Fitness Model Interview:Yolanda Dixon |
| Interview Questions: 1. What's your fitness background? As a young girl I was extremely shy and attached to my parents. My mother put me in dance classes in an attempt to get me to come out of my shell. Once I got a taste of the stage the shyness disappeared and the performer emerged. I absolutely love being on that stage! As a child I took tap, ballet and jazz. In high school and college, I put down my dancing shoes and took up the theater. After college, I started to look for a new outlet for my energy and I started going to the gym. At first, I was primarily a cardio queen. I enjoyed the aerobics classes- particularly the dance ones because they felt more like fun than work. However, after a while I became obsessed with the females in the weight room and their incredible bodies. I immersed myself in weight training and read everything I could to learn more. I would ramble on about the benefits of weight training to anyone who would listen and decided that my passion could also earn me a few bucks. Soon after, I was working as a personal trainer and teaching aerobics during my lunch hour and after work
Shortly after becoming a mother, I began to search for a way to enjoy the same energy and level of fitness that I experienced before becoming a mom. However, with all the duties of motherhood I was a bit lacking in the motivation department. Then one day, a friend of mine who had competed in the Fitness America Pageants showed me some of her old tapes. Right away, I knew this was something I had to do. I initially planned to only compete in a show or two as a motivation to get back into shape, however, through the entire process I have become addicted to the fitness industry. As an added bonus, I am in better shape now than I ever was before becoming a mom!
My most treasured fitness-related accomplishments have been how my passion for fitness has influenced some of my family and friends. My husband has returned to the gym, cleaned up his eating habits and is quickly getting into the best shape of his life. My parents have taken my knowledge of fitness and used it to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. My sister-in-law has added weight training to her exercise regimen and is getting some great results. Also, after a little bit of urging on my part, one of my best friends Autumn (fellow M.C. F.I.T Works team member) lost thirty pounds and competed in two figure competitions last year - placing second at her very first show! I truly believe that living fit and healthy lifestyle benefits you from the inside out and I love to pass on the passion for fitness to everyone I can. This is one of the reasons I was so excited to be a part of the F.I.T Works team!
Competing in fitness and being a fitness model do take a large amount of my time but they are not my full-time job. When I'm not training or competing I help my husband with the bookkeeping for our plumbing business. I am also am full time mother to my little girl - definitely my most challenging but also my most rewarding job! Not one to sit still too long, I will soon be adding Real Estate Broker to the list as my husband and I look to expand our business opportunities in the future.
My immediate fitness-related goals are to place in the top five at a National show and to increase my fitness-modeling portfolio. My long- term goals are to win a National title, to grace the cover of a fitness magazine, and to continue to spread the knowledge and benefits of a fitness lifestyle. I would like to win the title for two reasons; one- just simply to win would be an absolutely incredible experience, and second so that I can use the title to bring more publicity to the sport. The women who compete in Fitness are amazing both on and off the stage and I definitely believe that more people would enjoy watching and learning about these competitors. This sport has tons of potential and I would love to take the publicity that comes with the title and try to fulfill some of that potential by increasing the mainstream exposure.
I'm a mother of a three-year-old, I don't have a typical day. See below for sample nutrition and workout plan.
I try to eat clean 90% of the time so I don't feel bad the 10% of the time that I do indulge. Typical Pre-Contest Meal Plan (I'm more flexible in the off-season) Meal one: Protein Pancakes (oatmeal, cottage cheese and egg whites mixed together to form a pancake batter) OR Egg Whites and Oatmeal Meal Two: Protein Shake (or cottage cheese and fruit) Meal Three: Chicken Breast, Spinach and a Baked Potato Meal four - Protein Shake (or tuna with mustard and celery) Meal Five - Fish (I like Chilean Sea Bass), and some form of Green Veggies Meal Six - If hungry - egg white omelet or protein shake This is just a sample day, I try to mix things up to prevent boredom.
I try to change things up every six weeks to prevent boredom and to keep my body from adapting. However, here is my current program: Monday - Shoulders Tuesday - Back and Biceps (morning) Wednesday - Pro Training Class Thursday - Chest and Triceps (Morning) Friday - Legs Saturday - Cardio (Sometime I use this day to weight train a specific body part that is currently lacking) Sunday - Rest
Protein Glutamine Variety of Vitamins
Competing in Fitness is a great motivation for me! I know when I'm slacking off on my training or diet one of my fellow competitors is sticking to their plan. The women I have competed with are amazing and their talent, drive and dedication pushes me to continue to work and train that much harder.
If someone wanted tips on how to get into fitness competing I would tell them to listen to what Nike says and..." Just do it!" Competing in fitness has been such a rewarding experience for me that I would definitely encourage others to experience the thrill. Too many people have excuses on why they don't attempt to compete (don't have gymnastics experience, don't like to diet, could never get the nerve to step on the stage...). However, I say if it's something you really want to do you need to push the excuses aside and just go for it. Where there's a will there's a way...
Unfortunately, there's no quick magic solution. Consult a nutritional professional and trainer to get you on the right track Remember diet is key! You will not get ideal results with workouts alone. Patience...it won't happen overnight but if you stick with an exercise and nutrition plan you WILL see results. Find something that motivates you and the intensity, drive and dedication you put into your training will increase. For me its competing, maybe for you it's a bike race, a marathon, a high school reunion, a vacation, whatever.... Set Specific goals and time frames. Log your results down and take pictures. Then when you're feeling low on motivation you can look back and see how far you've already come.
My exotic look - people are always asking about my ethnic background.
I'm always seeking new thrills. Some of my more thrilling experiences include bungee jumping, skydiving, becoming scuba certified and learning gymnastics this past year. In 2004, I would like to add rock climbing and white water rafting to the list. I am currently featured in the Feminine Perfection 2004 Calendar presented by Kevin Weaver Fitness Production. The calendar was shot by photographer, Michael Palmer, and can be viewed at: www.modelfitness.com/calendar.html The Calendar features 12 Fitness America and Bikini America Competitors and is filled with 52 images-one per week- so there is plenty for you to enjoy. Yours truly will be featured for the month of March, so be sure and check it out! Find out more information about my upcoming projects and contests via my website, www.yolandadixon.com. Look forward to hearing from you!
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