Fitness Model Interview:Christie Skelton |
| The Interview: 1. What's your background? How did you get started in the fitness industry? I have worked out with weights for some time, and was inspired to start doing Fitness when I saw some girls training at my daughter’s gymnastics studio. I love to dance, and thought I could do what they were doing. So I went to the coach and asked what they were training for, and that was the beginning of my competing. 2. What do you feel is your biggest fitness-related accomplishment? I started taking Gymnastics at age 40. I didn't really have any Gymnastics background, so this was a huge thing. I had the support of the whole Gym every time I would stick a front handspring, or back handspring. They would all clap and join in my excitement. It was a wonderful feeling! I was sometimes, terrified to do the tricks, but stuck with it. It has been a great sense of accomplishment for me. I used to take class with girls that were young enough to be my daughters, and they were terrific support. 3. Is fitness modeling/competition your full-time job? If not, what else do you do? I am currently President of the Reserve Firefighter Association for our City. I am testing for full time firefighter. I am also a Competition Suit designer. I am working on my website and looking forward to helping other Athletes look and feel their ultimate best on stage! I only have my email address right now ceradawer@aol.com, however it should be completed very soon. I call my design business Cerada, accent bodywear. 4. What are your immediate and long-term goals? To get my website up and running immediately, and to get my Suit Designs seen Nationally. 5. Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like? I get up at 5am and do 45 minutes of Cardio. Since I am training for the Fire Dept. right now, I put 75 lb. ( a backpack full of sand) on my back and walk at a 10-15 % incline for 5 minutes on the treadmill. Then I reduce the weight to 55 lb. For another 5 minutes, then take off the backpack and continue on the treadmill for of the remainder of the time. I do this 5-6 times a week, and take Bikram Yoga 2 times a week alternately with weight lifting. All these are strength, endurance, and Cardio related exercises. Then I am a Mom, running Kids around to and from school, and athletic practices, and a reserve Firefighter, and suit designer, not to mention a wife too! I squeeze it all in during each day. 6. Please describe your normal diet. How do you eat to stay in shape? I make sure I eat a healthy breakfast every day. Egg whites or protein drink, and oatmeal. I have protein shakes for mid day snacks, and rice cakes. My other meals consist of Chicken, fish, potatoes, rice, and salad. No bread or pasta. Occasionally I will have a piece of fruit, but only early in the day. Pre-contest dieting is very strict, and I eat less Carbohydrates. On the off season, I give myself 1 “cheat” day to indulge in anything I think I might be missing! It’s important to give yourself a break from such strict dieting. Maintaining that all year round is very difficult. And let me add that water is vital. One gallon per day! 7. What is your training routine like? [see above] 8. What supplements do you use? I use Creatine, and a wonderful Women's multi vitamin. I also use Glutamine for muscle recovery. 9. How do you motivate yourself to get/stay in shape? I know that if I don't want to get up in the morning because I am too tired, I am the only one who it will affect. I take responsibility for my own health and my body. I have learned that I need to set goals for myself. This is a great motivator. I also remind myself that I am an example to many other women, especially over 40, and mothers. This is a great responsibility in itself. My own daughter knows that all dreams are attainable no matter what your age or gender, because she has seen her mother accomplish her dreams and goals. 10. What are a few of your favorite fitness and health-related web sites? I have been working with innerathlete.com, Fitsights.com, and 2getbuff.com. 11. What tips would you give to someone who wanted to get into the fitness modeling (or fitness competition) industry? Your own success is dependent on how much exposure you get. Talk to people at contests. Talk to photographers. Work hard, and network. I have always helped other athletes at Contests. I share my experience with others and always give back to help others. People remember and notice that. It also makes your experience even better, knowing that you have helped someone else. 12. If someone you knew asked you how to lose weight and get into shape quickly, what would you tell them? Cardio is the best way to burn fat. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach, do 45 min. of Cardio. Maintain your water intake at 1 gallon per day. People don't realize how important water is! Eat 5-6 meals a day to speed up your metabolism. That seem contrary to what Society tells us, but it works. 13. What do you feel differentiates you from other people in your field? My age, and that I have 6 children. I want women to know that if you have the desire, and the dream, you can accomplish anything. I am no different than any one else, except that I dream and live my dreams! 14. Is there anything else you'd like to say? I will have to get my website address to you at a later date. I would love to help with a column on suit designs. I find that there isn't much information on this, and it is so important. When athletes train so hard they need to feel and look their best on stage. A poor fitting suit doesn't accomplish that. But when you enhance your look with a colorful and beautiful suit, it makes all the difference in the world!
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