First-Time Figure Competitor, Tashia Summers – 39 year young mother of 3!
 |
So, Tashia, What got you involved in figure competitions?
After having 3 kids I weighed 162 lbs and was very unhappy with the way I looked and felt about myself. I decided to join my local gym in 2003 at the age of 32 and worked hard (so I thought) but was not getting the results I wanted. I went to the owner and explained my dream of competing and he set me up on a weight routine, taught me how to eat right and encouraged me. I started seeing great results and was hooked on weight lifting. I then promised myself I would get on stage and compete by the time I turned 40.
Interesting. How long have you been in fitness?
I played sports in high school but after that not until 2003 and have continued on and off up to now.
Cool. What is your competition weight and off-season weight?
My competition weight was 119. 5 months before competition I stayed around 138-142
Great numbers. What motivates you to keep in shape?
Being in shape makes me feel good about myself and I like looking in the mirror instead of avoiding them. Also the promise I made to myself to get on stage by the age 40.
That’s awesome! What is your goal setting process?
I plan ahead all meals and times to eat. I have a set time to train before I go home and I keep pictures of competitors I want to look like as encouragement and what I want my end results to be.
I know what you mean. So, how do you stick to your goals?
By planning ahead, knowing and excepting from the start that there will be times I fail. Forgive myself, start again and telling myself “it is better to try and fail than to have never tried at all”
Cool. What is your nutrition like off-season?
I try to eat healthy balanced meals with an occasional treat. I only drink water, low fat milk and unsweetened tea. Also use honey or agave nectar as sweetener not sugar.
Great choices. What’s your contest preparation dieting protocol?
Buy and prepare all food ahead of time so I don’t eat or buy on impulse. I keep baby carrots and almonds with me at all times.
I did the baby carrot thing too. What’s a basic cheat meal for you?
Pot roast with potatoes and gravy. Cocoa pebbles, veggie supreme pizza or my grandmas lemon cheesecake.
That’s a cheat? LOL Are there any sacrifices? If so, how do you overcome them?
Yes. Time with family and friends. Church fellowships, that almost always include food and lots of it. I explain my goals and that I will have to avoid those tempting situations hoping everyone understands and most do.
I know what you mean. What do you find to be the hardest part about getting into contest shape and how do you overcome it?
The diet. Being hypoglycemic I tend to want to eat sweets. I keep fruit ready to eat and all natural peanut butter if my blood sugar gets to low. Also keep a complex carb powder called WaxieMaize on hand. I try to keep food simple so I’m not spending a lot of time on preparing my meals.
That’s the way to do it. So, what is your training split like?
- Mon – Chest – Triceps – Abs
- Tues – Legs
- Wed – Abs – 20-30 min cardio
- Thurs – Back – Biceps
- Fri – Shoulders – Abs
- Sat – off
- Sun – off
I change sets, reps, tempo and muscle groups every 3-4 weeks to keep muscles confused. Cardio 1-2 times week off season and during competition prep 5-6 times a week/ 1-2 times a day.
Great training plan. Do you track your personal best lifts and if so, what are they?
Yes I keep track of all lifts. Best being bench press at 135 and leg press at 450. Try to increase when and as much as I can.
Great lifts! What is your competition history?
Thanks to Karen and her “Figure Competition Secrets” eBook, I just competed in my first competition in the AR state. I placed 5th in the master’s figure (35 & up) B class and 4th in the women’s open figure C class.
Great placements for a newbie. Do you have any future competition plans?
Yes, my plan is to compete in Kansas City, MO. and the AR state again. Then plan to compete in Bodybuilding.
Nice. Do you use supplements? If so, what are your favorite supplements?
Yes.
Dymatize ISO 100 Whey protein
IDS WaxieMazie
Zymosine (natural anti-inflammatory, joint and tendon formula) by Boulder Natural Labs
Flex Complex (creatine product) by Total Body Research Labs
BCAA
Glutamine
Love it! Does your family support your fitness endeavors?
Yes.
That’s awesome. What hobbies do you have outside of fitness?
Gardening and cooking.
Pick it and cook it. What advice would you give someone who wanted to get in such great shape?
If you just want to get in great shape or even compete, Karen’s “Figure Competition Secrets” eBook and her personal training will give you everything you need to be in the best shape of your life! Stay true to yourself and what makes you happy. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t. Always give 110% whether it’s for 10 min or 10 days and be patient your hard work and dedication WILL pay off. Never give up!!
Thanks! How has fitness and/or competing changed your life?
Fitness and competing has taught me that I can overcome and accomplish all things through hard work and dedication. To take that leap of faith and try things that I’ve always said or thought I couldn’t achieve.
Did You Know…
Did you know that Tashia is just like you and YOU can make the SAME type of Body Transformation! You can have all the same Diet, Training, and Prepping Secrets to transform your body, get on stage, and Win your Competition!
Click Here to choose your Division
If you are not ready, then grab my FREE Contest Prep Crash Course so you can start making the same amazing body transformation.
Click Here for FREE Contest Prep Crash Course
Karen Sessions NSCA-CPT
