Debbie Bramwell. . . The Power and the Passion!

**Prince** · 05-05-2010, 01:06 PM

Debbie Bramwell. . . The Power and the Passion!
by Leigh Penman

With this year's IFBB New York Pro just days away I thought it was time I finally caught up with one of the sports favorite female bodybuilders, Debbie Bramwell. Currently on view In the Iron Asylum , Debbie has made significant improvements to her physique since the last time we saw her

on stage and conventional wisdom says she should place very highly come May 8th. While I will leave the predictions to the more qualified experts, I will dare to say that, in my humble opinion, Debbie will crack the top 5!
Debbie is one of those women who always has a smile on her face and something positive to say about life...an attitude that, along with her impressive physique, has taken her a long way in the sport and left an impression on the hearts of many. So just how did she find herself involved in the sport of bodybuilding and was she always so confident and positive?
The time had arrived to find out more about the power and the passion that drives Debbie Bramwell towards achieving her goals. But first, let's take a little time out to do a quick background check...

So Debbie...I have read that sports were a big part of your life when you were growing up, can you tell us a little about that?
"I was very athletic growing up. I basically tried everything but liked Softball, track and volleyball the best. I also remember as a child excelling in fitness tests - which goes to show genetics play a huge part in our athletic abilities and in the building of an exceptional physique."

What do you think your involvement in athletic pursuits did for you on an emotional level?
"When I was young playing sports was something I enjoyed doing. I think it is a positive way to spend your time. However, on an emotional level, the change really came as a result of my work in the area of personal growth and development. When I trained my mind to think differently my world changed. The power of the mind is everything. It can make or break you."

Can you remember when you were first exposed to bodybuilding and was this the moment you also decided to become involved in the sport?
"I saw my first bodybuilding magazine at my ex's house and thought it was fascinating. He took me to my first bodybuilding show but at that time I never imagined getting on stage. It wasn't until much later and being talked into it (over and over... lol!) that I decided to do a show."

In your opinion, what type of person is attracted to bodybuilding?

"People who are driven, focused and love to be challenged. This sport attracts perfectionists and motivated goal setters. It embraces people who aren't afraid to be different and, of course, people who love to train..."

Do you think that for some the sport of bodybuilding is almost a ‘healing tool' for certain emotional challenges?
"I have heard many stories about how bodybuilding has made a positive impact on the lives of those who choose to become involved in it. So, with that in mind, I would definitely say it could be considered as a healing tool."

In your own case, and now that you have been involved in the sport for many years, what do you feel you were looking to gain from becoming a bodybuilder on a mental level?
"I love to be challenged and set personal goals. I reprogrammed my mind doing personal growth work and that's where my personal power comes from. Bodybuilding helped me build my physique but I believe the mental part comes from all the work I have done which has ranged from books and seminars to videos and CD programs".

I believe that your greatest source of inspiration when it came to taking it to the competitive level was the Tony Robbins ‘Personal Power' program....how did that impact your life?
"I have always been into personal growth work and have read book after book and attended many seminars to improve myself on emotional/mental and spiritual levels. I did the Tony Robbins 30 day program in 1996 and totally reprogrammed my mind. I decided to enter my first show to conquer my fear of being up in front of people and to improve physically. It wasn't even about being a bodybuilder it was more about stepping out of my comfort zone and setting a personal goal."

Turning from the emotional/spiritual to the physical...how easy was it for you to gain muscle in the early days?
"I have to say that I am one of the lucky ones...I put on muscle pretty easily. I was also lucky to meet the right people to help guide me with proper eating and proper training technique. I had little biceps from day one! I have to say that genetics do play a huge role in a bodybuilder's success..."

What were your weakest body parts back then and how did you go about improving them?
"I would say back and legs. I really didn't like training legs for a long time because, let's face it, it is HARD work! That being said, I actually love training legs now. I prefer to have a training partner push me further and that allows me to use more weight. I have always believed in full range of motion for legs. I see many people doing half reps which aren't going to help build good legs.
"As for my back, it took a while for me to learn how to feel my muscles work during back training but now I would say it is my favorite musclegroup to train. There's nothing like a good back pump! I will admit that it is still the body part I need to work on in but it has improved. I have short arms so it is more of a struggle to build. I focus on stretching it out as well as contracting it for each rep. I have a new training partner and gym coach now and we are doing things I have never done before so I expect my back to be much better this

year."

How do you split up your body during the course of an off-season training week?
"Last off season I decided to train 4 days a week using the following split:
Monday: chest/bis
Tuesday: legs
Thursday: shoulders/tris
Friday: back

Do you favor heavy/low rep or higher rep work?
"I am now doing a keto diet and use heavier weight for lower reps. When I was on higher carbs I did higher reps."

