Heather Dees is an exceptionally talented IFBB Figure competitor. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are from Salt Lake City, Utah. During a family vacation you watched your aunt ate dry oats and drink protein shake, that made her fit to compete in fitness competitions. This motivated you to do weight training. Later you received the pro card at the 2010 NPC Nationals in Atlanta and reached the pinnacle of success by winning first place in the 2012 IFBB Governors Cup receiving Olympia qualification. Tell us about your journey that took you to the the world of fitness and as a winner in Figure Professional competitions?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My Journey was a whirlwind of 5 National competitions from 2008-2010 until receiving my Procard at Nationals! An amazing accomplishment that I always believed I could do! I went into my 1st Pro Show confident (which was Pittsburgh Pro in 2011) and there was a lot of buzz about me Winning after Prejudge! I took 2nd Place and immediately qualified for the Olympia! Since that first pro show I have competed in 23 More Pro-shows placing in the Top 10 all but 2 times and 7 of which I took 2nd place…
The past 7.5 years in this industry has been a combination of actions and emotions. They include hard work, dedication, constant drive for progress, excitement and also defeat. I am NOT done but as I reflect on what has come to pass I am grateful for all I have been able to do, where I’ve been able to travel and all the wonderful friends I have made on the way!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How your experience and background of many years in bodybuilding and weight training has helped you in your present profession of being a fitness model and figure professional competitor?
Ms. Heather Dees:
I caught a glimpse, like you said in the previous question, of my Aunt DeDee who competed in Fitness… But I really don’t believe my journey started until I met my trainer Justin Dees in September 2007… Since then I have been inspired by watching my own physique transform, to continually grow and set goals to get me farther in the industry. I found something I felt I was really good at for the first time in my life. A profession I had control over with efforts in consistent dedication! Now, I am fortunate to be able to inspire other women to conquer their goals and coach them with stage presence and posing!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share your exercise routine that you do to maintain such a bikini perfect physique?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My routine is very similar to that of most bodybuilding athletes. I weight train certain muscle groups five to six days a week. My weight training is focused on maximum muscle hypertrophy. I incorporate cardio generally six days a week (the time & intensity always varies according to whether I am pre-contest or off-season) but minimum of 30 minutes generally.. The most important component is trying to maintain a very clean and consistent eating schedule. When I am off on this I see the negative changes in my physique the most!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What is your diet? Do you take a particular fixed regulated diet comprising of nutrients and vitamins to keep you in perfect health?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My diet is simply broken down into Healthy carbs proteins and fats. I interchange my macros according to my needs and wants so I rarely eat the same thing day after day.. I try to eat 5 to 6 balanced meals a day usually between 300-400 calories. This component is super important but changes again when I am pre-contest or off-season. I do incorporate cheat meals off-season and try to have some balance so my body doesn’t develop food allergies or eating disorders. I have heard to strict of dieting can cause these symptoms. One thing I strongly avoid is soda, processed food and white sugar. Doing Away with these makes it much easier to maintain a healthy, shapely physique.
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