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Coming off an incredible rookie season as an amateur earning her pro card and competing at the IFBB World Championships, Kayde Puckett is ramping up for her pro debut at the 2010 Arnold Classic Fitness International. 

Team Bodysport: How long have you been competing at the National level? How many shows did you compete in last year?
Kayde: 2009 was my first (and only!) year competing at the National level. My goal was always to win my Pro card within a year of my first Fitness show. I competed in 4 shows last year. I started out prepping for the 2009 Arnold Amateur but got injured and couldn't compete. I went right into Jr. USA's, then Jr. Nationals, Team Universe where I earned my Pro Card, and was honored to finish my season at the IFBB World Championships!

Team Bodysport: After earning your Pro Card you made the trip and competed at Worlds... what left the biggest impression on you during that trip?
Kayde: Ummmm...the fabulous gelato? Just kidding! There were a lot of different things that impressed me while in Italy. First and foremost, the amazing way in which the IFBB and Jim Manion cares for us as athletes. We were treated very well from the minute we were asked to be a part of the team. I cannot thank Mr. Manion and Linda Wood-Hoyte (the U.S. delegate that went with us) enough for giving me such a great experience.

I have a wonderful memory of walking around the grounds of the contest venue with Pam Wentz (the female bodybuilder that represented the U.S.). We were so taken back by how gorgeous it was, and there was a moment where it finally washed over me that I was in Italy, representing the U.S. at the IFBB World Championships, a month after winning my IFBB Pro card, a year after my first Fitness competition. It was so overwhelming emotionally that I just cried for a few minutes at how awesome my experience has been. Pam joked that she was going to film it. I'm kind of glad she didn't! We did take a picture of the tree that I cried under.

Team Bodysport: After such a long season of dieting and competing, do you feel like your body has re-cooperated and is ready going into this season?
Kayde: I had a long season of dieting last year followed by a very short off-season. I'm sure my body is still a little tired, but I'm seeing great progress throughout this prep. My coach is all about safety and prolonging my career, so we're not doing anything drastic. Whatever brief off-season I had, my body seems to have used it well, so I'm ready to hit the ground running!

Team Bodysport: What went through your mind when you first learned you got the Arnold invite?
Kayde: My first thought was just crazy excitement and some relief. I had started prepping 2 weeks before the invites came out, so I was really happy to know I hadn't started getting myself into that mindset for no reason. My second thought was "I get to be onstage with Jen Hendershott and Tracey Greenwood!" Jen and Tracey have both been absolute blessings to me, and I respect them so much as athletes. I was ecstatic to know I would be able to compete against them. Yeah...thanks guys...Maybe next year?

Team Bodysport: Your Pro Debut is the Arnold! You will be on stage with the best Fitness Athletes in the World. Have you prepped different for this show than previous shows?
Kayde: This prep has been more mental for me than anything. I am still very new to this sport and I'm not exactly a big name yet. It's a lot of pressure to know I'll be on such a big stage with the best in the sport. But everyday I work as hard as I can imagine anyone working so that I know I'm bringing an awesome package to that stage.

Team Bodysport: Do you have a Trainer/Nutritionist/Choreographer that you work with for your competitions?
Kayde: I have worked with Jeremy Minihan of Size and Shape Fitness for my training and nutrition since Jr. Nationals. He has been invaluable to me and we make a great team. I keep him posted throughout the day on what I'm going through, and he is always there ready to make changes and adjustments. I think knowing he's ready for anything and being able to trust his plan has really helped me to relax and enjoy the journey.

This year, like last, I choreographed my own routine. I love being able to add my own elements and make it reflect who I am. I really try to bring something new and refreshing to my routines. I do hope to get up to Delaware to work with Tracey on the little details in the next few weeks, but we'll see if time allows for that.

Team Bodysport: Earning your Pro Card is a huge achievement. What new goals have you set for yourself going into your first Pro year?
Kayde: I always have ridiculously high goals that I set for myself, but I like to keep those a surprise... More than anything, I'm trying to take this year as it comes and to see how much of a push my body allows. By deciding to jump right into the Arnold, I had to agree with Jeremy to take a break after the Arnold if that's what my body needs. I am ready to keep pushing for the top, but I also want to be rocking it in the IFBB for a long time.

Team Bodysport: Do you have any pre-show rituals that you do to keep from getting nervous or your adrenaline in check?
Kayde: I have a lot less now than I did when I was competing in martial arts. I was so superstitious then! Now, I have a playlist on my ipod that I listen to on repeat. I don't watch anyone else's routines. I have 3 notes of encouragement that I received from my 3 favorite Fitness Pro's that I keep in my show bag for luck. And I pray.

Team Bodysport: Anyone you would like to give mention or thanks to?
Kayde: I thank God everyday for giving me opportunity and strength. I thank my husband for being so supportive and understanding. I thank my parents for always being there and guiding me. I thank my coaches Grand Master and Mrs. Jenkins for making me hardcore. I thank my Grandpop Bob for inspiring me to go for it. I thank Suzanne Germano for being such a great support and friend. And I thank Jeremy Minihan for taking a chance and trusting my word that I would give my all and then some.


To learn more about Kayde Puckett visit her website: www.kaydepuckett.com

Interview and story By Liza Hughes