In terms of diet, how do you break up your macro-nutrients and what supplements do you add?
"I am following Dave's keto diet (which you can find on his RX thread) I am currently on a 3 days no fat/ 1 day fat rotation. In terms of supplements I use ‘Isolyze' (whey isolate), ‘Somalyze' (nighttime fat burner), ‘Lipolyze' (daytime fat burner), ‘Omegalyze' (essential fatty acids), ‘Fiberlyze' (dual fiber supplement), ‘Arthrolyze' (joint repair)-- all from Species Nutrition; Juice Plus+ (fruit and vegetable extracts), Calcium/magnesium, and a multi-vitamin."

Going into the NY Pro....it is a pretty tough line up this year....do you feel this intimidating on any level or does it inspire you even more?
"I am fired up and believe I will do well in NY. I am only worried about me and what I bring to that stage. I am very happy with how I look... so look for me in that first call out!"
What sort of mental approach to you take with you into a competition?
"I believe my mental outlook is my strong point. I am very positive and always have a good mindset. I love prep time and working hard so when I show up in NY I will be ready to have fun! I visualize the end result

and feel my success before I get there. However, above all else, I always enjoy the journey which is the most important part; the rest is the icing on the cake for me."
In your own personal experience what would you say is the greatest gift you have received from your participation in the sport?
"I could think of so many great gifts bodybuilding has given me but the most important one is the people I have met. This sport has lined me up with many incredible people. The most important one being my husband. We met in Vegas at the USA show and have now been happily married one year."

Finally...how can people contact you?
debramwell@hotmail.com

http://www.rxmuscle.com/the-women/13...e-passion.html

**Prince** · 05-05-2010, 01:07 PM

I posted this because I think her physique is amazing and she is still hot! (I don't normally like the look of a female bodybuilder this big)

**CORUM** · 05-05-2010, 01:57 PM

i think she looks like a guy!!! she has the facial features of a man, maybe too much HGH or something

**sassy69** · 05-05-2010, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by CORUM

i think she looks like a guy!!! she has the facial features of a man, maybe too much HGH or something

That's just ignorant.

Debbie has fantastic genetics and is so well proportioned. On season & off she looks fantastic. And speaking personally, she is such a nice and positive person.

**NeilPearson** · 05-05-2010, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by sassy69

That's just ignorant.

Debbie has fantastic genetics and is so well proportioned. On season & off she looks fantastic. And speaking personally, she is such a nice and positive person.

I'm sure she is very nice... but I wouldn't date her.

I can appreciate the work she must put into it but saying she looks fantastic... I think the only person that would agree with that is other competitors. She is built, strong, cut, all that... but she isn't hot at all

**sassy69** · 05-05-2010, 02:36 PM

nevermind

**Kathybird** · 05-05-2010, 03:10 PM

I think she looks great, but I can see where people would say she looks a little different. Her muscles do look a little larger on average than your typical female bb... OK, not that I've seen 10 million women bbs. But others look a little more... delicate? ... than her. Is she tall?

Edit: ... which leads me to the question... would a woman who's naturally built a bit more solid than her counterparts have a leg up in competition?

**NeilPearson** · 05-05-2010, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by sassy69

nevermind

I understand your point of view... it's just A LOT of men find skinny fat girls a lot more attractive than strong, cut girls.

Some guys think any definition at all is a turn off.

Now they could just have bad taste but I do think it is the general populations preferance.

**Kathybird** · 05-05-2010, 03:24 PM

Men are genetically programmed to like women with some fat... a certain amount of body fat leads to the belief that the particular woman is an optimal candidate for childbearing.

.... or so I've heard.

**sassy69** · 05-05-2010, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

I understand your point of view... it's just A LOT of men find skinny fat girls a lot more attractive than strong, cut girls.

Some guys think any definition at all is a turn off.

Now they could just have bad taste but I do think it is the general populations preferance.

I appreciate your response.

What drives me nuts tho, is that she's a pro-level competitor in a sport that many of us here at least set as the pinnacle of bodybuilding, but as a female, the only response is whether or not she's fuckable.

When I watch a pro basketball game, I don't decide who I want to win by who has the most fuckable center. When I watch the men's BB, I don't look to see who is the most fuckable.

Just kinda drives me nuts.

Frankly I can't think of a male BB who is as balanced as Debbie is - she's got full muscle bellies and balance all the way around.

Kathy - Debbie is small - I'm thinking like 5'1"-5'2" Many short competitors (men & women) can tend to be more blocky than proportional, so she just carries her mass very well.

**NeilPearson** · 05-05-2010, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by sassy69

I appreciate your response.

What drives me nuts tho, is that she's a pro-level competitor in a sport that many of us here at least set as the pinnacle of bodybuilding, but as a female, the only response is whether or not she's fuckable.

