NYCStrongFox
05-05-2008, 11:43 PM
Talk about being inspired and motivated. Reading through endless threads and posts, I found it wonderful to read on how many of us on this board are so alike and so different at the same time. I've found more motivation from reading posts on this board.
My choice for this first official siouxcountry.com's "Competitor's Showcase" is summed up in 5 words: Inspirational, Determined, Aspiring, Humorous and Beautiful.
She made an amazing comeback to competing after many years off from bodybuilding and is now preparing to compete in figure. She struggled with some demons that can haunt many of us in our competition journey and transformed herself back into a stronger person, inside and out. She believed strongly in herself to change things around once and for all.
It's my pleasure to announce our first official winner:
Competitor's Showcase
Winner: Kenyatta (aka NC_Fitdiva)
Kenyatta Parham Interviewed by Melody Chao.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/photoshoot014.jpg
How did you get started in bodybuilding and why did you decide to now compete in figure?
This may sound crazy, but it's true. I got started in bodybuilding by accident. I never set out to be a bodybuilder or figure competitor. In 1998 I hired a trainer and worked with him for approximately 6 months. Another trainer came to me and said I should do a bodybuilding show. I was pleasantly surprised b/c I didn't think I looked anything like a bodybuilder. The next day she took me to a small gym owned by an old school IFBB pro who is my current posing coach (Quincy Roberts) and the rest is history.
In 1999-2000 when I competed in bb figure did not exist. When I heard about figure in 2002 I was really excited, but it took me another 5 years to get back on stage. I made the switch to figure because I've always liked the physique of the fitness competitors, however I did not have the dance/gymnastic background to do well in fitness.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/kenyatta-2.jpg
What kind of diet do you follow in your off-season? How about pre-contest?
Off-season diet: Clean proteins, veggies, oatmeal, rice cakes and brown rice. I try to limit my cheat meals to 1-2x a week. Contest Diet: Clean protein, broccoli/green beans, and a starchy carbs every 3-4 days. I eat 5-6 meals a day.
Give us an idea of what a typical week would be during pre-contest training.A typical pre-contest week consists of weight training 5-6 days and 1 day off. Cardio is everyday with 2-3 sessions.
How many weeks out do you usually start your contest prep? My contest prep starts at 12 weeks out.
If you weren't competing in figure, what other sport do you think you'd be involved in? If I wasn't involved in figure, and I had the finances I would definitely start racing my motorcycle.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/photoshoot008.jpg
Were you involved in sports through high school or college? If so, what sports were you involved in?In high school I played volleyball, ran track, and was in the marching band. I didn't participate in any sports in college.
What have you found to be the most fulfilling part of competing?
The most fulfilling part of competing is the end result of walking on stage. In my opinion there is no better high than being on stage especially when you know you trained 100%!!
Why do you compete? I enjoy competing in figure because it gives me a specific goal/event to train for.
What supplements, if any, do you incorporate in your diet and why? Omega 3 Fish Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin B Complex, BCAA, L-Glutamine, and Lipolyze/Somalyze (Species Nutrition) during contest prep.
If a newbie were to ask you for advice on getting started, what 5 things would you advise them on?
1. Attend a few bb/figure shows to become familiar w/ what that federation expects for the division you plan to compete in.
2. Enlist the help of a qualified trainer who has experience in contest prep and listen to them!!
3. Learn how to pose properly to show off the physique you have trained hard for.
4. Tell friends/family you are preparing for a show. The more support you have the easier it is.
5. Select a show and train hard!!!http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/100_0218.jpg
What are some of your other interests? What do you like to do when you are NOT competing or prepping for a competition?
Some of my other interests include sport bikes (I ride a Kawasaki Ninja ZX12). I'm a member of an all female Motorcycle Club called NC DIVAS MC. I also enjoy gardening, watching HGTV, shopping, reading, and spending time with my family. When I'm not competing I enjoy going to the movies weekly, going out to eat, watching sporting events, and riding my bike.
Wow, so you're a "biker" diva! That sounds like a lot of fun. How did you get involved in riding? How long have you been riding and have you done races?
