Critical Bench normally interviews pro powerlifters, bodybuilders, athletes, strongman competitors and UFC fighters. However, every now and then a unique person comes out of the world of fitness that deserves recognition. Michelle Bishop is not just a fitness model but she is a very lovable and respected person to many in the iron game. So everyone relax and enjoy yourself as Critical Bench brings to you the lady behind MichelleBishop.com and one of the most charismatic models in fitness.

1) CRITICAL BENCH: Michelle, welcome to Critical Bench. It's great to have you here! Let me ask you, would you rather be in playboy or Iron Man Magazine? Why?

Michelle Bishop: Well this is tough as these are two totally different magazines! My initial response would be Iron Man as fitness is what I'm passionate about. Getting involved in fitness has changed me not only physically but has made me emotionally stronger as well. And what better way to show off your fit physique. Playboy is a bit more risqué but classic and the playmates are all beautiful. What girl wouldn't want to be considered? Hmmm…couldn't I do Iron Man during competition season and Playboy in my offseason? lol

2) CRITICAL BENCH: Hahahaha good answer! I have to get serious now though as I'm a reporter, a PROFESSIONAL. So, Michelle, tell us what got you into fitness modeling?

Michelle Bishop: I was always on the chubby side growing up. I hit my worst in college at 170 lbs. I'm only 5.4.5". Deciding to compete in figure helped me lose the weight and gave me goals to work towards. Since I was in the best shape I had ever been in, I wanted to get some photos. My first photo shoot was with Reg Bradford and I had a blast. I've been hooked since! I love it because what I'm doing now is what I dreamed of when I was 18!

3) CRITICAL BENCH: Michelle how did you become overweight in college?

Michelle Bishop: I was 170 lbs in college because I pretty much grew up with those bad southern eating habits!! I was never ever thin. I think it got worse in college because I was going out every night, drinking, late night diners etc. Also the normal college diet of pizza and ramen noodles. I had never been into fitness and had no clue how to eat well. A diet to me was just eating less food and eating the typical low fat high carb lean cuisine type thing. Wow how times have changed! It's funny because the things I'm doing now are the things I only dreamed of back then. Never did I imagine that I'd be doing this stuff at 29! It does make the reward a little sweeter though!

4) CRITICAL BENCH: Oh definitely, I hear ya about the ramen noodles and pizza as I have similar experiences when I have hung out at college parties in the past. Anyways, Michelle you have an awesome spirit! Tell readers about your outlook on life?

Michelle Bishop: I always say good things happen to good people ;) The bottom line is that I do this stuff because I love it! All the rest is just fluff!

5) CRITICAL BENCH: Michelle, You are a pilot? That is badass! How did you get involved with that?

Michelle Bishop: I went to college for business management. However, I still wasn't sure what I really wanted to do with my life. My dad is a pilot and suggested I take a flying lesson just for fun. I did and I loved it! The rest is history! I went to flight school, worked as a flight instructor for a while and got hired as a commercial airline pilot in 2001. I love the job for several reasons. I get to meet new people every day, I have the greatest view of any office I know, free travel, and a very flexible schedule that allows me to focus on the fitness stuff as well.

6) CRITICAL BENCH: Michelle, you have ATTITUDE! What is the craziest thing that you have ever done?

Michelle Bishop: Craziest- Two years ago I traveled with my dad and brother to New Zealand for 2 weeks. While there I did a bungee jump over a canyon. At 550 ft, it's the second highest bungee in the world. I believe it was an 8 second free fall. It was crazy scary but the best rush ever!!

7) CRITICAL BENCH: Interviewing the toughest men in the world, I have heard some insane stories and it's cool to see that you add to the list of intense moments. Michelle, list 3 people in the fitness industry who inspire you?

Michelle Bishop: okay,

Davana Medina- She used to train at my gym. I had never seen a fitness girl until the day she walked in and I was blown away. I had been a chronic dieter until then only wanting to be skinny. After seeing how she was beautiful and curvy with muscle, ended me wanting to be skinny. Since then we have become friends and she has always given me words of inspiration.

Mike Davies-- Mike Davies, my nutritionist! I have been working with him from the beginning. He makes not only a great coach, but is a great friend and serves as an inspiration to me.

Monica Brant- Simply put, she is an icon. She looks phenomenal all the time, is a business woman, kind, and never quits. What's not to look up to?

8) CRITICAL BENCH: Michelle, away from working out what do you like to do?

Michelle Bishop: ***I love to shop! It doesn't matter what for but like most women I love clothes, shoes and bags!

***I have a Chihuahua named Titan. I love him!

*** I enjoy going out with my girlfriends and doing anything.

***I love sushi and any kind of baked goods! That is my weakness!

9) CRITICAL BENCH: Tell us about your fitness routine?

Michelle Bishop: I do a 5 day split: Legs, shoulders, back, arms, chest/leg shaping. During comp prep I do 1-2 hrs of cardio per day. During my offseason 45min - 1 hour 6 days per week

10) CRITICAL BENCH: Michelle what are your dreams?

Michelle Bishop: **My number one goal is to be happy on a daily basis. I want to live life to the fullest and surround myself with people and things that I love.

***As a figure competitor I would love the day to come where I get that pro card!

***As a fitness model I would love to grace the covers and pages of every magazine and calendar out there.

11) Critical Bench: Michelle, you are living your dream! What would your advice be for a beautiful lady who might want to become a fitness model?

Michelle Bishop: Get out there and get yourself known. No one will come knocking at your door if you don't. Send out letters, emails and phone calls to photographers and magazine editors. I was so surprised in the beginning at what I got just by asking! I had always thought you had to spend lots of money to get professional photos, but this wasn't the case at all. If you have a look that a photographer likes and thinks is marketable you won't have to shell out big bucks. Do your research. Know who's who in the industry and of course keep yourself in good shape so that when an opportunity arises, you'll be ready!

CRITICAL BENCH: There ya have it everyone, Michelle Bishop! Please visit www.MichelleBishop.com and talk to her if you want to learn more. Critical Bench wishes Michelle all the best in her successful journey ahead!