Shining Star – RoxStar Fitness Client Spotlight: Diamond Bivins

diamond stage photos - npc heart of texas 2014We are absolutely in awe of our amazing client Diamond Bivins. She came to RoxStar Fitness with the goal of stepping on stage for the first time, and looking great while doing it. She competed at the 2014 NPC Heart of Texas and ended up placing second in her first show ever!

Here’s a few things she shared with us in a recent interview for our site.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Diamond, I am 25 years old and currently live in the Atlanta area where I am an engineer. I’m about 5’10’’ and currently weigh about 150 lbs.  Although I have never played organized sports I has always been active. From the age of three until about eight I did ballet, tap, and jazz. I then moved on to cheering which I did until I was about thirteen. After cheering I played flute/piccolo in my middle and high school’s concert band and marching band. Throughout college I would run around the track for a workout and occasionally go to the gym but I didn’t get serious about lifting weights until the beginning of 2014.

How long have you been training?

I started consistently going to the gym (4-5 times a week) the beginning of 2013. For about a year my workouts consisted of attending classes at the gym and doing some cardio here and there. I started to get into lifting weights the beginning 2014 and began training with RSF in May of 2014.

 

What inspired you to start training seriously?

Originally my goal was to get abs. Once I started to see abs I decided I wanted to put on some muscle mass. Around that time I had begun researching the NPC, specifically the figure division, and made the decision I wanted to compete. For about four months before I began training with RSF I tried to train myself with help from online tools. This was a failure so after researching RSF online I began training with them.

The night before showtime. So quick progress shots during peak week.

 

What was your biggest inspiration in deciding to step on the stage?

My biggest inspiration was the self-satisfaction I would get from striving for a goal for months and seeing it to completion. Also, in my earlier years I struggled with self-confidence and kind of faked it till I made it as far as my confidence. So me stepping on stage was also celebrating and embracing the confident women I’ve become.

 

How many shows have you done so far, and what was that experience like for you?

I have only competed in one show so far. I competed in the Heart of Texas 2014. Overall I had a great experience. I placed 2nd overall WOOT WOOT!!!! But there wasn’t anything extreme or unhealthy about my prep. With RSF I was able to glide right into the show and my body responded very well. For the most part it was a learning experience. I learned how to pose and what poses fit my body type also, not to wait until the last minute to book a hotel for the show. The day of the show I was a ball of nerves and forgot I needed to get my tan touched up before pre-judging and was so nervous when I got on stage I started shaking. But, I felt home on stage if that makes since and the entire weekend I was on a high.

 

How did you find RoxStar Fitness?

When I first decided I wanted to compete I would look up #npcfigure on Instagram to look at the physiques of women who competed as inspiration. While doing that I would often see post from Roxie Beckles and thought she had an amazing physique so I started following her. I liked that she did smart dieting and believed you need food to fuel your prep. When I saw that she was an online coach on one of her posts I began researching RSF to see what they had to offer.

 

How has your training differed from before you found RSF, to after?

Before I began training with RSF I was following an online prep program that had me eating like 1200 calories a day and the same exact meals every single day. This was not enough for me so I began to drastically lose weight and muscle mass and decided that I needed to train with RSF for a healthy prep experience. As far as my workouts I would do 30 minutes of steady state cardio 5-6 times a week and do weights 5 times a week.

Once I began training with RSF my calories were doubled and my cardio was tapered down to include HIT Cardio on the treadmill (which I love by the way). What I love about RSF is when I’m training I truly feel like an athlete. I love the dynamic moves that are incorporated into my workouts such as hang cleans, jumping lunges, medicine ball slams, and  hang snatches to name a few. Furthermore, the meal plans offer a great variety. I usually alternate between 2 meal plans throughout the week. This helps to comply because I don’t have to eat the same thing every day. RSF also has a data base to calculate foods that can be substituted into the meal plan if more variety is needed.

Starting Photo - Front
Starting Photo – Front

How successful do you think the online coaching model to be vs. working with a one on one personal trainer – in YOUR experience?

In my experience it has worked out great. I don’t like people hovering over me when I work out and my gym time is my daily therapy to release all the stresses of the day. I also have a good understanding of how to use gym equipment and I’m self-motivated enough to push myself in the gym. Someone who is new to using gym equipment and/or not motivated to push themselves in the gym may benefit more from having an one on one personal trainer as opposed to an online personal trainer.

What’s your favorite cheat meal?

My favorite cheat meal is a Chik-Fil-A original sandwich meal with a large fry and lemonade. My favorite cheat desert is Krispie Kreme doughnuts when the hot sign is on.

 

What’s your typical diet like?

I usually have oatmeal, fruit, and egg whites for breakfast. I have chicken breast, brown rice, veggies and protein powder at least twice a day. On days that I train weights I have steak and potatoes and a post workout meal which includes protein powder and a carb of my choice (which can include ice-cream if the macros are right). On days I’m resting or only do cardio steak is usually swapped out for salmon. I eat 6 meals a day and ate around 2500 calories during my prep.

Starting Photo - Back
Starting Photo – Back

What are the biggest changes you’ve noticed in your physique since starting with RoxStar Fitness?

I have MUSCLES. My body has leaned out and I don’t carry the water weight that I did before I started with RSF. My waist has gotten smaller but I believe the biggest change has been in my legs. I developed hamstrings and even had a ham/glute tie-in situation going on for my show. Along the process my biceps, abs, and back got more developed as well.

 

What motivates you NOW?

I want to be competitive on the national level, but I know I have to build my physique up to that level. Therefore, every day when I’m in the gym it’s me against myself.

 

What would you tell your former self, before starting with RoxStar Fitness if you met him/her today?

I would say, Diamond, trust the process and trust Roxie to bring out the best in you. Stop trying to be a control freak.

 

What advice would you give to anyone who may be thinking about working with us, but is on the fence?

If you’re not serious, don’t waste your time and the RSF staff’s time. However, if you’re serious, dedicated, and willing to give 110% to reach your goals RSF is the team for you.

 

 

 

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