| Where and when were you born?
San Luis Obispo, CA
1/21/80 What is your profession?
Personal Trainer/Model Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to figure and how did you get started with weight training?
I’ve been a very active person for most of my life. All growing up I was almost always involved in some kind of sport. I was first introduced to the world of weight lifting when I was 14. My high school offered the option of taking ‘Weight Training’ to fulfill the required P.E. credits. Being an overachiever, I naturally opted for the more challenging class and I’ve loved it ever since. Was it a goal for you to compete in figure competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body?
I didn’t begin to think about competing until I was in college. I knew a couple of girls that did Fitness, but I knew that my gymnastics background wasn’t extensive enough at that point to do that. Then Figure was introduced and it was perfect for me! Can you give me your competition history? 2003 Northern Pacific States Classic
1st Place, Medium Class 2004 Emerald Cup
3rd Place, Medium-Short Class 2004 Northern Pacific States Classic
2nd Place, Medium Class 2005 USA’s
DNP, C Class 2005 Northern Pacific States Classic
6th Place, Medium Class 2006 Contra Costa
6th Place, B Class 2006 Oregon State Championships
2nd Place, Short Class Which contest has been your biggest success; which has had the most meaning to you?
My first show, the Northern Pacific States Classic in ‘03, is by far what I’d consider my biggest success. I had no idea what I was doing, what I should look like, what I was getting myself into! Making it through that first diet, all the prep, and of course winning, was so rewarding. I knew as soon as I walked off stage from that show that competing is something I want to continue to do for a long time. Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.)
On average, I lift 5 days a week for 45-60 minutes, cardio 3 days a week, 30-45 minute sessions. My splits vary depending on the season, but I tend to stick with working 2 body parts per day, such as: Chest/Bi or Back/Tri. Cardio is usually M/W/F to break up the monotony a little! What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much?
My favorite exercise is Shoulder Press. I wish I could do without squats, but unfortunately I can’t! Which body part is your best in your opinion?
I’m pretty proud of my biceps. But people tend to tell me that my glutes aren’t too shabby! If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)?
I don’t do max lifts very often, but the last time I did, my cores were:
Bench: 145
Squat: 245
Dead: 295 Ht: 5’3 1/2”
Wt: In-season 115, Off-season 125
Bust: 35”
Waist: 26”
Hips: 35” What do you enjoy about training for competition....what do you enjoy about the 'off season'?
In season, I really enjoy seeing my body change and cut back down from my off-season “fluff.” Off season, I have to admit, I love being off of the diet, getting some ice cream in there occasionally! Please describe a typical day in the life of Neely Tartaglia.
I usually have to start my day off with some coffee. I’m a zombie until I get that! My daily schedule varies depending on my appointments. But I usually try to schedule them out to where I have time to get my own workout in between the 1st and 2nd bookings. After a day of sessions, I’m usually quite the home body. I like to go home and spend some time on the computer catching up with friends, listening to some music, and getting my cooking done for the next day. Please tell me about what you do when you don’t work out ( hobbies, what do you do to relax?, etc.)
I love to read, fiction mainly. But I do still pull out the old anatomy textbooks occasionally. I’m a bit of an artist, so when the inspiration hits it’s very relaxing to sit back for an afternoon of drawing. And music is a big part of my life. Music makes my mood and I tend to have something playing no matter what I’m doing. What do you enjoy most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle?
The one thing that I love the most about it all is the fact that I make what I am. I have the ability to dictate my schedule and it’s up to me to make sure I stick to it and do what I need to get to where I want to be. It’s a huge responsibility, and it drives me even harder to know that. Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear.
I’m actually quite lazy. When I have a day with nothing scheduled, you can most likely find me on the couch reading or out at the lake doing absolutely nothing! Don’t get me wrong, I push myself hard a lot of the time. So I take FULL advantage of the times when I can kick back and let go of responsibility. What are your competition goals or personal future goals?
In competition, I’ve got my eyes on that elusive pro card. I’d love to be able to compete in the IFBB ranks. My modeling is going quite well and I’d like to keep that avenue moving onward and upward. I’ve been looking into also doing some more MUA training to go along with that. And, if I ever find the time between all of that, I’d like to develop my own clothing line. Neely does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! | 