When I watch a pro basketball game, I don't decide who I want to win by who has the most fuckable center. When I watch the men's BB, I don't look to see who is the most fuckable.

Just kinda drives me nuts.

Frankly I can't think of a male BB who is as balanced as Debbie is - she's got full muscle bellies and balance all the way around.

Kathy - Debbie is small - I'm thinking like 5'1"-5'2" Many short competitors (men & women) can tend to be more blocky than proportional, so she just carries her mass very well.

Yeah but as men whenever we talk about a girl it comes down to how fuckable they are.

It doesn't matter if they are a female body builder, Olympic beach vollyball player, actress, comedian or even a politician... If you talk about ANY girl, guys will tell you if she is hot or not. That is just how guys are. We don't discriminate against body builders.

When that sport is the kind of sport that is judged by the way the person looks, do you really expect more from men?

**sassy69** · 05-05-2010, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

Yeah but as men whenever we talk about a girl it comes down to how fuckable they are.

It doesn't matter if they are a female body builder, Olympic beach vollyball player, actress, comedian or even a politician... If you talk about ANY girl, guys will tell you if she is hot or not. That is just how guys are. We don't discriminate against body builders.

When that sport is the kind of sport that is judged by the way the person looks, do you really expect more from men?

i got nuttin to even respond w/.

**Prince** · 05-05-2010, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

Yeah but as men whenever we talk about a girl it comes down to how fuckable they are.

that is pretty shallow.

**NeilPearson** · 05-05-2010, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Prince

that is pretty shallow.

I never denied that

**NeilPearson** · 05-05-2010, 05:31 PM

I would bet that if you put up a picture of ANY female (with or without a story), you will get comments on whether guys would hit it or not.

She doesn't have to even be a real person. She could be a drawing... or 100 years old or even dead.

I actually don't think it would have to be human.

**FindingMyWay** · 05-05-2010, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by sassy69

That's just ignorant.

Debbie has fantastic genetics and is so well proportioned. On season & off she looks fantastic. And speaking personally, she is such a nice and positive person.

Originally Posted by sassy69

I appreciate your response.

What drives me nuts tho, is that she's a pro-level competitor in a sport that many of us here at least set as the pinnacle of bodybuilding, but as a female, the only response is whether or not she's fuckable.

When I watch a pro basketball game, I don't decide who I want to win by who has the most fuckable center. When I watch the men's BB, I don't look to see who is the most fuckable.

Just kinda drives me nuts.

Frankly I can't think of a male BB who is as balanced as Debbie is - she's got full muscle bellies and balance all the way around.

Kathy - Debbie is small - I'm thinking like 5'1"-5'2" Many short competitors (men & women) can tend to be more blocky than proportional, so she just carries her mass very well.

I agree with sassy. I'm so sick of seeing this crap on BB forums. Men and women work equally hard at this sport and all the women get for their efforts on these boards is "I wouldn't date her."

Who cares if any of you would date her or not? What's that got to do with anything? She wouldn't date you either.

**Curt James** · 05-05-2010, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by CORUM

i think she looks like a guy!!! she has the facial features of a man, maybe too much HGH or something

Maybe I'm old school (as well as just plain old), but can we comment while remaining respectful towards the ladies?

**Curt James** · 05-05-2010, 06:48 PM

Just to underline things, perhaps a copy/paste to Anything Goes and then make the rude comments.

I'm hitting the gym and think about deleting 90% of the comments in this thread.
I mean why have POWER if you can't abuse it?

Open and uncensored dialogue is important, however respect is critical as well.
Anything Goes is the better place for some of this.

The whole "I'd hit it" or "Looks like a man" is tired and worn out for discussion, imo.

**Kathybird** · 05-05-2010, 08:07 PM

How about moving the thread to anything goes? Solves the problem.

GICH!!

**Curt James** · 05-05-2010, 08:16 PM

^I thought about that, but Debbie Bramwell deserves better than to serve as target practice.

**Curt James** · 05-05-2010, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Kathybird

I think she looks great, but I can see where people would say she looks a little different. Her muscles do look a little larger on average than your typical female bb... OK, not that I've seen 10 million women bbs. But others look a little more... delicate? ... than her. Is she tall?

Originally Posted by sassy69

Kathy - Debbie is small - I'm thinking like 5'1"-5'2" Many short competitors (men & women) can tend to be more blocky than proportional, so she just carries her mass very well.

5'2 1/2" according to Bramwell's site.

DEBBIE BRAMWELL - IFBB PRO Bodybuilder - About Me

Originally Posted by sassy69

When I watch the men's BB, I don't look to see who is the most fuckable.

Sooooo, Kobe or LeBron?

