Mickala Thompson, University Ave

Mickala Thompson, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, had always considered herself to be an athlete. She played power forward on her middle and high school basketball teams, and was involved in several intramural sports and activities. A pesco-ovo vegetarian, she stood 5’6” and weighed a healthy 135 lbs. During pharmacy school, however, studying (and snacking) became a priority, leaving little time for healthy cooking or exercising. At the end of her second year of residency, she found herself at an astonishing 190 lbs. After relocating to Huntsville, Alabama to begin her career, Mickala sought the help of personal trainer Nate Hoppe to develop a personalized weight training and diet plan and lost 45 lbs! In December, she decided to take her training to the next level. She began an intensified four-month training and diet plan laid out by Nate. Weighing 128 lbs, she placed 2nd in her class in her first figure competition in April. Her key to success: Instead of giving yourself reasons why you can’t, give yourself reasons why you can!