This month "Fitness As A Lifestyle" spot lights competitive fitness athlete Chastity Loper!
Chastity Loper not only works hard to balance a healthy diet and fitness level; She also is a working role model for the kids she coaches in competitive cheer leading and also the patients she sees day in and day out in the sports medicine orthopedic industry as an RN. Chastity feels it is important to be a good example of how nutrition and proper exercise maximizes the healing process of injuries and helps you maintain maximum performance at a competitive level.
Chastity, at what point did you decide that fitness competitions was something you might want to compete in?
"I decided to start fitness competitions in 2009, however my first competition was in June 2010 at the Fitness Universe Competition in Miami."
As our readers can imagine, the training required in this type of sport must be pretty serious,give "Fitness As A Lifestyle" an idea of the process.
"Training begins by maturing your muscle in the "off season" and by lifting heavier with less reps to increase muscle mass.
Now chastity, with this type of training program would it affect your overall diet as well?
"Your diet during the off season is still 5-6 meals a day with one cheat meal per day (usually steak and steak fries). The key is to still put on lean muscle mass so that when you diet down it will not be so hard to take off excess fat.
Now, you say "dieting down", for our readers that aren't featured on fitness magazines and calenders what exactly would that process entail?
"Three months out from competition (some people start at 4 months out), you start dieting down. A typical diet consists of the following: 1/2 cup of oatmeal and protein shake for breakfast, mid morning is 4 oz of fish (tilapia, salmon, or tuna) and 1/2 cup of green beans, lunch 4 oz of fish 1/2 cup of greens and 1 potato (white or sweet) no condiments, mid afternoon protein shake and 1 handful of unsalted almonds, dinner 4 oz of fish or chicken, 7 asparagus sticks, and bedtime 6 egg whites. The diet is by far the hardest part of the process. I have a coach who evaluates my measurements and looks at my body every two weeks and adjust my diet and workouts accordingly.
Wow,That definitely sounds pretty strict,but based on what I've seen in the sport, I definitely can see the results of that type of dedication. Being that there is such emphasise on the diet, how much is taken into account with the workouts?
"Workouts start increasing to interval training and super sets, (where you decrease wt and increase reps with very little rest in between exercises) to increase calorie deficit. Also, you are doing at least an hour of cardio (running/plyometrics) a day. Not to mention, with fitness, you have a 2.5 minute routine where you have to choreograph strength moves, athleticism, and conditioning to show off your skill sets. Also, you have a symmetry round where you are judged on your overall symmetry and physical condition."
Chastity, what would you say is the biggest misconception about your sport when compared to other fitness sports such as body building?
"Many people have a misconception about the sport of fitness and figure competitions. Fitness is about the routine described above and you are actually penalized for too much muscle development (you want to look fit but not overly muscular). Figure competitions, which is what I am focusing on next season, is just a bathing suit round where the judges are looking for muscular development with out alot of muscle mass (the general population thinks this is body building but it is very different...body building IS the focus of muscle mass). Most people look at pictures of these competitors and think "I don't want to look that muscular or look like a man!", however, Figure competitors (someone of my stature) will step on stage at 5'3 and around 110 lbs or smaller. Your muscles just seem more pronounced due to the lack of subcutaneous fat and water around the muscle.
Now,being that the world of fitness is an solidified sport that gains more and more interest from fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life what would you tell any readers out there that would maybe want advice on competing in the sport, what type of insight could you give them?
"If anyone is interested in participating in the sport, the best advice I can give you is to watch as many shows as possible. Hire a trainer that has experience training females in the sport and check out some of the people they have trained and see if they are reputable. (I train with Trae Kidd and Robin Kasten- both are great!!!) Lastly, set a goal and stick to it! Whether your plan is just to compete or to win- Go do it! It is the biggest accomplishment to step on stage and know that you actually made it! Being part of this sport is an amazing feat!"
Great! well I'm honored you were able to give "Fitness As A Lifestyle" a glimpse into the world of a Fitness Competitor, you're an amazing athlete and will go far in this sport, I'm sure of it. Is there any additional information you would like to give the readers in regards future shows,competitions etc?
"I just competed in my first Figure competition in Oct in Knoxville where I placed 2nd in my class! With the help of Trae Kidd, I plan to attend the Ronnie Coleman Classic in April of next year and hopefully qualify to attend Jr. Nationals in May where I have a chance to get my PRO CARD!!! I have alot of work ahead of me and I continue to learn more and more about the sport everyday. I am very excited to see my body transform into the best shape of my life. Wish me luck!"
Well again we thank you for allowing "Fitness As A Lifestyle" to pick your brain about your passion with in the fitness world, may you have continued success in all you do, and continue to spread the gospel of fitness, you're an inspiration to many and are truly a role model.
