You kept yourself covered up in your contest prep and didn't tell anyone your contest plans. What was the reasoning behind that? In what ways did it help you to stay focused?
I've never been one to publicise what I'm up to. I find it easier to keep to myself, do the job that's required and let my body do the talking on the day.
Why did you compete in Figure rather than just focusing on the Fitness class?
Having not been on stage for three years it was an opportunity to get more stage time and feel more comfortable with wearing heels.
How far out from contest did you start dieting for the NZIFBB Chch show and why so far out. What was your starting weight then and finally on contest day?
I started to get my eating structured back in Nov 2010, at the stage I hadn't made the decision to compete. As time went by I was getting in better and better shape and was really enjoying the journey. Watching the Arnold Classic Stream live on the web gave me a bit of inspiration and planted a seed to compete fitness. By 16 weeks out I was under way and there was no looking back.
Doing regular cardio and dieting is hard enough when preparing for figure, how did you manage to find the energy to train for fitness which requires extra strength and dynamic moves as part of your training?
Let's just say it's not easy. This is why it was really helpful getting my nutrition right early. My body was able to adapt to functioning off fewer calories whilst requiring more from it whilst training.
  
Can you gives us an idea how you trained for fitness i.e. how you incorporated your strength training in with your dynamic training and how they all fit in together.
My base was resistance training but from 8-10 weeks out my sessions became more plyometric based - I tend to just listen to and look at my body and go with what feels right on the day.
Can you give us 3 simple plyometric exercises people can incorporate into their programme that would give them legs like yours!
1. Jumping lunges
2. Box jumps
3. Jumping leg press
See the theme -I jump a lot J
How much time each day did you spend on training, fitness routine and cardio. Perhaps you could just give us a sample of your pre contest training programme 6 weeks out?
Every day was different but a general training week looked a little like this
Mon: Cardio, Legs
Tues: Cardio, Chest
Wed: Cardio, Routine
Thurs: Cardio, Back
Fri: Cardio, routine
Sat: Cardio, Shoulders
Sun: Cardio Routine
In terms of your diet, did you have to have extra calories so that you had energy to train?
I wish! No extra Calories, It's the simple equation of calories in vs. calories out. I have the best nutritionist NZ has (Alison Rainbow) and she was able to give me a balanced diet so that my body was getting everything it required. All my Proteins, Carbs and fats were balanced to meet my bodies' needs.
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Do you take a lot of supplements during pre contest and which ones are essential for you?
The only supplement I take is Protein powder. My favorite is either Chocolate or Strawberry. - This was included in my nutrition plan. I was having two shakes a day up to 4 weeks out then I dropped that to just one shake a day.
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Do you give yourself and treat meals while in precontest diet? What do you consider a treat?
I don't like to call it a cheat meal - doing this puts a negative spin on my everyday food. For me it's an extra meal.
Up until the 16 week point I was having an extra meal on a Sunday -I was allowed to choose anything I wanted and I choose a massive fruit salad. - Fruit is my vice.
What advice would you give novices who would like to give Fitness a go?
GIVE IT A GO! Everyone thinks to compete in fitness you need a strong background in gymnastics/dance or cheerleading. They do help but they are not a requirement. Talk to someone at your gym who can point you in the right direction or I am more than happy to help anyone out -my website will be up and running soon. Researching online is also a great place to start - I got heaps of inspiration and idea from there.
| Adela Garcia must be one of your inspirations in the Fitness arena, what was it like to have her here and what advice did she give you?
I remember being back stage at the Wellington show when I heard the announcement that Adela was coming to NZ. October 22nd was the best day ever! Having Adela here was like nothing words can describe. I was lucky to have about 4 hours with her on Saturday then more time on Sunday - As for advice, all I can say is watch this space. I might have a few exciting things to announce in the near future.
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Hayley and Adela
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Have you had a role model who's inspired you?
My Mum. Mum it fitness crazy. In her youth she was a top sprinter and traveled the country competing in athletics.
She then had three kids all the while completing numerous ½ and full marathons, competed in triathlons, did a bodybuilding show and now competes in cycling events including the lake taupo challenge. If I can be as fit and healthy as mum when I'm her age I will be a very happy lady
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What's your immediate goal now for next few months?
Prep for the Arnolds. Its only 18.5 weeks away (march 1-3) which as we all know isn't very far away at all.
What's your ultimate goal in Fitness competition?
Personally - to end up competing on the International stage. But I would love to make Fitness as popular in NZ as Figure, It is so much fun!
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