Meet Angela - A 4 time Natural Figure Champion, training now for another that she hopes to win. We're excited to hear that she and her coach are tracking her workouts and progress on Gym Technik to keep her accountable and motivated as she trains for the next competition. We asked her to answer a few questions to help us understand what it exactly is that keeps her going and how it must feel for a woman to be involved in the bodybuilding industry.

Basic Stats:

Age: 38
Height: 5 feet 2 inches
Weight: 118 lbs
(Contest weight): 112 lbs
Measurements: 38, 23, 36
Residence:  New Jersey

The Interview

Do you own a BlackBerry?
Of course! It’s not the latest and greatest, but I love it.

Are you currently training for a competition?
Yes, on schedule for 2 competitions this year. July (local NJ NPC show) August (Nationals)

How do you go about training for a competition from a physical standpoint?
As soon as I target a show I want to participate in I schedule two months of low reps/heavy weight training. The last month leading into the show I reduce weight, increase reps and begin to focus more seriously on cardio if I need it….it all depends on how my body looks and feels!

How do you prepare yourself mentally when it comes to training for a competition?
One thing I pride myself on is staying as close to competition shape as possible year round. As competitions near I do conjure additional energy and motivation by envisioning myself on stage, with all those other beautiful and fit girls. That helps me stay focused on my task at hand.  Competing to me is more of a personal challenge, it keeps me motivated to go to the gym and follow a healthy diet so with that way of thinking it makes the transition a lot more enjoyable.

How old were you when you started to participate in figure competitions?
31 years old.

What prompted you to start training for figure competitions?
I actually got involved in professional competition through a fitness training camp in NYC. I wanted to be a fitness competitor, but I quickly realized that I didn’t have what is needed to do all those amazing gymnastic moves. It was there that I learned about figure competitions. I went to one and came in 1st place, so I was hooked.

Why do you love bodybuilding?
I find it fascinating to be able to sculpt your body into a marvelous, inspiring shape. It’s a lot of hard work, but if you stay consistent and have a plan, your body will amaze you.  In order to stay in shape all year round you must be dedicated and committed to achieve your goal.  I love to be on stage and think about all the hard work and dedication that took for me to be there!   It really is an amazing experience!

What did you find to be the biggest challenge as a figure competitor?
I still find it difficult not to be nervous when I step on stage. This remains my number one challenge. I’ve gotten better, worked hard at getting my posing down and to remember to smile all the time

Did you face any challenges as a woman interested in figure competitions?
I carry enough muscle to get stares of admiration as well as sideward glances of dislike. Working in the body building industry keeps me surrounded by people who are into working out so there really aren’t many challenges to overcome.

What keeps you motivated to train daily?
When I step out of the shower and I see what working out seven days a week has and continues to do for me. I am also a personal trainer. My client’s determination to accomplish their goals is also rewarding and motivating. Of course I can’t forget to mention the emails I get from fans.

Have you always been very health conscious? If not, what was the turning point?
Not really….I come from Colombia South America and never had the opportunity to go to a gym, didn’t really care for what I ate and didn’t do much exercise when I was younger…but after having my son I ended  up with a few extra pounds and was very unhappy with my body….that’s when my husband convinced me to go to the gym to workout with him. The results I saw in a couple months of working out had me hooked.

Do you have a specific training program that you follow?
I break my body down into: back and biceps, chest, shoulders, and triceps, and legs, so there’s nothing unusual there. I do train legs twice per week by working quads and calves one day and then hams, glutes, and calves on the second leg day. For cardio I’ll do the tread mill, stair climber, or bike.

How did your nutrition change when you started competing?
It changed a lot since nutrition is so much a part of your success. Gone is everything except for salads without dressing, chicken, fish, turkey, and egg whites. I eat 5-6 meals a day and never stray from clean eating.

How is Gym Technik helping you train for this up-coming competition?
I especially like the fact that it provides you with a history of your last exercise reps and weight. This enables me to work harder each time I work out so I can constantly improve. I take my phone with me most places I go, so having my morning workout on it is fantastic!

What are your goals in life?
My goal is to feel good about my body, feel healthy, strong, and promote fitness to family and friends.  To me exercise and healthy nutrition means happiness! 

What are your dreams?
Get my book published, do other exercise DVDs, to be able to compete at the Arnold Classic and the Olympia, and again continue to help and promote fitness

What advice would you give individuals out there that find it difficult to get motivated to stay fit and workout
Established short range “attainable” goals. If it was easy to lose weight or get in-shape everyone would be in shape. Find a training partner, learn as much as you can about clean eating and exercise. Don’t give up! You can make positive change, it just takes time.

What is your favorite clothing to train in?
Under Armour rocks!

Why Under Armour?
It hugs my body, I just love the feeling plus they have the best looking sports bras out there!

What’s your favourite Arnold movie?
Kindergarten Cop

Favorite pump up music to workout to
Salsa

Exercise you love the most
Glute press machine and shoulder presses

The exercise you hate the most
Leg extensions! I hate the burn that you get when you are doing those last few reps

Free weights or machines
I incorporate both. I prefer free weights for range of motion and feel.

iPhone Fitness or BlackBerry fitness?
Blackberry Fitness for the Pros! Running Gym Technik of course ;)

Your favorite off season junk food to eat
I wish! But I stay strict year round.

Your favorite ON SEASON junk food to eat
See answer above!

Biggest pet peeve when you’re at the gym
People who make loud noises when they lift and/or people who like to drop weights on the floor.

We wish Angela the best of luck in her competitions for this year and we're extremely excited to do what we can to help her get there! If you wish to learn more about Angela you can visit her website at http://www.angela-mraz.net 

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