Kelly Thompson aka @Misfitover40

State your name, where you are from, and your profession.

My name is Kelly Thompson. You can find me on Instagram: @misfitover40. Born and raised a Midwest Girl, I currently live in Fishers, Indiana.  I’m an Artist Manager,  paid IG Influencer and Model.

How long have you been involved in fitness?

I’ve always enjoyed living a healthy lifestyle. Yoga and Pilates were my primary fitness focus, up until one year ago. August 2020 I began weightlifting and it became an addiction! 

What would you say motivated you to get started with fitness?

I was originally motivated to ‘tone’ my triceps, hamstrings and glutes. I refuse to age gracefully! I plan to defy the odds of aging, and want to feel strong and look strong for years to come. 

Tell us about your background in fitness. Have you competed, and what has been your greatest moment in fitness?

I plan to compete in 2022 for the first time. My greatest moment in fitness thus far has been the continued reaction others have to how far I’ve developed and grown in just one year. Most individuals believe that I’ve been lifting for years.

What are some of the obstacles, if any, that you had to deal with when you got started in the fitness world?

Currently eating is my number one obstacle! I’m bulking and trying to grow my muscles. I need to consume a large amount of protein daily. I’ve never been a big eater, don’t eat red meat and previously ate very little meat in general. I have to carefully track my daily intakes to ensure I meet goals!

What are some of the qualities that you believe have helped you reach your goals?

I’m extremely determined and make it a point to only compete with myself. I maintain high standards of where I think I should be in my growth goals and life in general.

What is your favorite healthy food?

Kale and mango are my absolute favorites! I can’t get enough and eat them almost everyday.

What is your favorite cheat meal?

Thai! Tom Kha soup, Rama Delight and Sweet Thai Iced Tea fill my soul! Add Sticky Mango Coconut Rice for dessert and I’m in Heaven!

What advice do you have for young females looking to get involved in fitness?

Start early! Time is on your side, and you can carry the strength for many years to come. Being toned and strong is not only sexy, but gives you an inner confidence that nothing else compares to.

Do you have any dogs?

I’ve had dogs my entire life. I don’t think I could ever live without the patter of paws in my home. 

We have a 5 year old French Bulldog, Bexley Rue, that we’ve raised from a puppy. We adopted an English Bulldog from a rescue a year and a half ago. Norah Grace is 6.5 years old. She’s had an extremely hard life before coming to our home. Norah knows she’s loved and safe now. They keep us busy and complete our family!

If so, what type of food do you feed you dog(s)?

They enjoy Taste of the Wild Lamb and any fresh meat they can get their chops on.

What type of fitness regimen do you keep you dog(s) on?

Bexley enjoys going on frequent walks in the woods, and running in our large yard chasing squirrels and rabbits. Due to the harsh conditions Norah endured before coming to our home, she’s unable to walk far. She’s blind and has hip issues. 

We have a doggy stroller that we call her chariot! She jumps around with excitement when she knows it’s time to go for a ride. Bexley walks right next to the stroller as we go on adventures.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?

We vacation a lot as a family and the Fur Babies come with us most everywhere! They enjoy visiting the Smokey Mountains, putting paws in the ocean and strolling the historic area of Savannah. I love seeing the smiles and pure joy Bexley and Norah give to others. People stop us constantly to take their photo.

Switching back to fitness, how would you say the fitness community is doing after the global pandemic?

My gym is still busy with faithful attendees.  I do see many friends have shifted to in-home gyms or online training programs. Personally, I prefer being in a gym and I wouldn’t want to train without my Coach!

Has your workout regimen changed at all?

I didn’t begin lifting weights until last September, right in the midst of the pandemic. I’ve kept at it and have enjoyed my regimen without disruption.

Who do you look up to in the fitness or bodybuilding world?

I’m still learning the art and sport of bodybuilding. I look up to many women in the competition world, especially those 40 and older. With that said, I absolutely have one special person I adore and admire. 

My Coach, Kira Neuman, is a legend in the industry! But more than that, she’s one of the most humble, authentic and beautiful people you could ever meet. She strengthens my confidence, keeps wind in my sails and shares her knowledge to support whatever dreams I have both in and out of the gym. If you’re lucky enough to call Kira a friend, then you know every word I said is true…. and more! 

Tell us about some of your goals for this year?

I’m bulking right now and will be until January. I’ll begin cutting in February to begin my first ever competition season! 

What other hobbies or interests do you partake in besides fitness?

I enjoy spending time with my family traveling, hiking and exploring new places! I’m also a Cheer Coach during basketball season. 

What is one of your favorite quotes?

Don’t Quit, the poem by Edgar Albert Guest. My Dad had this poem framed in multiple rooms of his home, when he passed I saw how much this poem influenced his life and now mine. 

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

Bully Girl Magazine is Amazing! I love the articles, and of course the pups!