CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE November/December ISSUE | Page 15

I entered the bikini division; in fact I was Cindy : Family will always be my primary
the first and only competitor in the focus, having said that, I work fitness
master bikini class at the OPA around my familial responsibilities. I
provincials in 2011. That changed quickly start the day by getting everyone settled
and masters competitor numbers and ready for a successful day ahead. I
continue to rise steadily to this day. I’m believe that the day is only as good as
so elated every time I host a show and the way it starts. I prepare breakfasts,
see big classes in the masters and lunches and send them on their way.
grandmaster classes, I feel like I helped Then it’s my turn. I train daily at 8:30am
pioneer that in some way.  until approximately 11:30am then it’s
time to work, prep meals take care of
Juan: This is an amazing story. I am so emails and organize the weekly
glad to hear the entire family overcame schedule. I live an extremely organized
this difficult time. I know you have done lifestyle; it’s how I can make it all fit. I
the North American Championship a actually love the challenge involved.
few times now. Tell me about the
mindset needed to go year after year to Juan: If you could go back 20 years and
the North American's and still have that talk to Cindy in the past, what would
eye of the tiger to keep improving. you tell her?
.
Cindy: Competing at the North Cindy: I would tell her to stay the
Americans was so much more than just course, that whatever comes her way is
my time on stage. Every year that I’ve only going to make her stronger and
attended I’ve done so accompanied by have a greater appreciation for life. I’m
my friend Tami Beckers. The drive to not one to give up on anything or
Pittsburgh, the days leading up to show anyone. I’m a fighter, but I wear my
time, and the time we spend with each heart on my sleeve too.
other. Yes competing and bringing my
best to the stage was a focus, but having I have three hashtags that I always add
a yearly trip with Tammy was equally to my social media posts.
important to me. It never felt like effort, #alwaysaworkinprogress
prep was second nature; it’s what I do #womanonamission
and improving always the goal. #myattitudeisgratitude
Juan: How do you balance having a Juan: This is amazing to hear. Who are
family and being a professional athlete? the top 3 people who motivate you
everyday to be your best?