.jpeg)
#Fitspires of The Week: Interview With Figure Competitor Tina Nguyen
What gives someone the right to consider themselves a successful fitness model or personality in the industry? Is it the amount of covers one can land because of their physique? Could it be how many sponsors they are able to grab to help support them? Or is it the amount of money one can make between different modeling/ fitness gigs?
Everyone will tell you something different, but if there is one thing that is hard to disagree with, it’s the ability to promote and market yourself to others. