this world; to change lives, and to be a beacon of love, hope, joy, inspiration and encouragement through what I’m doing. My passion for bodybuilding opened the door to my abundant life. The sport has taught me how to honor and love myself even more than I previously did, and now, I am proceeding with the assignment that I was given.
Bodybuilding Changed the Way I Approach Business
I was wise enough to know that even though I am a fitness coach, I, too, needed a fitness coach if I wanted to be the best physical version of myself, especially when it came to competing on stage. For some reason, though, I never thought of business in the same way—prior to becoming a bodybuilder.
My experience in the gym made me realize that if I was going to be the best business woman that I could possibly be, I needed business coaching as well.
When it came to business, I believed that I needed to know everything, otherwise I could not be a business owner. I even briefly considered going back to school to study business, because I desired to be better in business. What I learned was that the desire that I had to be a true business woman was all I needed to begin my quest. The desire was my sign that it was in me all along. I just needed coaching, mentoring, and the continued willingness to learn.
I have been, and continue to be completely open to my fitness coach, Gaby when it comes to how to approach my fitness; I follow her direction, whether it involves working out, or nutrition, because I trust her. Gaby is not only extremely knowledgeable about all things that involve bodybuilding, she is knowledgeable about me. She knows what my body responds to and cares about how I feel, therefore she tailors her instructions based on her superior knowledge of the sport of competitive bodybuilding and nutrition along with her knowledge of me as a person.
Now, I have a similar mentality when I am working with a business coach or mentor. I only work with people who are where I am trying to go, and who can help me to avoid some of the pitfalls that many business people make. Just like with a fitness coach, it is important to mesh well with your business coach and mentors. There are a lot of business people with knowledge, however, if energies are not aligned, the learning experience will not be as impactful as it could be.
"I am now venturing into those things that
I used to believe were beyond what I am capable of accomplishing."
Wellness and Personal Development Coaching
Since bodybuilding sparked the growth of my business acumen, and I was already the owner of a law firm, it made sense to use my newly acquired information and skills to scale my law firm. What I did not expect, though, was a new business—a non-law related business—to be born altogether.
I remember when I was in college, friends would often say, “Nikki, you should be a motivational speaker!” I would respond with a chuckle or in some other manner that communicated that I did not believe it would happen. I had no desire to be a “Motivational Speaker” at all. My next steps after college were definitely law school, and maybe politics. However, I always knew I had a natural ability to inspire and encourage other people (even as a kid). Not only that, whenever I inspired and encouraged other people, it made me feel really good—I truly enjoyed it! In spite of the enjoyment I received, inspiring and encouraging others was not the “career path” that I set for myself, so I never entertained the thought. That is, until now, thanks to bodybuilding. Even though I am not labeled a motivational speaker, motivational speaking seems to be a natural offshoot of my wellness and personal development coaching.
What’s Next
The mere thought of bodybuilding made me leap inside! Therefore, I knew I had a strong desire to start bodybuilding, and instead of dismissing my feelings, I went for it. Now, as a professional natural bodybuilder I feel so amazing, strong, confident, happy, and full of joy! And because I’ve learned how bodybuilding makes me light up inside, I can now easily identify other things that extract the same, or a similar, desire. That is one of the ways I now determine what I do next. I think, “What excites me, or gets my creative thoughts flowing such that I need to grab a note pad and jot down notes?” Now I am aware that when I have a true desire and/or excitement to do something, that means I have the power to get it done. As a result, I am now venturing into those things that I used to believe were beyond what I am capable of accomplishing.
There are a few things that are on the remainder of my calendar for 2024 and continuing into 2025:
1. YORTON CUP
After I earned my Pro card as a bodybuilder last year in October 2023, I didn’t know what competing would entail moving forward, let alone whether I would compete in a “World Championship.” Yet this fall I prepared to take the stage for the OCB Yorton Cup World Championships in North Carolina. The event was an all Pro event, and I competed in the Figure category with approximately 30 other women. I could not dream for anything better as a competitor who just decided to begin bodybuilding at the age of 48.
2. AUTHOR
I am in the process of writing my first book. Hopefully, it will be on shelves sometime in Q1 of 2025. My book will be about how I developed my mindset and how others can develop the mindset of a champion as well. I promise, it will be an easy read!
3. COSMETICS/BEAUTY
I am in partnership with cosmetics company LIP INK. LIP INK is known for its smear proof lip wear and cosmetics which is perfect for those of us in the competitive bodybuilding world, and fitness professionals who are content creators. Look for me sporting LIP INK as an industry Pro and a fan of the brand.
More Training. More Competitions. More Opportunities!
I have yet to decide when I will compete again, but I know I am not done—I love competing too much to stop now! Bodybuilding helped me discover what it means to truly live! To this day, I look forward to going to bed because I know my sleep will be peaceful having discovered what I want to do with my life. I look forward to waking up each morning, and as soon as I rise, I express gratitude. Each day I wake up expecting opportunities and great things to happen. Even when I am faced with a challenge, which often happens in life and business, I view the challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn. I truly believe I can conquer any problem that I encounter. I am in total control of my choices, and even though I cannot control the outcomes, I know I have the strength and fortitude to deal with whatever comes my way.
I act differently, speak differently, and see things differently, all thanks to bodybuilding. I am no longer focusing on what is “wrong,” what I “can’t do”, or what a “problem” is. I look at what is right in a situation, and if something is not going the way that I desire, I find a solution and use my mindset to make the positive change that points me in the right direction. Stepping out of our comfort zones can indeed help us make great leaps.