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

the general population

"@#$% the general population."
—Hardcore BBing Fan

**Kathybird** · 05-05-2010, 08:46 PM

eh. both too tall for me. Go shorter.

**Curt James** · 05-05-2010, 09:28 PM

^Spud Webb?

Do him or no do him?

Spud's height is listed as 5'6". And he could dunk!

**Merkaba** · 05-05-2010, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

I would bet that if you put up a picture of ANY female (with or without a story), you will get comments on whether guys would hit it or not.

She doesn't have to even be a real person. She could be a drawing... or 100 years old or even dead.

I actually don't think it would have to be human.

I'd hit it!

And hell yea, I'd love to bang an alien... No a REAL alien!

**Merkaba** · 05-05-2010, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by sassy69

I appreciate your response.

What drives me nuts tho, is that she's a pro-level competitor in a sport that many of us here at least set as the pinnacle of bodybuilding, but as a female, the only response is whether or not she's fuckable.

When I watch a pro basketball game, I don't decide who I want to win by who has the most fuckable center. When I watch the men's BB, I don't look to see who is the most fuckable.

Just kinda drives me nuts.

Frankly I can't think of a male BB who is as balanced as Debbie is - she's got full muscle bellies and balance all the way around.

Kathy - Debbie is small - I'm thinking like 5'1"-5'2" Many short competitors (men & women) can tend to be more blocky than proportional, so she just carries her mass very well.

I just had this conversation the other day, and I truly believe that, for the majority of us, we are like someone else said. Everything is judged on some sexual element. Now hopefully a man can move past this. But I truly believe it's in our nature. And I agree most women don't think about sex when they see a guy here or there. But 9 out of 10 guys think about sex with just about every girl they meet. We look at asses, chest. There is no way around it. And we look because we are thinking about one thing. The female is the opposite frame of mind and this is why we are yin and yang and why we are meant to blend in order to become better. But I still think a males genetics is to trying to spread his seed. This is why men and women are a 50% toss up to stay together after a marriage. We're not supposed to stay together forever, in a utopian society.

Just my two cents

**Gazhole** · 05-06-2010, 03:18 AM

Really long biceps, they look like they end halfway into her pecs! Awesome.

**cheappinz** · 05-09-2010, 08:20 PM

how pathetic..she is very pretty. I think for her lifestyle and what SHE wants, she looks great. I'd personally stay a bit smaller and more fitness model, but that is a personal preference and nothing anyone else has a right to decide. She does NOT look like a man and she looks prettier than most of the women any of the douche bags putting her down would ever get a chance to be with..they are just saying hurtful things because they know the girl has a better physique than them and is prettier than a girl they could ever get.
People are mean. Quit being such haters..

**ArnoldsProtege** · 05-09-2010, 09:15 PM

Though I would not put it so...aherm..bluntly, I do not find her physique attractive at all, even in a non sexual way.

I respect her for her dedication and passion for body building; she is in better shape then the majority of the population. I guess that is what bodybuilding has become, but she has such a masculine body that has undoubtedly been achieved through steroids, as well as a rigourous training and diet regimen. I have seen some women that are in incredible shape AND maintain a beautiful, feminine physique. The first picture with her in a dress is just bizarre. Even her hands are like a mans.

Before I get flamed, I really do respect her, and I feel the same way about male bodybuilders who are roided up as well. Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler; they are all repulsive IMO, and indicators of our times of doing it bigger, faster, better, and always trying to push it. Aesthetically, it is gross, and that is what I think when I see her pictures (and most outside the bodybuilding community would think).

**Curt James** · 05-09-2010, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by ArnoldsProtege

Though I would not put it so...aherm..bluntly, I do not find her physique attractive at all, even in a non sexual way.

I respect her for her dedication and passion for body building; she is in better shape then the majority of the population. I guess that is what bodybuilding has become, but she has such a masculine body that has undoubtedly been achieved through steroids, as well as a rigourous training and diet regimen. I have seen some women that are in incredible shape AND maintain a beautiful, feminine physique. The first picture with her in a dress is just bizarre. Even her hands are like a mans.

Before I get flamed, I really do respect her, and I feel the same way about male bodybuilders who are roided up as well. Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler; they are all repulsive IMO, and indicators of our times of doing it bigger, faster, better, and always trying to push it. Aesthetically, it is gross, and that is what I think when I see her pictures (and most outside the bodybuilding community would think).

So how would you have commented if you didn't possess respect for her?

**ArnoldsProtege** · 05-13-2010, 02:53 AM

It is one thing to respect, it is another to be frank. I respect the obvious dedication and hard work she put's in to body building. I can also respectfully find her unattractive as a woman, and to not like her body. It is obvious that she has heavily used steroids, and while I am sure she is a positive and glowing person, her physique is completely unappealing to myself and many other men and women outside of BB, I am sure.

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