Saturday, February 4, 2012

Angela Coleman Interview










Q: First, Angela, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: My pleasure, thank you for featuring me!!

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I am a 26 year old Licensed Massage Therapist / ACSM Personal Trainer at the Fitness Edge STL and sponsored NPC National Figure athlete. I married in June, 2009 and currently live in St. Louis, MO. I have 2 sisters, one older sister and an identical twin sister!

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports?
A: As a kid, I loved PE. In 6th grade I set a record for 18 consecutive pullups, I ran track too! The 100m dash was my favorite race :) In my 1st ever track meet, I took first place in that event! The feeling was indescribable! In High School I was involved in cheerleading for 3 years and made Captain my Senior year.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I was in really good shape with cheerleading and liked the way I looked, so once I graduated High School I joined Gold's Gym down the street from my house. I have been a member ever since then!


Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: My training from then to know has dramatically changed! LOL, I would go to the gym mainly to do cardio and people watch :) By doing so, I picked up certain exercises I grew comfortable with doing, but I never switched things up!! I went to the gym very regularly, so I got results, but I would have had better results if I did a few things differently.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: As a regular gym member, I was frequently told by trainers and other members that "You look like you could do fitness competitions" I had no idea what they meant at the time.. Then I started to get curious, about these "shows" and a fellow trainer at my gym dropped the name of a Coach / Nutritionist in Chesterfield, MO. I contacted him in October, 2009 and have been working with him ever since. I had great success with the diet and training for my 1st show. I took 1st place Figure Short and the Figure Overall title (won my WNBF Pro Card) at the 2010 INBF Missouri All Naturals. I was hooked!

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: Competition prep is tough... My family doesn't fully understand why you can and can't eat certain foods or go out alot, but they are trying. My twin sister Leah and husband Justin do understand what the process is all about and are 110% supportive of me and my goals.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: Having competed now for almost 2 years has made me realize how important genetics are most of the time. Some one can have GREAT structure (broad shoulders, tiny waist and nice quad sweeps) but lack muscular development. Or someone could have great, full, symmetrical muscle but lack (the broad shoulders and and small waist or have narrow hips) It boils down to who has it ALL structurally and esthetically. Everyone has different goals with competition. Some do it for themselves and for their lifestyles and others do it to prove they can compete with the best.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2010 INBF Missouri All Naturals- 1st place Figure short, Figure Overall (earned WNBF Pro Card)
*2010 NPC Midwest Novice Classic- 1st place Figure short, Figure Overall
*2011 NPC Muscle Mayhem Championships- 1st place Figure Class A, Overall Runner up
*2011 NPC Jr. Nationals Championships- 8th place out of 19 in Figure Class A
*2011 IFBB North American Championships- 2nd place Figure Class A

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My shoulders. Even in high school pictures I had developed traps and delts. I can thank my dad for the gifted upper body!

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: I LOVE to train Hamstrings! They have been my weak point and I am determined to bring them up with the rest of my muscles groups!

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I actually stay pretty structured in my offseason with the diet and training schedule. Obviously, I incorporate more carbs which is essential to grow lean muscle and improve my physique at each show. Training for a show, I will increase repetitions and decrease load slightly depending on the day :)

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: Definitely all positive! The most common compliment I get on my physique is about my shoulders and back.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: "Why do you starve yourself to look like that?" I always respond to those comments by mentioning: "I eat 6 times a day, how many times do you eat in a day??

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: That if you aren't competing in a "Natural" Federation you are not likely a "Natural" athlete. I switched from the WNBF and "Natural" Federation to the NPC, a Non-Tested Federation to get more exposure and opportunities. I have had great success in making this switch, and everyone has their right to choose federations best suited for them as an athlete!

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: It would probably be cardio on an empty stomach... I do this at some point during all my contest preps and I can't stand thinking about breakfast the ENTIRE time I'm on the Stepmill!!

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Erin Stern, the former IFBB Ms. Figure Olympia. She embodies beauty, grace, femininity, athleticism and strength. She has a great sense of humor and personality as well. The total package in my opinion in the sport of Figure.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Depends on my mood but it would be pizza or loaded ice cream!

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: Have patience and be open to honest criticisms on her physique. Figure can be a very subjective sport.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio?
A: There are so many benefits to lifting weights that some females tend to overlook.. Like the fact weight bearing movements overtime can increase bone density and increase you calorie burning at rest after the workout. Cardio is good for your heart and mind but together with weights and a good diet you will transform your physique! Create a balance!

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love to try new restaurants, and love to watch football! On occasion I like to go shoot guns with my husband Justin!

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Angela Coleman.
A: Wake up around 7am, eat, train / massage clients, cardio, train / massage clients. Train myself :) eat, train / massage my last client, go home, eat dinner, prep food for the next day, create workouts for clients, spend quality time with my husband and animals, eat, shower, then head to bed!!! All to do it again the next day!!!

Q: Describe Angela Coleman in five words.
A: Humble, Ambitious, Honest, Courageous, Loyal

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I buy boys athletic shoes, lol! I don't like loud bright colors on women's athletic shoes!

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I plan on competing at the 2012 NPC Jr. USA's in May. My goal again this year is to earn my IFBB Figure Pro Card, I came in 2nd at the 2011 IFBB North American Championships and I would like to move up that 1 spot and win my class!! In the long term, I hope to start a family in a few years :)

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I would like to thank my husband Justin Coleman, twin sister Leah Dattilo and my family for their unconditional support. My Coach/ Nutritionist Kit Kitson and all the athletes of In Shape Nutrition. My two amazing Sponsors, 1st Phorm International and Tamee Marie Suits for putting their faith in me as a person and athlete to represent their companies. Lastly my amazing workout partners Julie Hamilton and Nicole Dudas, together we make up some INSANE training sessions and push one another to the max!

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so, how can they reach you?
A: I am currently sponsored by 1st Phorm International and Tamee Marie Suits. I can be reached at angelarcoleman81@gmail.com for any inquiries.

Q: Angela, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this interview with you!

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