.png)
Strong is Sexy #FitnessSistas
In honor of #WCW I want to share a bit of these amazing fitchicks stories with you.
As women, we already have so much working against us and so much pressure on us, especially related to our "image" and the "standard of beauty" of today
. I'm honored that these two strong, bold and beautiful women agreed to allow me to interview them about their fitness journeys .
My motive behind this blog was to inspire women to break sterotypes, and boundaries, and in the process I gained inspiration as well .
It was an absolute pleasure and thank you once again ladies!
Photo By: LeVar Stephens Photography
ROSIAN WARRINGTON
IFBB FIGURE PRO
When and Why did your fitness journey begin?
For me fitness has always been in my life, both my parents were very active and played sports so the influence was strong. I dabbled in dance for some time while simultaneously running track which I did for 8 years. I was never the gifted athlete trained relentlessly, thankfully all my efforts paid off when I obtained a sports scholarship to attend college in the states. While there I continued to push through my limits but while making a mark I took little time for much needed rest and old injuries toppled along with new ones forced me to be grounded, eventually losing my ability to transfer to a higher institution. When I came back to Antigua I was determined that I was going to strengthen my body and get right back to the track, safe to say that did not happen. My trainer at the time Steve Daley, a former competitor himself pushed me compete and after months of nagging I obliged only to win my first two shows a pleasant surprise to me if you can imagine. Bodybuilding has been my life since, and while it is quite a change from what I like to call the love of my life track and cross country I can't imagine life without it.
Your biggest accomplishment/proud moment?
My greatest accomplishment by far has to have been last year at the CACBBFF Championships in the Bahamas where I did what had never been done by an Antiguan prior, winning overall in my division.
What was/is the hardest part of your fitness journey and how did you overcome it ?
My health has been my biggest hurdle. Shortly after my 2004 shows I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after years of just having no idea what was wrong and even being told it's in my head. I had to take some time off before I stepped back on the stage again but after I got a better understanding of what was wrong, I just decided that it wasn't about to stop me from at least trying. I slowly got back into the gym and eventually made my comeback to the stage. I like to think of it as head games, some days I would wake up in so much pain that existing seemed like a chore but I exist I must and so I would talk to myself lots and remind myself that I am awesome and this was just another setback to overcome. The doctors recommend staying active and that's what I did, I stood firm in the resolve that nothing was going to stand in my way and that I wasn't about to lose another sport. Some days are obviously better than others but that's how it is with life in general, so I just keep moving, I just keep pushing on.
Photo By: LeVar Stephens Photography
Who is your biggest role model?
It's hard to pinpoint one specific person as a role model because I find inspiration from so many individuals. While accomplishments are great and all, I tend to be dawn to a person who has walked through the fire and while they may not be at the top in their discipline that they did not give up and fought against all odds to be where they are draws my attention and admiration.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Now oddly enough, this was a difficult question to answer, I have the most amazing persons around me supporting me and assisting me in more ways than one. I though am extremely grateful for Bernard Percival, for this relentless push to see me achieve what he knew I was capable of. In 2015 in particular he wore many caps on my team and I can only say that I am forever grateful for him and the rest of my team.
What message would you send to the women who are “afraid to look like a man” if they lift?
I honestly think that that's the most laughable myth out there. I have been approached my many women interested in getting fit and this has been their main concern, I don't want to look like a man. After a brief giggle and asking whether they think I look like a man or not I basically tell it to them straight. Unless you're genetically predisposed there is no way without the use of synthetic hormones that that will ever happen... we are just not built like that. When weight training we are the like sculptors chipping at the masterpiece that is ourselves, shaping our bodies into what the ideal that we have set. Photo by LeVar Stephens Photography
What has been the most valuable life lesson fitness has taught you?
Above all else my journey has taught me the importance of believing in myself. As I said previously I was never the gifted athlete, I just knew what I wanted and I believed that once I applied the work there would be nothing to stop me.
