As most fans of MuscleWeek know, Senior Editor Shane Ray caught a bad case of ‘Yellow Fever’ last year and was briefly engaged to not one — but two different Asian fitness models. And while I like to think he’s learned his lesson about dating bikini girls, I’ve also learned that his newest addiction is going to outlast that case of herpes I gave him three years ago (we shared a glass of wine, I swear!) Anyways, when I told him about a hot, new Bikini competitor from Chicago named Maxine Chaikouang, his first question was ‘Chaikouang? What kind of name is that?’ It took exactly zero coaxing to get Shane to sit down for a nice Sushi dinner (on MuscleWeek’s tab) with the razor-sharp and ultra-fine Maxine.

MuscleWeek:  Maxine Chaikouang. Did I say that right? Tell Muscleweek a little about yourself. You own your own personal training company?

Maxine Chaikouang: Yep, I’ve been a personal trainer for over 4 years, but started off on my own in August of 2010. I do most of my business at HiFi personal fitness.

MW: There is a lot of money to be made in Personal Training if one can build a niche and reputation including clientele. What separates a good trainer and “rep counter”?

MC: Besides education. Being able to know exactly what it is that your client wants. If you can provide for them something that someone else is unable to do, and give them the results in regards to their goals; they’ll tend to stay with you for a while. Also, having a six pack and great legs wouldn’t hurt. Just kidding. Kind of.

MW: I am known to train a random client here and there but doing it full time would make me pull the hair I don’t have out of my head. I find it redundant and frustrating. How do you stay motivated and enthusiastic every day with every client?

MC: I know trainers at this popular gym in Barrington, Illinois who can’t train a days worth of clients without being stoned or slipping alcohol in their bottle of Speed Stack. I do have tough days sometimes, but I try to look at each session as an hour with a friend. Most times, it doesn’t feel like work to me. I also take into consideration what my clients pay me for that hour, and it makes me think ” they’re paying this much money just to spend an hour with me “. If you’re a compassionate person, it holds you to a certain feeling of obligation to make it worth their time.

MW: So how did you fall into the whole bodybuilding/physique thing? Was it a natural transition from being a trainer and into the gym scene anyway?

MC: It was pretty natural, and it does not hurt that I practically live at a gym. I was actually inspired by this woman at the gym who was doing shows. I had absolutely no idea that bikini competitions existed, but when she was walking around in her sports bra and tight abs; it truly was motivating. There’s also my mindset that you should always look better than your clients; or most of the general population for that matter. Trainers don’t like to admit it, but I will attest to the fact that if I didn’t have the body that I did; it would have been harder to attract many of the clients I have today.

MW: You compete in Bikini. Why don’t you compete in Figure? What’s the major difference between the two divisions?

MC: I like the general softness that bikini competitors still retain. Plus, I prance around in booty shorts all over the gym; why not showcase my talents on a real stage and actually win something?  The major difference is that figure competitors are much more developed muscularly and their goal is to be even leaner than bikini competitors. Separation between muscles are much more evident.

MW: I understand you work with Dr. Ko. What does he do different than other trainers? He seems to be building an impressive track record. Have you ever worked with anybody else?

MC: You will never meet a more benevolent, yet knowledgeable person with his type of physique. You can sense that he genuinely cares about you and your success. Not to mention his eye for minor details. With his experience, I knew I was in the right hands. I have worked with Katie Peterson, a colleague of mine at HiFI personal fitness. She actually competes in figure competitions.

MW: Would you say contestants in Ms. America, Hawaiian Tropic or Hogs & Honey pageants are athletes? Why do Bikini girls in the NPC consider themselves ATHLETES?

MC: Those girls are not athletes at all. NPC bikini girls are athletes because contrary to belief, it is a hard training regimen. The diet is tough, even though we are restricting calories respectively speaking, we are eating 6x/day and it’s all healthy stuff. No sweets, and definitely NO alcohol which most people find difficult. And most importantly…WE WORK OUT.

MW: What is the long term plan with competition? Pro Card? How will life change if you win the ever so elusive Pro Card?

MC: I most definitely am working to winning a Pro Card this year. I’m not sure what the future will hold when I win my Pro Card, but my purpose of achievement and recognition would definitely be fulfilled. My life probably wouldn’t change much, if anything I would find a new expensive hobby to fill my time.

