IFBB Pro Tanis Tzavaras
Interview with IFBB Pro Tanis Tzavaras aka @TanisFit
Q:Describe the thought process when you first knew you wanted to become an IFBB Pro competitor..
A:I was a gymnast growing up. Not a great one, nut gymnastics fulfilled something nothing else could. I loved being able to do things and learn new things that other people couldn't, I still do!
When gymnastics was over, it was still in me to continue in some way. I discovered fitness, mainly for the gymnastics element but when I got into the entire lifestyle and the fascination with working with my body and physique from an appearance and development standpoint, I became completely enthralled. I love 'processes' and I knew I wanted to go all the way with competing - even though I am pretty sure I was last at my first amateur show!
Q:Becoming an IFBB Pro competitor, easier or harder than you imagined? And why?
A:I expected it to be hard. It was 'THE' GOAL! In Canada, we only get two
chances per year for an IFBB Pro Card in Fitness and there are so many deserving girls! Canada rocks it on the IFBB Fitness stage! I'm persistent, I always believed it would happen when it was supposed to. It took eight years for me to get my Pro Card and everything came about just the way it was meant to happen. I needed that time. I needed to learn the lessons I learned along the way.
Q:I see you're a personal trainer. Which is harder, getting yourself
contest ready or training others?
A:I'm beautifully organized, knowledgeable, and logical - when it comes to
others. When it comes to myself - all logic goes out the window! I hired a
trainer! I have been with IFBB Figure Pro Jamie Postill (formerly Jamie
Senuk) since 2009. We are always on a plan, through pregnancy, post baby, building, and pre-contest. There is always planning and intention. I always know what my goals are.
Q:Funniest personal trainer story?
A:Don't have one?!
Q: Fair enough lol. What is you favorite body part to train and why?
A: I LOVE training hams and glutes. That used to be an area I would avoid, and it showed! Jamie had me bring that training up to a new level and I LOVE the results! Definitely proud of the hard work I have put in back there!
Q:What does a typical week long workout routine look like for you?
A: I maximize efficiency. I'm a busy mom of two and I run my own fitness company. I want to be as effective as I can be in the shortest amount of time possible. Pre-contest is where my longest training sessions happen. I weight train 4 days per week. Lots of supersets and giant sets. Tempo training with times rests - I don't chat or mess around! Sometimes I will have interval cardio afterwards but I do as little cardio as possible. It's necessary but you should always know WHY you are doing cardio. Should never be to compensate for a diet that's not tight. That's
number one!
Q:What does your diet look like in a typical 24 hour span?
A:Typical?! Well for pre-contest, I do carbs right up until the end. No extremes - when you eat clean all year, you really appreciate the freedoms of a sensible contest diet.
Meal One: Oats and Whole Eggs with Egg Whites
Meal Two: Shrimp and Veggies (Rotate Starchy and Fibrous)
Meal Three: Chicken, Yams, and Almonds
Meal Four: Chicken and Veggies
Meal Five: Beef, Rice, and Peas
Post Workout: Whey Protein and Rice Cakes
Meal Six: Beef and/or Almonds
Q:What's your favorite cheat meal?
A: I love a good glass of red wine, I also love steak (Filet mignon or ribeye) and I crave chicken wings!
Q:Tell us about TanisFit Inc...
A:I provide various fitness services designed to get people on the right track and start enjoying their bodies! Whether it's a meal plan or a workout plan designed online or one of my Life Coaching 12 week programs, I love to see people take control, act pro-actively and finally get a handle on the things that have held them back. We're in these bodies for life, we need to start enjoying our journey with them!
Q:Where do you see yourself and your career in 10 years?
A:I'm hoping to continuously develop newer and more diverse life coaching programs. I really think this is the most effective approach for people long-term. We need to be realistic in our approach and see diet and exercise and nurtuting bodies that we care about.
Q:Do you have any website, Facebook, Twitter or blog links for the people to get in contact with you or just learn more about you?
A:You bet!
www.TanisFit.com
www.Facebook.com/TanisFitnessPro
www.Twitter.com/TanisFit
