Summers scores in bodybuilding
Date: 31-08-2010
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States |
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Last week's sports page included a story about a young male body-builder, but a local lady also scored impressive results.
Competing at the Arkansas state bodybuilding, figure and fitness championships Aug. 14, Tashia Summers, in her first competition, placed fifth in the open figure class C, and fourth in the masters (35 and over) class B.
"I've been in fitness since 2003 on and off, but got serious in 2008," Summers said. She was certified as a fitness trainer in 2008, and she works and trains at the Zone Muscle and Fitness in Berryville.
"I've wanted to compete for as long as I can remember, and promised myself I would by the time I turned 40," she said. (She just turned 39.)
"Competing at that level has made me realize that I can overcome my fears and doubts of what I can accomplish if I really want to," Summers said. "Most competitors train for at least a year, but being a single mom of three teenagers, time only allowed me five months to train."
Summers is quick to admit that she had second thoughts along the way, wondering how she would do against veteran competitors. "I had to keep telling myself 'YES you can and will do this Tashia!,'" she said.
Summers described a regimen of training almost every day, with a focus on proper nutrition. "I got on stage and had the best time ever," she said, promising, "I'll do it again!"
She hopes to compete again next year.
"Weight training keeps me true to myself and happy by being in great shape, having great overall health, and being able to teach others how to become healthier and happier" Summers said. "Exercise and eating healthy also set a good example for my kids to do the same now and as they get older."
For other women interested in weights, Summers will be starting a weight-lifting program for women at the Zone soon. She invites women to stop by and talk to her about the classes.
Greg Motzko, who owns the Zone, said he was very happy for Summers, and for two others who trained at the Zone and competed well in Little Rock.
Cody Kilgore was featured on this page last week. Tye Roberts also had success. "He just graduated from Tech, and he'll be teaching and will be an assistant coach for football and wrestling," Motzko said.
He had high praise for Summers. "To see a single mom with three kids show that kind of dedication and persistence is amazing," he said. "It paid off in her first year of competition."
