The Official SpartanPrincess/Krista Interview
Remember watching the classic movie battles between the Romans and Spartans? Or maybe you didn’t. Well if you didn’t, let me give you a brief history lesson. The Ancient Spartans were the greatest empire of its time. They were eventually bestowed by the Roman Empire, but throughout history after the Spartans downfall, there was also a Rogue Warrior who came from behind the shadows to reclaim the Spartan Authority.
Krista (simply using her first name) calls her self “The Spartan Princess.” One look at her body and a deep look into her soul, you will definitely find the warrior’s will inside of Krista. She’s a modern day “Spartan Princess” in every since of the word. Standing at 5’6 and 118 lbs with solid muscle definition, she definitely has the stature of a Spartan. But more than her physical stature, I find interest in her mind. Listen to this quote on the subject of Krista’s goals:
“In the end I want to be able to say that I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” When I read this quote I was blown away. I was almost compelled to do a Google search to find quotes from Socrates; the Great Greek Philosopher. That wasn’t necessary though, because Krista’s words were inspirational enough. At the age of just 20 years old, you don’t hear young people speak with that kind of tenacity. Her words provide so much power and motivation.
In addition, Krista seems to be a guiding light of a humanitarian. Her occupation resides as an intensive care nurse. If that doesn’t take heart and soul, then I don’t know what else does. Barbara Walters; if you’re out there reading, please add Krista to your list of “Most Influential People.” People like Krista are a dime a dozen.
I’d like to thank Krista with the utmost honor in participating in this interview. She told me it was an honor for me to choose her, but the shoe is definitely on the other end. Please get up out of your seat and give Krista “The Spartan Princess,” a standing ovation.
Q 1: I noticed from your bodyspace.com progress pics, that you started actively working out in March 2007, it has only been 11 months and your body transformation has gone from slim and trim to toned and sculpted. How did you gain the “Spartan Princess” Body?
A 1: With the guidance of my fiancé, I worked each main muscle group primarily once a week, sometimes two. We would go to the gym three to five times a week depending on our schedule. I (we) focused on low repetitions with heavier weight. I would do twelve reps, ten reps, then another set of ten reps, and then end with the heaviest weight for six reps. I would increase the weight each set of reps by five or ten pounds. I would do this so that my last set of reps I would go to failure within the sixth repetition. I did cardio after a work out for twenty minutes; two or so times a week.
As far as diet is concerned, I ate (eat) about 5-6 small meals a day; making sure I ate an abundant amount of protein. I also made sure I ate breakfast every morning. On average every two to three hours I would eat a little snack such as a banana or part of protein shake. I also would try to limit the intake of sugar type calories more so then the ingestion of fat type calories due to the fact that eating fat is not what actually makes one fat. I am a soul believer that eating everything in moderation is the key.
Q 2: Where did you gain so much wisdom at such an early age?
A 2: To be completely honest I do not consider myself to be an individual that comprises an abundance amount of knowledge, however, I do love to continuously learn and take the opportunity to drawl from every situation, either good or bad, the lessons that are to be obtained from the presenting situation. I may not always be able to control what life brings my way as far as obstacles and hardships such as the loss of my Dad, but one thing that is for certain, I can control how I react. I can either choose to learn from it, gain strength spiritually and/ or physically, and hold my head high; or I can focus on the negative of the situation and continue on a plateau that will eventually lead to a downward spiral in my attitude and my outlook on and in life. Therefore, I am one to choose to take and learn from every situation and press forward in life with perseverance and determination knowing that God will never give me more than what I can handle.
Q 3: What has kept you so faithfully motivated to your workout? And what can you say to others who are struggling with dedication and commitment?
A 3: One of the things that have kept me faithful and motivated to persist in working out is my fiancé. I must say that having a partner to workout with has and will continually help me stay focused. In addition, seeing the positive results of lifting has kept me motivated. I would strongly suggest finding a workout partner who can help you stay focused and motivated to keep lifting. However, in the end no matter what you do, you yourself, have got to want it. No one can make you do something that you don’t want to do, but I will say that the effects of lifting are worth it. The improvement in health, energy, and focus as well as much more far out weigh the reasons not to workout.
