As part of FitGems FitMom Week, FitGems Nation partnered up with Promoting Real Women to do a interpromotional roundtable. Jason and C-Ray asked several moms questions and got some interesting, unique, yet great responses from those who received replies from. The women involved in this special roundtable are Debbie Fowler, Tarna Alderman, Ila Reed, Melaine Redington, Sandy Wiedmeyer, Mandy Henderson, Kristy Tyndall, Danae Zaitz, and Jennifer Worth. We thank all of them for taking the time to be part of this special roundtable. Hope you all enjoy it!
A. Word Association
What is the first thing you think of when you hear…
IFBB?
Debbie Fowler: The best in the world!
Tarna Alderman: Body building
Ila Reed: Professional league
Melaine Redington: Competing
Sandy Wiedmeyer: great bodies
Mandy Henderson: Accomplishment
Kristy Tyndall: Inspiration and success
Danae Zaitz: PRO’s
Jennifer Worth: Competition
judging?
DF: Confusing
TA: Livestock…lol
IR: competition
MR: Subjective
SW: Subjective
MH: Symmetry
KT: Subjective
DZ: SUBJECTIVE
JW: not consistant
motherhood?
DF: Awesome
TA: Roller coasters of emotions
IR: children
MR: Challenging
SW: Joy
MH: Best job in the world
KT: Joyous
DZ: WONDERFUL
JW: The best feeling in the world but the hardest job ever. 24hrs a day 7days a week
early days of figure?
DF: Pioneering
TA: Were better, More inspiring
IR: Gina Aliotti
MR: no knowledge
SW: Little
MH: Jenny Lynn
KT: Tough
DZ: UNKNOWN
JW: pretty bodies
women's physique?
DF: can’t wait
TA: Excited to see it , be a Part maybe =D
IR: classic bodybuilding
MR: excited about the division
SW: Bright idea!
MH: muscles
KT: No heels?
DZ: IT’S ABOUT TIME
JW: should still look feminine
Olympia?
DF: Maybe some day
TA: Pro’s
IR: Bodybuilding, Vegas
MR: No knowledge
SW: Want to go!
MH: Next goal
KT: awe
DZ: MEGA WEEKEND
JW: I should have won
Dedication?
DF: Absolutely necessary
TA: Obsession, “Success without obsession, is just luck” ~Mountain Man
IR: Motivation, Inspiration
MR: intragral
SW: Discipline
MH: Discipline
KT: Challenging
DZ: ME
JW: Something a lot of people DON'T have and what it takes day in and day out to become a champ
Peak Week (hitting your peak before a contest)?
DF: Trial and error
TA: I’m too new to know this one!
IR: Anticipation
MR: Newbie - just learning
SW: exciting
MH: Timing
KT: hungry
DZ: HORRIBLE
JW: I always hit the day of the show, learn your body
Inspiration?
DF: Comes from within
TA: Comes in all shapes and sizes
IR: Erin Stern
MR: Find it in your daily life, dream, dare
SW: Fellow competitors
MH: Mother-in-law overcoming brain cancer
KT: Kelly and Jessica
DZ: FAMILY
JW: My son and strong fit women!
Fellow competitors?
DF: I adore them all
TA: Motivators
IR: Friends, Siouxcountry.com
MR: Treat others as you want to be treated
SW: Inspiration…hehe
MH: Mostly nice
KT: fun
DZ: SUPPORTIVE
JW: Some great friends and great people others are the devil and deserve to be in jail as they are.( no names)
B. Past and Present Competitors
Give us a one-word (or more) description of the following people:
Jamie Eason
DF: Perky
TA: Beauty
IR: sweet-hearted
MR: inspirational
SW: gorgeous
MH: Idol
KT: cute
DZ: BEAUTIFUL
JW: sexy body
Ava Cowan
DF: Determines
TA: Consistency
IR: gorgeous
MR: Raw
SW: amazing
MH: Gaspari
KT: rising
DZ: ABS
JW: Great symmetry and very beautiful face!!
