1) Who is Tory Brownlow? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I like to think that I’m a funny and positive person! I’m 25 years old, and originally from Cumberland, Rhode Island. I moved to Utah 4 years ago for a boy I met on Tinder, and lucky for me that boy is now my husband haha. We have two dogs, Koda and Logan, who are so cute and bring us all the joy in the world. I’m a full time nursing student, graduating with my BSN this May! I also work full time as a Product Manager for a real estate software company. When I’m not studying, working, or snuggling my dogs I’m weightlifting at the gym!
2) How many years have you been training?
Pretty much my whole life; I was a competitive cheerleader growing up, which is where I got my strong legs and flexibility from. I found Crossfit in 2013 and instantly fell in love with the competition and community of the sport. At that time of my life though, I was a fragile soul: I was 20 years old, I had no self esteem, and there were a few comments made to me about how manly I was looking with the extra muscle I had put on. So, I just stopped going. It wasn’t until October of 2016 that I wanted to try it again and felt the same fire and intensity I did when I first found it. I decided I wanted to try competing in a weightlifting competition and I loved that even more, haha. So I’ve been strictly weightlifting for about 13 weeks now and I love all of my extra muscles!
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
The hardest part has been trying to remember that I’m on my own journey. I’m not on the same journey as that girl with the 8 pack abs, or that girl who snatches 100kgs, or the girl with 50k followers. It can be debilitating comparing yourself to others. One day I just decided I didn’t want to live my life through my phone anymore, I wanted to be more present. I still have moments here and there, but they’re a lot less frequent now.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
Typically I train 5 days a week, 1 long session per day lasting about 2 hours. Debbie from Praxis Olympic Weightlifting is my new coach and does all my programming for me. This cycle we’re heavily focused on technique work so it’s a lot more reps at lighter weights.
My diet is pretty consistent. Mostly because I hate cooking so if it’s grab and go it’s for me! Haha. I eat a lot of Oh Yeah ONE bars, dave's killer bread epic everything bagels with jalapeno cream cheese, and whey protein shakes.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle, and nutrition?
This past year has been a game changer for me when it comes to training and nutrition. I’m working with a new nutritionist, learning how to properly fuel my body to enhance my training sessions. I’m also working with a new weightlifting coach who is is teaching me that all great things come from patience and consist attention to detail.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
I eat the same cheat meal every week, haha. I have 3 sushi rolls, a CHIP cookie, and a blizzard from dairy queen.
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
Definitely BCAAs, I hate plain water.
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
I’d be a lot more focused on building a strong mindset. It’s really easy to get into your own head or let others get in there.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
Caitlin Hogan and Mattie Rogers, because they’re open and honest about their training. They let you in on all the struggles, the tears, the laughs, the celebrations. It’s encouraging to know you’re not alone in some of your feelings and motivating to watch them keep crushing it!
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
Get rid of the toxic people in your life. If you don’t come out of the conversation feeling like you’re a chocolate covered sprinkle donut, then it isn’t worth it.
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
First and foremost I plan on graduating college, it has been a long three years! Aside from that I’m competing at Fitcon in Salt Lake City this April where I’m hoping to qualify for Nationals.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
IG: Chalktalk.tory