Q 4: I noticed you mentioned your fiancé three times on your profile, and how much he has encouraged you. I have done the same with my girlfriend and it is drawing our relationship much closer. How important do you think it is for couples to workout together?
A 4: I think that it is a wonderful opportunity for couples’s relationship to develop in a deeper way. It is a different way to encourage and cheer on each other to do more then what he or she thinks he/she can handle. I have found that working out together has also improved our communication and support for each other. I think it is a great opportunity to grow in a relationship.
Q 5: You’re very active in the bodyspace.com forums and you have such a positive attitude. How do you maintain your positive attitude and how much has working out and living healthy played a role in your positivity?
A 5: Well, I believe that surrounding myself with others that are positive and uplifting helped me stay focused and positive. Working out has helped me feel better about myself. With every time I pick up a weight that when I first started I thought I could never lift and now I have either passed the weight or am working on out lifting it, has given me the mentality to not put my abilities in a box and not limit myself as to how far I can go both in lifting and in life.
Q 6: You seem to be very photogenic. (A trait I wish I had) Have you given any thought to fitness modeling?
A 6: That is quite an interesting question there Mike : ) Well, I actually have not thought about it due to the fact that I have never been asked, but I would imagine that if I did modeling I believe it would be an interesting learning experience. I guess it would really depend on what type of fitness modeling if the opportunity ever presented.
Q 7: As I’m sure you know; many young girls idolize body types like yours. What words of encouragement can you give them to start an exercise routine? What words of encouragement could you give to young women who go about weight loss dangerously? (crash diets, diet pill addictions, etc.)
A 7: Well first of all, crash diets, diet pills, starving, and/or purging oneself is not the answer. It can lead to several health problems and even death in some cases. Crash diets and other methods may work for a while, but in the long run nothing but harm is being done. In addition, usually when the methods that were used to loose weight other then eating right and exercising such as diet pills are stopped; the weight comes back quickly and possibly in more abundance. It does more harm to ones body then good, both physically and mentally, and it can be dangerous.
Exercising such as cardio and lifting weights in addition to eating a balanced diet is the safest and assured way to loose weight in a healthy manor and keep it off. Exercising not only helps one loose weight, but also helps stay focused, assists in relieving stress, and also helps in gaining self confidence.
I would suggest finding individuals that will encourage and help keep you motivated to exercises. I challenge those who may struggle with self confidence to look at themselves in the mirror and pick on thing about him/her self that they are thankful for and say it to yourselves either audibly or silently inside over and over again, even if you all don’t fully believe it; and keep doing it everyday and just maybe one of those days you will finally understand how fortunate and wonderful you really are both inside and out.
Q 8: What makes exercise and a healthy lifestyle so important to you?
A 8: In my opinion, life is already to short so to pass away by something that could have been prevented such as complications of obesity is saddening. We are given only one body so why don’t we do all what we can to take care of it.
Q 9: Many people of your age group are college students, many of which who work and go to school full-time. What words of encouragement could you give for those who say, “I don’t have enough time to workout”?
A 9: I do understand what it is like to have crazy and at times overwhelming schedules. At times it feels as though time and life are going by so fast it is hard to keep, but I strongly suggest taking time out at least three to four times a week to take a walk with your significant other or a friend or go to the gym and lift weights. Something is better than nothing; and who knows, in time you may feel more refreshed, energized, and younger. I believe we as individuals make time out of our busy day for things that we like to do. It is all about priorities and prioritizing.
Q 10: What does the future have in store for Krista?
A 10: I am marrying Mr. Fisher (aka Fisher33 in bodybuilding.com) in September of this year. I plan to eventually go on to obtain my bachelors in nursing. I am presently working on achieving my personal trainer’s license; and possibly within the next couple of years compete in a fitness competition.
How to reach Krista/SpartanPrincess: (For those reading this post outside of the bodyspace.com community)
- Bodyspace.com Profile:
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/SpartanPrincess/
- Blog:
http://blog.bodybuilding.com/SpartanPrincess
- Picture Gallery:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/showgallery.php?ppuser=3746263&cat=500
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