Deana Olivella Interview

After always being fascinated by and watching workout shows and reading up on it, Deana Olivella finally got into the gym and instantly was hooked. One look at her physique should tell you just how hooked she became. Deana has competed twice and has two more shows coming. With a dedication and passion for training, I expect Deana to just keep getting better.



Q: First, Deana, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: It's my pleasure..thanks for having me :)

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I have been a resident of central New York my whole life. I grew up in an Italian family so the extended family is a close-knit bunch. I have one brother and then a step-brother and sister. I also have two sons, Chris (10) and Vinny (5). I went to college locally and finished with an MS in Accountancy from SUNY Institute of Technology. I have been working as an accountant for about 5 years now.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person?
A: I was not athletic at all!! I was the one in gym class that watched the ball land at her feet because I just wasn't into competitive organized sports and then calculated down to the day how many gym classes I could skip and still pass the course...lol.. I did take some dance and gymnastics in grade school, but nothing major.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: In my teens I used to mess around with some of the fitness videos my mom owned...I always found it fun to exercise. I started to learn the basics of weight training and nutrition from some of the shows that ESPN aired back in the 90's (Bodyshaping, Flex Appeal). At the time I didn't have a job or transportation to actually go to a gym and lift weights so it was me with a couple of soup cans and my piano bench following along with Kiana and Tamilee...lol... After my first son was born, I got a friend to join a Powerhouse Gym with me. It became an instant addiction

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Even when I wasn't "training" I was always reading or watching programs on training and healthy lifestyle-type topics. When I got the opportunity to get into the gym, I think I did have a pretty good foundation on the basics already built so I hate to say it was easy, but maybe more along the lines of natural. Results can be whatever you want them to be, whether its just having more energy, looking better, mental well-being, strength. I can say in some way I eventually got "results" in all of those areas...to pinpoint an exact time frame, I can't. In my experience, in order to move forward I have to keep my goals at an arm's length and not spend too much time focusing on results/achievements, but rather on the next step along the way.


Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I had wanted to compete about 7 years ago, but did not feel ready in time for the show. Shortly after I had found out I was pregnant with my second son. Family, houses, job, and school pretty much left not only competing, but getting to a gym pretty much a thing of the past. I stayed active and pretty lean from being spread so thin, but was in no way eating/drinking healthy. Last year, my personal life changed dramatically and I had pretty much boycotted the gym for sporadic use of exercise videos and TV shows. I wasn't sticking to a healthy diet or a regimented workout and my options were to buy a new wardrobe up one size and face turning 30 as the downhill slope to becoming my mother, or give myself no choice but to fix the damage I had done. I knew my only option to actually following through and succeeding would be to pick a show and hold myself accountable to show up prepared to compete.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: For the most part, yes. My little ones were the hardest to win over, but by making exercise something fun for them too, it became a team effort.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: My biggest fear was that I was not going to like competing. I really wasn't sure what to expect which is why I opted for the soonest show I could find in my area...to kinda get a feel for it before working up to one further out. The first time I walked out I was blinded by the lights and kind of left my body. I'm not sure where I went...lol..but when I was done, I was relieved that I didn't hate it. At finals, I was definitely more comfortable and actually enjoyed being up there.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: So far I've done 2 shows: INBF Northern States Super Natural (Novice Figure) and the Metroland Championships (Figure Short)

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: I've always prided myself on my back. Recently I've been told I have great quads, which I still am not sold on, but I won't argue :)

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: Love to train back, any and all lat work is my favorite

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A:Monday Upper body circuit/Tuesday Legs/Wednesday Chest Abs & HIIT/Thursday Back/Friday Abs Delts & Tris/Saturday Legs & Bis/ Sunday Abs & HIIT
Diet off season haven't had one yet/ pre-contest I'm around 1200 cals with one day of higher carbs until 2 weeks out. I have become an avid follower of Layne Norton's work recently and am incorporating his peak week methodology for my upcoming shows.

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Its been great...I get great feedback, but don't want it to go to my head because I think I'm far from where I want to be


Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: Lol.. "are you a bodybuilder?" or "train me!". The first question drives me crazy cause I have to explain the difference between BB and Figure and then it always leads up to the topic of "juicing"...the second one even more frustrating cause its the same ones that are invited to come train with me but never even attempt to make their way to the gym...If I can't get you in the door I can't help you..lol

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: You will not get bulky with natural training and will not turn into a dude..lol

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: Best: the seclusion of the gym..phone is away, life is on hold while I'm there, I've got nothing to focus on but me and the weights
Worst: Packing and toting my gym bag and food with me, especially if I'm showering there...I always am worried I will forget something crucial

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Ava Cowan by far has the physique that I strive to model my training after. I've talked to many that have met her and say what a great person she is as well.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Do you have more space???? lol If I could pick what to cheat with it would probably be either bakery stuff or pizza

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: The importance behind your intake and timing of macros.


Q: Do you think its becoming more common to see women using the weights in the gym as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Where I'm from, unfortunately not. I am one of two women that even use the weight rooms at one gym. The other gym I go to has a few more that frequent the main lifting area, but mostly because that's where the trainers are working with them. Many are discouraged either because of the guys in there or just not knowing what to do.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I write poetry when I have time, love to bake and cook

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Deana Olivella.
A: Get up between 4-5 am, cardio at the house, work, weights/tan/posing, hang out with kids and get us all ready for the next day, maybe try and study for the NSCA-CPT if I don't fall asleep

Q: Describe Deana Olivella in five words.
A: Dedicated, Clown, Pessimist, Sincere, Funny

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I cry pretty much every single day

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I'm working to be ready for the INBF Mr. America on May 21 and then the NPC 57th Annual BODYBUILDING, FITNESS, FIGURE & BIKINI

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: body slimming wraps along with other health and wellness products at www.itworks.net/dlolivella ...they really have some great products..I use many of them regularly

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Deana Olivella the athlete and competitor?
A: Absolutely!!! my email is dlolivella@gmail.com or my bodyspace page is http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/deeminatrix/ What do they get? The drive and determination of a monster truck packed into a cute little 5'2 fragile yet strong package. lol I love a good challenge and I'll do what it takes to meet it and bury it.

Q: Deana, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thanks again, I enjoyed the questions....all I can say is Girls get ur asses in the weight room! Peace and love xoxoxoo Dee :)