MW: Do you feel the political card is the key to success in higher levels of competition or do you think hard work always prevail?

MC: Hard work is definitely a must, but in any industry or sport, I believe that politics absolutely plays a role in higher levels of competition. Because when you reach a certain point where there are two girls on stage who look just as equally gorgeous and perfect; how else would you discern but to make a decision that is biased by the pressure from the influential people who just so happen to hold a special interest in one of the girls?

MW: I have spoken to many Bikini competitors who are already dabbling in sorcery, alchemy and pharmacy. Do you feel like using physique enhancing drugs are necessary in serious competitions?

MC: Drugs are bad.

MW: What is the most frustrating things you see or have seen in your short time in this crazy industry?

MC: Girls who try too hard on stage and present themselves as porn actresses. Repulsive… and then going on to see those girls win or place. Just my pet peeve.

MW: Maxine, you’re an Asian girl who competes in Bikini. You’re not a typical boring “Barbie Doll”. How filled is your facebook inbox with schmoes trying to run Game on you? Besides an interview request from MuscleWeek, what kind of funny solicitations do you receive? 

MC: HAHAHAHA. Shane, if only you knew. Most of them your typical “you’re sexy as fuck”, I’m actually still waiting for something original.

MW: Yellow Fever seems to be a very serious but fortunate disease that inflicts many men who cross paths with girls like you. What kind of guys do you go for? You don’t date broke-dick dog bodybuilders who lie and post ducky face phone-mirror pics on facebook all day long do you?

MC: (Cracking up) Seriously? No I don’t go for any Pauly D’s, but what I do find sexy is that all-american, clean cut, highly intelligent, and witty guy (i.e. WASP/ Tom Brady-esque) Anyone who’s unable to hold a decent conversation stands no chance.

MW: If you can change one thing about Bikini what would it be? I see the girls are getting more muscular every show. Should the criteria change? Do you really need striated abs on stage?

MC: The one change I would like to see is a lower frequency of girls who have had their boobs done. I would love to see more NATURAL girls… maybe I’m biased because my bust size or lack thereof leaves me embittered. I think the criteria is fine where it’s at, but any direction further towards muscular would deter me from competing. I don’t think you need striated abs on stage… if anything I think many guys are repulsed by striated abs on girls.

MW: Moving on. Have you shopped any potential sponsors? If you could represent any company in the bodybuilding industry which one would it be?

MC: I have yet to shop for any potential sponsors.. maybe I’ve been waiting for them to come to me? Being a novice I wouldn’t know where to start. One company whose products I’ve always been satisfied with is Optimum Nutrition, but I wouldn’t mind others who are just as reputable.

MW: If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island for a full year but could bring with you 3 items. Which 3 items would you bring?

MC: My baby blanket, Atlas Shrugged (it took me a damn near half a year to complete), and my favorite pair of booty shorts.

MW: Who is your bodybuilding industry Hubby? Whose glutes do you want to squeeze?

MC:Is it bad that I don’t have one?

MW: Tell us something about Maxine Chaikouang that not many people know. Tell Muscleweek a secret.

MC: I’m that girl that can bake a batch of cookies, and leave none for anyone. Quite antithetic…

MW: If you could make only one wish come true what would be that wish?

MC: That I could eat all of the cupcakes in the world and still be sexy.

MW: Maxine. What are your 2012 plans? What shows could we see you at this year?

MC: You’ll most definitely see me at Illinois State in May, and I will be ready to rock at Junior Nationals :]

MW: Is there anything you would like to plug? Your website? Your personal training business?  How can potential sponsors, schmoes and clients who want to work with you contact you?

MC: Everyone can check out my site: FitMaxPersonalTraining, or find me on FACEBOOK

Bonus Questions:

Favorite Movie?

Troy.

Favorite Cheat Food?

Cupcakes or Sushi

Favorite Clean Food?

Oatmeal

Favorite Drink?

Tequila on the rocks.

One time, I told my girlfriend I was gonna kiss her where it stinks…so I took her to New Jersey. If you’ve driven up 95 on the New Jersey Turnpike, you know what I mean. Smoke stacks, chemical plants, oil refineries, and more Cracker Barrels than any state should legally have. But Jersey isn’t all bad. After all, they gave us Springsteen, this year’s Superbowl Champions (Giant Stadium sits squarely in the marshlands of North Jersey) and the luscious Shelly Albetta, right? Who, you ask? Well, if you haven’t heard of her, you will soon. On an extended lunch break, MuscleWeek Senior Editor Shane Ray caught the Jersey Transit train from Muscleweek’s Manhattan Office to check in with stunning and sexy IFBB Pro Figure babe Shelly Albetta.

