Supplement Judge Unbiased Supplement Reviews – Do they really work??
For this interview, Supplement Judge we were very lucky and privileged to speak to IFBB Fitness Pro Tanis Tzavaras. In this interview we will gain an insight into what it takes to become an athlete competing at the highest standard!
1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I grew up doing gymnastics. I became a gymnastics coach and followed it up with training and competing in Fitness in 2003. It was interesting, but it fed into my extremism and in 2007 I got pregnant with my first son and gained 100 lbs. After giving birth, I lost the weight and paid more attention to being good to myself from an overall health and wellness perspective. I began my company TanisFit Inc and am committed to helping people achieve overall balance and organization so they can succeed in their health and fitness goals.
2. How long have you been training for?
I am a former gymnast and began weight training in 2002.
3. How did you get started in training?
I put on a lot of weight following my exit from gymnastics. I began as a cardio queen to ‘lose weight’ and ‘tone’. Then I had a former team-mate participate in a Fitness show and I decided THAT was what i wanted to do!
4. Who got you motivated to start training?
The girl was Michelle Cusson – a former Alberta Bodybuilding Association Fitness competitor. In pursuing what she was doing I met my very first real coach Martha Lombardo-Grant – an IFBB Figure Pro. Her enthusiasm took me from trying it out to being passionate about lifting and competing.
5. What are your short and long term fitness goals?
Short-term – I’d like to be Top 5 at my next show in Fort Lauderdale. Long term, I’d love to compete on the Arnold and Olympia stages!
6. What workout routine has worked best for you?
I’m always switching it up. If I have learned anything – it is to train SMART not ‘hard’! Setting goals and doing the right workouts for each goal phase is ESSENTIAL! And that includes proper rest and periodization!
7. What is your favourite form of cardio for cutting bodyfat?
I avoid doing too much cardio due to inefficiency. When necessary, I do HIIT. Stair kick my butt!
8. Could you outline your basic daily diet?
It varies. I have a coach I trust, I eat REAL food and the manipulations happen first at a caloric level and then at a macronutrient level. I believe in consistency and compliance, not in ‘cutting’ everything out or being unrealistic.
9. Do you use supplements? If so, what do you recommend?
I use Protein powder for convenience. Otherwise just Fish Oils and Vitamin D until my coach assesses additional training needs as we go. Diet is primary! Supplementation secondary.
10. Do you have post/pre-workout meals? What’s your favourite?
Yep! Love Bagels and protein shakes for Post-Workout meals!
11. How do you deal with cravings for junk food, sweets and salty foods?
In between contest preps, I count everything but I don’t ‘restrict’ any foods. I plan a way to work it all in. During prep, I have foods that will fit in but I try to make them a ‘treat’. Eating well kills a lot of cravings but cheese flavoured rice cakes and Greek yoghurt mixed with chocolate protein powder can easily replace snacks and desserts if you appreciate them!
12. Do you have any cheat meals?
When it’s appropriate! I LOVE fat! Steak, fatty suchi, and avocado overloads are my fave!
13. What is your biggest motivation to get you back in the gym?
I love how grounded good consistent training makes me feel. I also have two boys – I want them to know that women need time to themselves and need to be strong! No guilt with that!
14. If you could go back in time, what would you change in your training?
I love the journey my mistakes have taken me on! I am constantly discovering more about myself and if anything, i wish I hadn’t wasted so much time and money on ‘gimmicky’ stuff in the past.
15. Any advice for beginners or anyone looking to get back into fitness?
Successful people take action. Doesn’t have to be big, but it has to be diligent and consistent. And take your time to set goals! Real, deliberate goals lead to productive action.
16. Anything else you’d like to add?
Believe and be positive!
You can stay up to date with Tanis through her facebook page over at http://facebook.com/TanisFitnessPro or through her twitter handle @TanisFit or through her website: http://www.tanisfit.com/.