Like most female riders, I dated a guy who rode a bike. I enjoyed riding very much and was content riding on the back. Eventually we broke up and I realized that I missed riding. I've never been a groupie, so I wasn't about to go to the local hangout spots trying to hook up w/ someone just so I could ride. Around that same time my father purchased a Honda Goldwing. I'm definitely my father's child and I pretty much do everything he does. My father purchasing his bike was the push I needed to learn how to ride and purchase my own bike. I learned how to ride in 2000 and purchased my own bike in 2002.
As of now, I've only done racing on a 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile drag strip. It's inexpensive and I don't have to worry about modifying my bike. I would eventually like to do the circuit racing which you see on SpeedTV, etc. This is much more expensive and you have to make mods to put your bike on the track. There's a track near by that offers track days and I hope to do that one of these days!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/P5230011.jpg
What would be your ultimate goal as a competitor?For me prepping/dieting is very empowering b/c it reminds me daily that I can do anything that I set mind to do. Regardless of all the other things going on in my life with proper preparation and dedication I can do anything I feel like doing. I love to prove people wrong when they say I can't do something!!! Please, sit back and watch me do it!!!
I'm sure if you asked 100 figure competitors there ultimate goal at least 80-90 of them would say it would be to obtain their pro card! With figure being so subjective that's just not a goal that I have!!! My ultimate goal is to improve my physique at each show I compete in. Due to this sport being so subjective; I recognize that I have to compete against self and no one else. I feel that if I attain that goal at each show then eventually I will earn my pro card. If not, I'll settle for being the best amateur competitor I can be.
I really like your response to the question regarding your ultimate goal as a competitor. I agree. There are so many who's main reason is to turn pro. What are some of your future goals, outside of competing?
The one goal that keeps popping up over and over again is to own a property management company.
I have started the Personal Training Certification process through NASM. I've given myself 18 months to get my certification.
Specifically for this year, I made it a personal goal to spend more time with my parents. In the past I've taken them for granted. I've realized that there are so many people who no longer have their parents. It's truly a blessing that I still have mine. I would like to also settle down and have a family one day. But I'm definitely not rushing that!!!!
Thank you Kenyatta for the opportunity to know you better and we all wish you a very successful competitive year and in all you do. I’m sure you’ve just inspired and motivated so many who read this. Congratulations and best wishes!!
My choice for this first official siouxcountry.com's "Competitor's Showcase" is summed up in 5 words: Inspirational, Determined, Aspiring, Humorous and Beautiful.
She made an amazing comeback to competing after many years off from bodybuilding and is now preparing to compete in figure. She struggled with some demons that can haunt many of us in our competition journey and transformed herself back into a stronger person, inside and out. She believed strongly in herself to change things around once and for all.
It's my pleasure to announce our first official winner:
Competitor's Showcase
Winner: Kenyatta (aka NC_Fitdiva)
Kenyatta Parham Interviewed by Melody Chao.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/photoshoot014.jpg
How did you get started in bodybuilding and why did you decide to now compete in figure?
This may sound crazy, but it's true. I got started in bodybuilding by accident. I never set out to be a bodybuilder or figure competitor. In 1998 I hired a trainer and worked with him for approximately 6 months. Another trainer came to me and said I should do a bodybuilding show. I was pleasantly surprised b/c I didn't think I looked anything like a bodybuilder. The next day she took me to a small gym owned by an old school IFBB pro who is my current posing coach (Quincy Roberts) and the rest is history.
In 1999-2000 when I competed in bb figure did not exist. When I heard about figure in 2002 I was really excited, but it took me another 5 years to get back on stage. I made the switch to figure because I've always liked the physique of the fitness competitors, however I did not have the dance/gymnastic background to do well in fitness.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/kenyatta-2.jpg
What kind of diet do you follow in your off-season? How about pre-contest?
Off-season diet: Clean proteins, veggies, oatmeal, rice cakes and brown rice. I try to limit my cheat meals to 1-2x a week. Contest Diet: Clean protein, broccoli/green beans, and a starchy carbs every 3-4 days. I eat 5-6 meals a day.
Give us an idea of what a typical week would be during pre-contest training.A typical pre-contest week consists of weight training 5-6 days and 1 day off. Cardio is everyday with 2-3 sessions.
How many weeks out do you usually start your contest prep? My contest prep starts at 12 weeks out.