Shelly & Twin Sis

MuscleWeek: Hey Shelly, how the heck are you? How often do people call you Shelly Belly? Does that get annoying? Tell us a little about yourself.

Shelly Albetta: I’m actually doing great. Shelly Belly? Wow! Can’t say I’ve heard that one in a while! A little about me. I am 29 years old, and I work full time in sales and as an account manager for my father’s print company.  Slowly working my way up the corporate ladder! I have an identical twin sister (Figure Competitor) Betsy (Albetta) DiGiovanni, who happily married to my brother-in-law, Josh.  The three of us own a 2 family house together — I live downstairs, them upstairs — and it works out great!

MW: You’re from New Jersey. When I think of New Jersey I think of Bon Jovi, Cinderella and the New Jersey Devils. Are you a fan of any of the three?

SB: Ironically, no (laughs). I prefer R&B, not into cartoons of any sort, and hockey doesn’t grasp my attention on any level.  But YES im born and raised Jersey Girl.  You know the saying, “You can take the girl outta Jersey, but you can’t take the Jersey outta the girl”.  I’ll live here for life.

MW: So how did you fall into the whole competitive Figure World?

SA: My Bro in Law was a bodybuilder when him and my sister started dating.  I attended his show and for the first time discovered Figure.  The bodies of those girls grabbed my attention and respect, and from that moment I knew it was something I was going to learn more about until I also was up on that stage.

MW: You’ve been around the competition circuit for a while beginning in 2006. You just recently won your pro card at this past Team Universe. Is that correct?

SA: Well the competition season of 2012 will be my seventh year competing.  I believe Team Universe 2011 was my 17th show, and yes it is where I turned pro.

MW: I know you are now a proud home owner and you have a lot going on but what is your long term competitive plan? Ms. Olympia? Ms. International?

SA:  Honestly, I have never based my success in this sport on my actual rank.  I have always told myself that there are so many beautiful women out there with amazing bodies, focusing on them is a waste of time. All I can control is ME.  So year to year, my goals have always been to improve upon my physique.  To look more balanced, complete, poised, and professional.  Year after year, I believe I have achieved that!  And this year will be no different.  As far as where that will take me…. we will see!

MW:  Let’s get a bit more serious. More girls than you think believe once you win a pro card that there are endless amounts of opportunity and money just waiting for them to take. How true is that?

SA:  Well I haven’t competed as a Pro yet, but I’ve been around the industry long enough to know that its very difficult to make a living off of JUST this sport.  I love competing, and probably always will…. but its secondary to my career in business, which ultimately pays my bills and will secure my future.  As far as other opportunities, I am a firm believer that you have to go after whatever you want in life.  Nothing is going to fall into your lap.  You have to go a go-getter.

MW: You compete in Figure. Your objective is muscular but not overly done. Lean, but not shredded. What’s the difference between Figure and Women’s Physique now? Is it only a matter of posing?

SA: I think as Women’s Physique grows and as we see the Pros compete, the lines between the two will become more clear.  But from what I can currently tell, WP is a leaner dryer slightly tighter look, with poses that demonstrate the female physique differently than that of figure.  Figure to me is all about shape, and creating the illusions of big shoulders, tiny waist, and nice quads while remaining feminine.

Tight!

MW: Some hardcore Figure girls feel a certain amount of resentment towards the Bikini competitors. How do you honestly feel about Bikini and their astronomical numbers on stage these days?

SA: Well bikini has definitely come a LONG way from the first shows it was introduced in.  The competition today is FIERCE and these girls are looking more and more amazing.  I’m not going to knock bikini —  it’s just not for me.   Many of the physiques in bikini are admirable and I commend these ladies for doing their thing… I just prefer those who keep it classy on stage.

MW: How necessary is it for you, Shelly Albetta, to be with a nutritionist? Are you an Oddo Angel or Fitness Factory girl? I’m afraid to ask, but are you a part of the Bombshell Cult?

