Interview with Miami Pro fitness Model competitor Ivana Kozmalova
I have known Ivana since a secondary school. She has never been into sports, however she was always determined. In April 2015 Ivana completed her first event Miami Pro and ended up in fifth place.
Ivana with the trophy on the left
Q: What has made you to take up the fitness and why?
About 2 and half years ago I went to support a friend at her first fitness competition and that made me thinking, “If they can do it, I can as well”, so I started to exercise and kept my goal in head. I started to enjoy exercising more and more every day by day, I was more energised and felt great. Then I realised that my goal might become reality.
Q: Why did you choose Miami Pro competition and what does it involve?
Miami pro was one of the choices I had as a first step into the fitness industry. There is a number of federations which do fitness competitions and it is hard to choose one. Miami pro is known as a “fun” competition as it is more relaxed regarding posing and stage presence. You can show your own personality on stage and have fun.
Ivana in the costume
Q: How does your week look like in regards to work out and diet?
My week is busy with 6 days of training. I got into a habit to do cardio in the morning before I go to work as it kick starts my day and then I feel fresh and awake all day and weight training in the evening.
Diet is strict but very versatile and balanced. I have to eat 6 times a day so my metabolism is constantly working. Food preparation is a key to success so you need to be organised and plan ahead.
Q: How do you deal with cravings for junk food and sweets?
I have to say I have hardly ever cravings for junk food or sweet. Every week I have one day when I can allow myself to have something “naughty” so if I crave some food it's always only 6 days away.
When I really do crave some sweets, chewing gum is my best friend, different flavours all the time.
Q: Have you ever had any injuries from fitness? If so what was it?
I am a lucky one, as I haven’t had any injury from fitness yet.
Q: Do you use massage therapy?
Occasionally
Q: What has been the toughest part of your journey so far?
It is really hard to say as it isn’t hobby by lifestyle.
I would say that socialising part it tough one as you still want to enjoy time with your friends, but lots of time they don’t understand your choice of living and call you boring because you won't drink with them or party till early morning.
Q: How did you feel after the competition?
It's amazing feeling of achievement and satisfaction and instantly you want to do it again. It's really hard to explain it as there is such a build up to competition day and then suddenly it's over.
Ivana on the stage
Q: When did you start to train again?
I took about 2 days rest and then started to train straight away. You just miss it so much as training is part of your daily routine so when I don’t train I feel lost and don’t know what to do with my time.
Q: If you could take 3 items on a desert island what would that be?
That’s hard one, kitchen scale (always need to know what it on my plate, haha), posing shoes and book
Q: Would you name 1 supplement that you can't live without?
Protein powder, definitely
Q: What is your favourite motivation quote?
Work until your idol become your Rivals
Think about why you started
Every day is new be beginning so make the most of it
Q: What advice would you give to people starting out?
Believe in yourself and keep going and when you have a bad day or you had take away for dinner, don’t feel bad about yourself, wake up next day and start all over again. We are just humans and life brings lots of obstacles and it's up to you if you let these obstacles to break you or make you.
Q: What are your future plans?
I am hoping to compete for UKBFF later on this year as season normally finishes at the end of October and then work even harder on myself in off season to be ready for the next year.
Good luck Ivana with your competition and all the best for the future!
Ivana and I