Tanji Johnson
DF: Inspirational
TA: Promotion
IR: Inspirational
MR: Dedicated
SW: powerful
MH: Fitness
KT: athletic
DZ: CUTE
JW: hard worker with a great routine, and very sweet girl
Cory Everson
DF: #1
TA: Well-balanced physique
IR: amazing
SW: legendary
MH: Icon
KT: iconic
DZ: PIONEER
JW: legend
Rachel McLish
DF: Pioneer
IR: classic
SW: another legendary
MH: Muscles
KT: unbelievable
DZ: TRENDSETTER
JW: 1st female bodybuilder sooo pretty
Erin Stern
DF: Olympia
IR: motivation
SW: graceful
MH: Track
KT: rockstar
DZ: PHYSIQUE
JW: pretty, great body
Nicole Wilkins
DF: Stunning
IR: beautiful
SW: beautiful
MH: Blond
KT: golden
DZ: CHAMP
JW: new school, young, very pretty and as the total package
Iris Kyle
DF: Undeniable
TA: Size
IR: extraordinary
SW: ripped
MH: Buff
KT: ripped
DZ: MUSCLES!
JW: bodybuilder
Adela Garcia
DF: Champ
TA: Grace
IR: athletic
SW: talented
MH: Olympia
KT: Accomplished
DZ: WINNER
JW: a great person, very hard worker, and as keep her body feminine though out all these long hard yrs. A true warrior
Monica Brant
DF: Legendary
TA: What figure should be!
IR: iconic
SW: icon
MH: Successful
KT: comeback
DZ: SUPERBEAST
JW: role model, a beautiful person inside and out, always got robbed in the IFBB and still going strong at almost 40! Amazing
C. Roundtable Questions
1. What does being a fit mother mean to you?
DF: So many moms let themselves go after having children. I like showing them that you can be fit after kids. It just takes a little work.
TA: Ultimate Dedication, Bordering insanity!
IR: It means being something which most strive for, being an inspiration to others. Showing others you can be fit and hot, and be mom.
MR: What I know from 14 years of parenting and 10 years in the classroom is - It is not what you say it is what you do. Children watch our habits closer than we give them credit. I did not realize how fascinating my competing was to young kids so that is a great benefit.
SW: Finding balance in my life. Taking time for myself while still being a good mother and wife.
MH: Practice what you preach to your children
KT: I want to lead by example. I want my child to see the normalcy in clean eating and exercise. Recently he witnessed me doing hill sprints up our very steep driveway and he joined in the fun then asked to do it again the next day!
DZ: FINDING TIME TO KEEP UP WITH MYSELF IN ORDER TO BE THE BEST MOM I CAN BE
JW: Teaching my son the fit way of life!
2. Does having a child who probably prefers sweets make it harder for you to stay on your diet?
DF: I’m not going to lie, I love cookies, ANY kind. But I can control myself.
TA: No. Not really, I like to feed her sweets actually. It’s sick… I know.
IR: No. Most of my family lives off of things I like: Pizza, cookies, snacks. When I have a goal, those things are a treat, and are not part of MY diet. I have enough self-control to avoid it.
MR: I make it a point to have a junk cupboard. It is my choice to eat the way I do and as a family we eat very clean, but if my son wants chips he can grab a serving of that too.
SW: It can be tough to feed them cookies and yummy snacks, but I remind myself that I can eat whatever I want…this is my choice!
MH: A little
KT: The only junk food in my house are the pop-tarts he eats. He gets fruit or marshmallows for treats. Unless I am completely hormonal then I do not have a difficult time abstaining from sweet stuff.
DZ: NO. I AM DEDICATED TO MY GOALS AND MYSELF. OF COUSE IT LOOKS GOOD BUT IT DOESN’T TEMPT ME. PLUS I HAVE MY KIDS ON A PRETTY CLEAN DIET. MY SON WOULD EAT BROCOLLI FOR BREAKFAST IF I WOULD LET HIM.
JW: No, why should they eat something I don't eat, but allow treats... It doesn't phase me
3. What's the hardest part about being a mother in this industry?
DF: This is an expensive sport. I really struggle with the cost. I feel that the money I spend may be better spent on my kids.
TA: Time, temperaments… I’m single, so it’s hard to stay devoted to the house, bills, animals pets, diet, training, and reading book, helping with homework and the elusive snuggling!
IR: I don’t in and of itself feel being a mother creates any more difficulty in being in the industry. However, some may see it as a negative, if you are looking to get into modeling part of the industry. I don’t think there are enough people who appreciate those that are older in this industry.
MR: For me it has not done anything but make me a better mother. I have more energy and an avenue to release stress. My son is very proud of me.
SW: Definitely the balance. You can’t do everything that you would like. There just isn’t time with having a family!
MH: Time management
KT: The hardest thing is finding the time to be a good mother and wife while working full time and making room for vigorous training.
DZ: FINDING TIME TO GO TO THE GYM. IT’S ABOUT A 3 HR ORDEAL FOR ME AND ALTHOUGH THEY LOVE THE GYM, IT’S A LOT TO PUT THEM THROUGH DAY IN AND DAY OUT.