SA: I’ve been a Fitness Factory girl since Day One.  I know my body pretty darn well after this long.  But it still feels good to be held accountable, and to not have to worry about what to eat come prep time.  So Mike Davies is and always will be my Savior.  He has been with me since my first show, and has help be grown to where I am today.  I will always be thankful for him and Julie.

MW: A stereotype plaguing Figure Girls is that lots of them have deep psychotic issues. It’s been said most serious Figure competitors struggle with Bi Polar Disorder or other mental or physical ailments. What are your thoughts about that?

SA: Well that’s a loaded question (laughs).  I’d have to say just like in life, you come across an array of people with different personalities, histories, backgrounds and issues.   I prefer to stick to those who I know and trust….who do not have any of the issues stated.  I can’t speak for the rest of the figure chicks out there, so I will plead the fifth! (laughs heartily)

MW: I don’t know your status but do you get down with hardcore bodybuilders? Is it natural for a girl so into her body and the stage to want to be with her male counter-part?  What kind of dudes does Shelly Albetta find attractive?

SA: An attractive guy to me is a guy who is confident in himself and know how to treat a woman RIGHT- with respect.  Also he must  take care of himself, mentally and physically.  Most importantly a guy who can handle a strong independent woman.  Good guys are hard to find!

MW: In the upper echelons of competitive Figure how necessary is it for some girls to dabble in alchemy and chemistry to produce a desired result? Can it be done with just smart supplementation and strict training?

SA: I don’t believe anything is necessary.  I believe top girls will come from both sides of the fence…. some will dabble, some will not…. and at the end of the day it will never be the deciding factor in placings.  There are way too many other factors that effect the way a figure girl looks on stage. period.

MW: If you can change one thing about the bodybuilding industry or Figure world what would it be?

SA: Ha just one???  Just kidding — not really! Hmmmm…. one thing? I’d change the recurring theme of many of these girls in the industry…. insecurity.  I’ll leave the answer at that! (Winks)

MW: You support yourself through modeling work and personal training. What else does Shelly Albetta do besides model, work with clients and train? What else are you passionate about?

SA: As stated above, I went to college for Marketing, and I have been in business for six years.  That is how I support myself.  Anything extra I do in this industry (training. modeling, etc.) is all extra!

MW: Okay. Funny stuff. If you were going to be trapped on a deserted island for a year what 3 things would you take with you?

SA: 1. My IPOD (how could I survive without DRAKE?); 2. Chapstick; 3. My fave blanket (comes with me everywhere)

MW: Who is your Hollywood Husband?

SA: It’s a tie between Mark Wahlberg and Ryan Gosling.

MW: Okay, don’t think too much about this one: F-Marry-Kill:  Jay Cutler.  Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Kai Green.  Go!

SA: WOW YIKES! Murder Arnold, cuz he’d come back anyway…. he’s The Terminator!  Marry Jay- 2 blondes look good together (laughs). Sleep with Kai??  I guess that was by default?? (Cracking up)

MW: Let’s talk about Facebook Schmoes — Annoying as hell or do you love all of your fans?

SA: I’ve weeded them out over the years… got some creepy dudes out there (laughs) but all in all I’m a classy chick and try to remain nice until someone crosses the line!  But I got nothing but love for anyone that supports me! (Winks)

MW: If you could recommend ONE supplement for the aspiring Figure competitor what would it be?

SA: Protein Powder.

MW: Is there anything you’d like to plug or represent? How does one get in contact with Shelly Albetta for modeling work, sponsorship and everything else in between?

SA: Well for now my FaceBook page is the best way to contact me. I  haven’t gotten to making a website just yet…. I might have to contact Vendetta Marketing about that, but we will see what 2012 brings!

MW: Word Association:  I drop the name and you think of the first few words that come to mind.

SA: Okay, let’s do this!

JM Manion?

Head Honcho

Aaron Singerman?

A character!

Erin Stern?

Balanced.

Monica Brant?

Epic!

Shannon Dey?

Guru.

Governor Chris Christie?

Ughh! I hate politics.

MW: Thanks for sitting down with MuscleWeek, Shelly. We wish you the best of luck in 2012!

SA: Thank you, Shane! Congrats on all of the success with MuscleWeek!

__________________________

For sponsorship or professional opportunities, Shelly can be contacted via her Facebook page.