Angelique Costa Interview

It is natural when you Angelique Costa, to first notice she is beautiful. It is natural to then notice she has an amazing physique. If you get to know a little about her, it will be natural for you to find out she is an amazing woman. Intelligent, hard working, dedicated, and inspiring. In just a short time competing, Angelique has made a name for herself, and became Nationally qualified. She has competed and done well in both Figure and Bikini. Her goal is to earn a Pro card in Bikini, and then add more size and become "highly competitive in Figure". No reason to think she can't do that. She already has proven she is hard working and what she can achieve through that hard work, so there is no doubt she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Angelique is someone I am so impressed by, and I know you will be to.



Q: First, Angelique, i want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thank you very much for the opportunity!

Q: Can yous tart out by telling a little about yourself. Family, where you are from, things like that.
A: I am a native New Yorker, born on Long Island. I have lived in Commack, Brooklyn, NYC, Florida, Poland, and Germany. My current locations are Florida and New York, where I travel between quite often.
My family is quite small with my mother, Ethyl, and younger sister, Antoinette. I have an extended family of the Sisters of Alpha xi Delta fraternity.

Q: Before the gym, were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports?
A: I have participated in sports throughout school to include teams such as:
*Track and Field- 55m Dash, Discus, and Long Jump
*Softball
*Badminton- both in high school and on the International USAG Brunssum Co-ed Adult Team
*Fencing- 11th place Brentwood Regional Tournament Epee
*Cheerleading- Florida State Champion Adult Open Co-ed, 2x Nationally Recognized Top 3 Champion


Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: Watching my mother struggle with her weight while growing up and having both parents diagnosed with Cancer along with other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. My father passed on and was buried on my 16th birthday, which was a shocking testament to how short life really is.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you saw results?
A: I did pick up training quite easily since I had been active my whole life. I did a ton of research by reading fitness magazines and books about training, dieting, and technique. it took me a good 3 months to start to see results, but once I started, I had dramatically better results at 8 months and approximately every 6 months ever since. I felt results however, in a few weeks after commencing training.

Q: How long were you training when you decided to compete and what made you decide to compete?
A: I had been training for approximately 6 months before I decided to compete and actually competed 5 months after my decision. The love of competing came when I was on the adult open co-ed cheerleading team in Florida. Once I hit the stage and felt the adrenaline rush through my veins, I knew competing was for me. I searched for a direction however after my Masters degree and one Fitness America Pageant on ESPN changed me forever. I knew then I wanted to compete in the bodybuilding/ Figure world!

Q: Was competing something your family and friends supported at the time, and how about now?
A: My family and friends always believed in my and knew my determination. I don't think however, they saw me going this far with it. They continue to be very proud of me and support my every endeavor. I am so thankful for them because their support drives me to be the very best I can be.

Q: Was the first competition what you expected? Did anything surprise you?
A: My first competition met some of my expectations but I am not sure what I really expected since I had only seen one competition before and learned the rest by watching YouTube videos. What surprised me was that I met two really great people from my first show and they are still with me cheering me on to this day!

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2008- USAG Mannheim- Figure Short- 4th
*2008- USAG Stuttgart- Figure Short- 2nd
*2009- NPC Long Island- Figure B- 10th
*2009- NPC Bev Francis Atlantic States- Bikini Tall- 1st- Nationally Qualified
*2009- NPC North Jersey Classic- Bikini B- 2nd
*2009- Long Island Experience- Figure Short- 5th
*2009- NPC Team Universe Nationals- Bikini D- 12th
*2009- NPC Lackland Classic- Bikini Tall- 4th- Re-Nationally Qualified

Q: As far as bodyparts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Legs by far! They are powerhouses with free squats over 225lbs and leg presses around 750-800lbs (so far)

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: I love training legs and all the exercises including legs.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like?
A:
*Legs
*Back/Calves/Abs
*Shoulders
*Arms/Calves/Abs
*Legs
*Shoulders/Abs
*Cardio every day if possible, 2x/day in contest
Diet- pesca-vegetarian. Closer to contest I remove all sodium, increase fish intake, and follow strict guidelines set for by my nutritionist.

Q: When someone sees or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: I always receive positive feedback about competing. It's amazing how many people do not know what I mean by competing, but nevertheless, mostly positive. I have received some comments of "You're too petite to be a bodybuilder.", but it's o.k.. I like a challenge!

Q: When they see or hear it that first time, whats the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: "You're not going to get too big are you? That's ugly!"- I hate this! I think all women in this sport are beautiful no matter the size. I want to be as big physically as possible with hard work and determination. I really don't think anything could take away my femininity.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: The biggest misconception is that if a woman eats protein powder and lifts heavy weights they are all of a sudden going to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and that is simply untrue. I wish people understood that female muscle is a thing of beauty and that it is not "bulky".

Q: What is the best and worst part of competing?
A: The best part is getting on the stage and showing what I have worked so hard and dieted for. Competing is truly my reward and provides goal dates for optimal condition.
The worst part of competing is how expensive it can be! Between supplements, suit cost, entry fees, travel, hotel, tanning and supplies, coaching, etc., it can really hit the wallet.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Wow, I admire so many women competitors. I have met some amazing women at my shows that have helped and inspired me in so many ways. Some of my favorites are Shelly and Betsy Albetta, Debbie Judy, Tiana, Zoa Linsey, Suzanne Germano, Alex Goncalves, Jenny Hendershott, Sylvia Tremblay, and that's just to name a few. The support I receive from the ladies on various networking sites is golden to me.



Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Strawberry Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Training is a lifestyle, not something you do for an event. Stay focused, be determined, gather support, and you achieve all your fitness goals.

Q: You are clearly very beautiful. Is fitness modeling something that interests you?
A: Yes, I am very interested in fitness modeling.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I enjoy flying aircraft, attending aviation-related conferences, dancing, working on cars, continuing education, increasing fluency in other languages, travel, living in other countries, reading fitness magazines and books about integrative medicine, cooking and baking healthy foods, going for walks, and spending time with my friends.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Angelique Costa.
A: Wake up 0600, cardio, breakfast, professional work as an Airport Planning Consultant, eat 4 other times throughout the day, drink plenty of water, take supplements, get off work, eat, pre-workout meal, gym, cardio round #2, spend some more time on the computer, shower, and bed around 2300.

Q: What is one hing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I will be pursuing a PhD in Aviation in the near future.

Q: Describe Angelique Costa in five words.
A: Determination, Dedication, Passion, Drive, Heart.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I would like to achieve an NPC Pro card this year and then continue mass building so I cans tart becoming highly competitive in Figure. I would also like to break into fitness modeling and have several photo shoots in order to develop an impressive portfolio.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I would like to thank World Gym Ronkonkoma, NY for always being my home, C-Dro Reno for being one heck of a trainer, and all of my friends and family for their support.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Angelique Costa the athlete and competitor?
A: I am always looking for sponsorship opportunities. You can reach my via email at:
angeliquecosta@gmail.com
If you sponsor me you are getting a 110% dedicated athlete that gives everything to what she puts her mind to. I am highly educated with an MBA and I know the ins and outs of marketing. I am a highly enthusiastic, strong public speaker that exudes confidence and poise.

Q: Angelique, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thank you for all of your support in my fitness endeavours. Look for my training journal on www.siouxcountry.com and become my fan on Facebook. I am going to do great things and I look forward to you following along my journey!