JW: Having loose skin I didn't have b4 baby, so if I wanted to compete again I would have a disadvantage.
4. Is this an industry you would advise your child to be a part of when old enough?
DF: It will be totally up to them and I will support them 100%. I would love for my daughter to try fitness.
TA: Yes, She loves to pose with me. She hates she can’t workout with me, and is always curious about nutrition and how to get bigger muscles and have a body that is sound. My parents have a lot of life style related health issues, Stress, diet, etc. If I can keep her mind focused on health, life will always be easier for her. She gets into push up contests at school with her teachers and peers.. I’m probably more proud of that, than her amazing grades!
IR: Sure, if they wanted to.
MR: I would not discourage. I have grown tremendously as an athlete
SW: Only if they were interested. This takes a ton of dedication and I would never force it on them. However, if they showed interest, I would back them 100%!!
MH: Definitely
KT: Sure. Why not. As long as he focuses on the healthy nutrition and training.
DZ: YES FOR SURE! ALL THE WONDERFUL SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE MAKE IT A GREAT SPORT/INDUSTRY TO BE IN.
JW: The IFBB, no way, but being an athlete, yes
5. After having your child, what it harder or easier to train?
DF: I found it easier. I really wanted to get my body back after 6 babies. I was determined.
TA: I was never interested before. I gained 80 lbs with her, and kept gaining after she was born. She was about two when I realized I needed to make changes to be a better/ happier mom, and I was the only one who could change that in me.
IR: For me, nothing. It never affected my training. Training is part of my life and something I just do.
MR: I have always been very, very active.
SW: I didn’t start training until after I was already a mom. I am a bit of a late-bloomer in the industry!
MH: My baby is my step-son…he works out with me.
KT: I really did not train hard until after the birth of my child. I can confidently say that having a c-section does not mean you can’t have a 6 pack!
DZ: I HAVE 4 KIDS AND I LOVE TO TRAIN. HARDER BECAUSE I HAVE TO BRING 2 OF THEM, EASIER BECAUSE I HAVE MOTIVATION TO BE THE BEST ME I CAN BE FOR THEM.
JW: It is actually easier for me, I think b/c when I was pregnant I gave my body a break for the 1st time sense I was 7yrs old so it responded so much better.
6. How big a role does being a positive role model for your child play into your dedication to being fit?
DF: It’s what being a mom is all about, being a positive role model for our children. They see my hard work and dedication and it inspires them to work harder.
TA: Standing for something, Dedicating yourself to something, Pursuing dreams…Making changes!! And doing all of those as a Woman, a mom.
IR: I want to be a positive role model, I do that by trying to improve their nutrition and promoting staying active.
MR: Huge - I want him to see that women are tough, that overall health correllates directly to the fuel you feed it. He also understands the importance of exercise and loves to ski, bike, swim and stay active too
SW: HUGE. I want my children to value making healthy choices.
MH: It was one of the biggest motivations to working 7 years at getting my Pro-Card…he knows how I fell about giving up (NEVER)!
KT: It is not my driving factor but it is something I take in to consideration. Like I stated earlier, I want to be a positive role model, and that also pertains to fitness and nutrition.
DZ: A VERY BIG ROLE. WE EAT CLEAN, WE EXERCISE AND WE LIVE A FIT LIFESTYLE. THEY LOVE PRETENDING TO LIFT. MY SON PUTS ON A HEADBAND AND SAYS 1,2,1,2,1,2 LIKE HE’S IN A CLASS! IT’S VERY CUTE
JW: A lot
7. How has your training differed after having a child, if any at all?
DF: Can’t really say, I didn’t train like this before I had kids.
TA: It started! Lol It’s definitely hard fitting all the puzzle pieces together to make the day work right with training, nutrition, being home when she gets home, and finding time to spend together.
IR: No
MR: I never really trained until about 2 years ago and my son is 14 - for me it is a way to occupy myself in part so my son can develop his independence without me hovering too close. It's hard for mothers to have three kids grow up so having a personal focus helps.
SW: Again, I am a late bloomer so I have nothing to compare it to!
KT: I didn’t train prior to having my child. The next time I will have about 150 extra calories a day and workout through my entire pregnancy (I hope!!)
DZ: IT HASN’T CHANGED, ALTHOUGH I NEED TO DO MORE ABS NOW THAN BEFORE BECAUSE OF MY C-SECTION.