If you weren't competing in figure, what other sport do you think you'd be involved in? If I wasn't involved in figure, and I had the finances I would definitely start racing my motorcycle.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/photoshoot008.jpg
Were you involved in sports through high school or college? If so, what sports were you involved in?In high school I played volleyball, ran track, and was in the marching band. I didn't participate in any sports in college.
What have you found to be the most fulfilling part of competing?
The most fulfilling part of competing is the end result of walking on stage. In my opinion there is no better high than being on stage especially when you know you trained 100%!!
Why do you compete? I enjoy competing in figure because it gives me a specific goal/event to train for.
What supplements, if any, do you incorporate in your diet and why? Omega 3 Fish Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin B Complex, BCAA, L-Glutamine, and Lipolyze/Somalyze (Species Nutrition) during contest prep.
If a newbie were to ask you for advice on getting started, what 5 things would you advise them on?
1. Attend a few bb/figure shows to become familiar w/ what that federation expects for the division you plan to compete in.
2. Enlist the help of a qualified trainer who has experience in contest prep and listen to them!!
3. Learn how to pose properly to show off the physique you have trained hard for.
4. Tell friends/family you are preparing for a show. The more support you have the easier it is.
5. Select a show and train hard!!!http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/100_0218.jpg
What are some of your other interests? What do you like to do when you are NOT competing or prepping for a competition?
Some of my other interests include sport bikes (I ride a Kawasaki Ninja ZX12). I'm a member of an all female Motorcycle Club called NC DIVAS MC. I also enjoy gardening, watching HGTV, shopping, reading, and spending time with my family. When I'm not competing I enjoy going to the movies weekly, going out to eat, watching sporting events, and riding my bike.
Wow, so you're a "biker" diva! That sounds like a lot of fun. How did you get involved in riding? How long have you been riding and have you done races?
Like most female riders, I dated a guy who rode a bike. I enjoyed riding very much and was content riding on the back. Eventually we broke up and I realized that I missed riding. I've never been a groupie, so I wasn't about to go to the local hangout spots trying to hook up w/ someone just so I could ride. Around that same time my father purchased a Honda Goldwing. I'm definitely my father's child and I pretty much do everything he does. My father purchasing his bike was the push I needed to learn how to ride and purchase my own bike. I learned how to ride in 2000 and purchased my own bike in 2002.
As of now, I've only done racing on a 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile drag strip. It's inexpensive and I don't have to worry about modifying my bike. I would eventually like to do the circuit racing which you see on SpeedTV, etc. This is much more expensive and you have to make mods to put your bike on the track. There's a track near by that offers track days and I hope to do that one of these days!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/coconutsandapples/NEW/P5230011.jpg
What would be your ultimate goal as a competitor?For me prepping/dieting is very empowering b/c it reminds me daily that I can do anything that I set mind to do. Regardless of all the other things going on in my life with proper preparation and dedication I can do anything I feel like doing. I love to prove people wrong when they say I can't do something!!! Please, sit back and watch me do it!!!
I'm sure if you asked 100 figure competitors there ultimate goal at least 80-90 of them would say it would be to obtain their pro card! With figure being so subjective that's just not a goal that I have!!! My ultimate goal is to improve my physique at each show I compete in. Due to this sport being so subjective; I recognize that I have to compete against self and no one else. I feel that if I attain that goal at each show then eventually I will earn my pro card. If not, I'll settle for being the best amateur competitor I can be.
I really like your response to the question regarding your ultimate goal as a competitor. I agree. There are so many who's main reason is to turn pro. What are some of your future goals, outside of competing?
The one goal that keeps popping up over and over again is to own a property management company.
I have started the Personal Training Certification process through NASM. I've given myself 18 months to get my certification.
Specifically for this year, I made it a personal goal to spend more time with my parents. In the past I've taken them for granted. I've realized that there are so many people who no longer have their parents. It's truly a blessing that I still have mine. I would like to also settle down and have a family one day. But I'm definitely not rushing that!!!!
Thank you Kenyatta for the opportunity to know you better and we all wish you a very successful competitive year and in all you do. I’m sure you’ve just inspired and motivated so many who read this. Congratulations and best wishes!!