Team NPC Profile: Masters Bikini Competitor Dr. Harriet N. Davis

The Journey of a vegan “no meat” NPC National Bikini Athlete.
Name: Dr. Harriet N. Davis

(Charlotte, NC)

Occupation: Family Medicine & Sports Medicine Physician

Age: 42

National NPC Open & Masters Bikini Competitor

Contest History:

June 8, 2013: NPC Golds Classic (Wilmington, NC)

• Masters Bikini (A Class)- 2nd place. Open Bikini (B Class) 7th place.

• June 22, 2013: NPC Victory Classic (Albemarle, NC)

• Masters Bikini (A Class)- 2nd Place

• Open Bikini (B Class)-3rd Place

• July 5-6, 2013: Team Universe (Teaneck, NJ)

• Masters Bikini 40+ (A Class): 5th Place

Masters Bikini 35+ (B Class): 6th Place

• July 19, 2013: Masters Nationals

• (Pittsburgh, PA)

• Masters bikini 35+ (B class): 8th Place

• August 30, 2013: IFBB North American Championships (Pittsburgh, PA)

• Masters bikini 35+ (B class): 7th Place

I am  a 42 year physician and National NPC Bikini Competitor who recently starting competing in June 2013. I have ways been driven by fitness. Prior to becoming a NPC bikini competitor, I was an avid distance runner. I ran track in high school. During college, medical school, and residency, I maintained my fitness and conditioning by running 20-25 miles/week. Since 1998, I have run 4 full marathons, 2 half marathons, and numerous 5, 8, 10, 12 and 30Ks.

Through the years, my weight has fluctuated (pregnancy/childbirth) but, I have always been able to maintain a fit physique by running. However, in July 2011, after celebrating my 40th birthday, I started to recognize changes in my body that were not typical of the past. I began to notice less muscle definition in my legs (and more adipose tissue). So, over the next year (2011-2012) I increased  my weekly running mileage (25-30miles/week) and as a result, I developed a stress fracture in my foot.

Feeling frustrated with my physical appearance, in December 2012,  I decided to hire a vegan personal trainer. This was beneficial because the trainer was able to help me identify several nutritional issues that were contributing to me gaining fat rather than building muscle. After 3 months of nutritional revisions, and personal training, my body had started to respond the way that i desired. Because my first personal trainer was not experienced in competition prep,  I decided to start looking for a personal trainer who could get me “stage ready.”

In February 2013, I found “that person”: the experienced trainer who was able to help me lean out and build muscle (especially in my lower extremities because of my distance running, there was not much muscular definition in my quads, hamstrings, glutes, etc.). We started our competition preparation training in March 2013.

After 3 months of intense personal training, I graced the stage, on June 8, 2013 feeling confidence and standing fearless in my faith! I placed 3rd in my class of Masters bikini 35+ and 7th in open bikini (B class)!

Since June 2013, I have competed in 2 regional shows and 3 national shows (NPC 2013 Team Universe, NPC 2013 GNC Masters Nationals, IFBB North American Championships) and I placed in the top 10 in all of them!

My motivation is the same as my purpose in life…to encourage others to be active, to inspire optimal health and well-being, and to strive to make a difference in someone’s life daily!