JW: Yes totally different style training, no more heavy weights, a lot of exercise with my son always keeping it fun.
8. What is your biggest suggestion for a mother who may be trying to get a handle on their child's diet?
DF: My philosophy is to always make healthy options available. When they are little it is easier to make them eat healthy foods. The challenge comes when they are teenagers. You can’t make them eat healthy. You have to be an example and have healthy foods available.
TA: I think explaining why we eat certain things is a good thing. She likes to know why fiber is important, and what foods build muscle. So when she doesn’t want to eat cottage cheese I tell her what the protein in it does, and why that’s important! Kids want to be healthy.
IR: Be a role model in what you eat. Try to prepare foods that are appealing yet healthy for your child.
MR: Your child will develop the eating habits you model - if you eat healthy your child will too.
SW: Don’t be overly strict. Let kids be kids and simply try to help them make healthier choices. Let them be a part of the decision making process or let the help prepare the meal.
MH: Teach them about carbs, protein, fat, fiber, grains and moderation. You would be surprised at how much kids like to learn when it comes to diet and exercise.
KT: As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, I see first hand every day what obesity is doing to our entire population, particularly our children. I have taken care of 3 year olds who weigh more than 80lbs and 8 year olds that weigh 160lbs. It is grotesque and deadly. They have hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and acid reflux disease and they are dying….slowly. As a general rule, it is not the fault of the child. Children do not understand proper nutrition and it is obvious that many parents do not either.
I don’t buy juice. My child gets water or milk and an occasional Sprite when we are out to eat. Guess what! He does not know he is missing it. I serve whole wheat Eggos, and he does not realize that other people eat them with butter and syrup. He is content to have it plain. Recently my family served strawberries coated with sugar with dinner. When I politely explained that my child loved strawberries and did not need to eat them covered with empty calories, I was met with resistance. The typical response it, “He’s a kid. Kids need sweets.” Well, I obviously totally disagree. Don’t get me wrong, I do not deprive him. He gets the occasional ice cream or piece of chocolate. We serve cake at birthdays, but we do not typically provide this junk in our house. Can you tell you struck a chord with this question?!!
DZ: DON’T BUY IT!!! IF IT’S NOT IN THE HOUSE, THEY CAN’T HAVE IT. IF YOU GIVE THEM HEALTHY FOOD, THEY’LL GET USED TO THAT AND CRAVE IT. START YOUNG!!
JW: Why feed them stuff u wouldn't eat! Out of site out of mind. Monkey see monkey do, so get a grip on what you eat and watch your kid follow
9. What's the general perceptive of people after you tell them that you're a mother?
DF: I always get “There is no way you’ve had 6 babies.” People are amazed.
TA: I think people always know I’m a mother first! I don’t notice a shock value or anything!
IR: Usually surprised, especially when they know how old they are. I truly feel that weightlifting, and being fit is the fountain of youth.
MR: I am always with my family so not surprised.
SW: I seems to give other moms hope that they can get back in shape after having children. All I takes is discipline, dedication, and hard work. You gotta want it!!!
MH: I think it motivates people to see a competitor who is a mother because they realize if we can do it, they can too.
KT: They can’t believe I have a child. One of my newest role models in a 49 year old fellow figure competitor with 5 kids. Her body is so tight and amazing!
DZ: THEY CAN’T BELIEVE I HAVE 4 KIDS. 18, 14 AND 5 YR OLD TWINS. THEY THINK I’M IN MY LATE 20’S AND I’M REALLY FIT SO THEY CAN’T BELIEVE I’VE HAD 4.
JW: “Wow, I would have never guessed”
10. Has your child seen you compete? If so, did they enjoy it?
DF: They all went to my first show. They were very proud of their mom. But it’s not there thing so I won’t subject them to a 5 hour show. However, if I asked them to be there I know they would go.
TA: Yes- she was pretty excited, but it was a long day for her. She likes seeing me on stage, but what she really gets excited about is the fitness routines! As a bodybuilder we don’t get princess crowns… haha. She was disappointed for that.
IR: Both of my children have been to competitions. While they don’t like the long shows, they have both always been extremely supportive and I feel are truly proud of what I have done.
MR: Yes, at first he thought the whole idea was skeptical - but now he's one of my best supporters.
SW: My kids have been to all but one of my competitions. They love it and I love hearing them yell for me in the audience. It makes me smile brighter and puts me at ease!
MH: Jeffrey went to all of my shows in the beginning and was very proud of me…but after watching too many shows, he got bored (he was only 6 years old). Now he cheers me on from home.
KT: No. So far he has been too young. It is a long day. He is going to my next competition in June. He is excited….mostly because I told him he could get on the stage after pre-judging!
DZ: YES THEY HAVE. THEY DON’T LIKE WHEN I PREP, THEY DON’T LIKE THAT MY CALORIE INTAKE IS SO LOW BUT THEY LIKE SEEING ME UP ON STAGE. THEY YELL LOUDER THAN ANYONE IN THERE.
JW: No
D. Closing
What would you tell a mother who wants to get back into shape after having a child or children? Also any final words you have for your fans. If you have any shows coming up, you can plug them here.
Debbie Fowler
The best advice I could give is set a big goal, then set smaller ones to mark your progress. Nothing happens over night, it took you a long time to have all your babies so it’s going to take a while to get your body back. It will happen. I’m prepping for the Toronto Super Show in June. It’s going to be a great show. I’d also like to thank all the fans, husbands, wives, and kids who support us and put up with our contest prep. You guys are the best. I love you Todd, Nick, Gabby and Ben!
Tarna Alderman
I think fitness means different things for different people. I think your children, will have a sense of pride in who you are, and what you do if its the decision you make. I think as women and as parents we always feel guilty taking time for our selves. What it teaches my daughter is that I’m not just her mom. She gets to look at me as a dedicated bodybuilder, and be proud that I’m her mom too!
Ila Reed
Make a plan, and stick to it. Research nutrition and training. And don’t be afraid of weight training and lifting heavy. That is usually my biggest advice. Be consistent and you can achieve what you want.
In the end, if you want something, go after it. Pursue your dreams.
My first show this year will be Team Universe, where I will be making my National Debut. It will be exciting. I’m hoping to bring a much improved and competitive physique to the stage.
Melanie Ridington
I would say - make yourself a priority. Live each day as a role model. Show respect to your body by feeding it nourishing food and make healthy eating a cornerstone of family. You will be giving your child skills for a healthy life.
Competed Saturday May 14 - Kenai Alaska
Sandy Wiedmeyer
Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can. As I said you have to want it! You have to put in the time and be willing to make a few sacrifices. The end product it so worth it!
Thank you to everyone who has been and continues to be so supportive. It is so refreshing that I am constantly meeting new friends in the industry! You can follow me at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandy-Wiedmeyer-NGA-and-IFPA-Figure-PRO/107796602629018
Mandy Henderson
Always make time for yourself. Your kids will learn how important it is to stay in shape and it will teach them about discipline. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, your kids will follow. It’s so cool when your 13 year old is spotting you on the chest press. It makes you realize you have taught him well.
Being a mom is the greatest accomplishment you can achieve and being a FIT mom is something to be proud of!
Thanks for reading and give your mom a hug next time you see her!
Kristy Tyndall
You have to be ready. You have to have your mind set to make a change. I think the nutritional component plays that largest roll. It determines how you feel which determines how hard you train. I like to say, you can’t out-train a bad diet.
Danae Zaitz
JUST GO! GET TO THE GYM, GET MOVING AND IT’LL START TO FALL BACK INTO PLACE. IT’S HARD TO GET STARTED BUT ONCE YOU DO, YOU’LL WANT TO GO MORE AND MORE.
THANK YOU TO MY HUSBAND, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I LOVE YOU ALL!
I WILL BE COMPETING AT:
ABA NATURAL NORTH AMERICAN (WWW.NATURLAOLYMPIA.COM ) AUG 13, 2011.
NGA CHICAGO WINDY CITY CLASSIC (WWW.NATIONALGYM.COM ) SEPT. 2011 DATE TBD
MUSCLEMANIA MIDWEST (WWW.MUSCLEMANIA.COM ) OCT 8TH, 2011.
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY COMING TO THESE SHOWS. WE ALL WORK REALLY HARD AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU OUT THERE!
DANAE ZAITZ, 38 YR OLD MOTHER OF 4!
Jennifer Worth
I would tell them do it now and do it for you and them, cause you will set an example for them! You can't turn back what you teach them at a young age so set the bar high.
I don't have any shows but I do have a guest performance coming up at the Southern States in July, it will be my 1st performance sense 2006 and since baby! :) if you’re in Florida and you’re a fan please come out and watch... I can't wait for my son to watch me!!!!
Once again, thank you to all the mothers that were involved in this special roundtable! For more on Promoting Real Woman, go to http://promotingwomen.blogspot.com. For more on FitGems Nation, go to http://www.fitgemsnation.net and http://fitgems.blogspot.com.
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