Favorite healthy meal
By far steak and sautéed potatoes with asparagus.
Favorite cheat meal
Pancakes... all kinds, I hold no favouritism where pancakes are concerned.
Your favorite quote
There are so many that guide me but I think this one (grated it's one I remember better than others) :
What do I fear? I fear stagnation and lack of progress. I fear never reaching my potential and being average. I fear being forgotten... the past... yesterday's news. I fear giving up and being passed by, going softly into the good night. I fear letting those I love down, letting myself down. I feat settling, giving in to the "that just the way it is" mindset. I fear dying without leaving a mark. I fear not feeling those fears anymore and just floating along. Those fears feed me, they nourish my drive. I love my fears.
Follow Rosian's journey here https://www.facebook.com/IFBB-Figure-Pro-Rosian-Warrington-386771034824049/
ZAKIYA BUTLER
BBFF/NPC Amateur Figure Athlete
When and Why did your fitness journey begin?
I was 10 when my Auntie, of all people, enrolled me in Shirley Hall-Bass’ Bahamas Dance Theatre…because she thought my Saturdays were too idle, lol! I fell in love with ballet, gymnastics and tap, staying with the school for 6 years. It was also my Aunt that introduced me to the gym at 14. From that age straight through university (in Geneva, Switzerland, where I lived with my Aunt…hmmm…), to my return home in 2005 to now, I never stopped my gym workout. My bodybuilding journey started in 2015 and was born out of love for the sport.
All-in-all…I owe you one big time, Auntie!!!
Your biggest accomplishment/proud moment?
Fitness-related, my biggest and proudest moment has been stepping on stage in the 2015 Novice and Nationals Bodybuilding competition held by the BBFF. Prep was one of my greatest challenges and so to get through it and hit stage relatively decent was amazing for me.
What was/is the hardest part of your fitness journey and how did you overcome it ?
Competition prep has definitely been the hardest thing I have ever experienced along my fitness journey. The grueling hours of training, diet and nutrition, posing practice, mental preparation all tested both my body and my mind. I love a challenge though! So I went at it I fell down many times but I understood that I couldn’t stay down. And the more I got up from falling…the less the falling occurred. I still fall but now I love it because it means I have a new challenge to overcome.
Who is your biggest role model?
My Momma is my biggest role model. She has always been my living proof that there is nothing I can’t do.
Who is your biggest supporter?
This one is hard…I have been blessed with so many amazing supporters!!!! Let’s go with Momma again! Lol!
What message would you send to the women who are “afraid to look like a man” if they lift?
I love this question!! But a picture is worth a thousand words…so just check out my pics ;-). Seriously, have a look online at the images of women in the fitness and bodybuilding arena around the world. You will see the many different body types based on the desires of the person in question. The beautiful thing about building a body is you can make it look exactly as you wish.
What has been the most valuable life lesson fitness has taught you?
Discipline, dedication and determination will help you accomplish whatever it is you want out of this life.
Photo by: Shcarad Lightbourne
Favorite healthy meal
~sigh~ Salmon and veggies
Favorite cheat meal
~double sigh~ I have to say, I don’t believe in ‘cheat meals’. As I’ve said to clients and prospects, if your spouse was loyal and good all week, would you let him/her get ‘loose’ and cheat on the weekend? Good should never be rewarded with bad. That being said, I’ve also learned that depending on how active you are, your body needs a sweet dose of carbs occasionally. One of my fave options for that ‘dose’ are sushi rolls…5 or 6 of ‘em…kidding, 2-3 will do ;-)…
Your favorite quote
Words have always inspired me and so many quotes come to mind. But I’m currently in comp prep and willing to admit to being a little emotional. My teammate, Byron, has the perfect quote for that: ‘Don’t trip, just lift!!!!’
Follow Zakiya along her journey here https://www.facebook.com/Zakiya-D-Butler-Figure-Competitor-and-Fitness-Model-with-Team-Elite-348973175294198/?fref=ts
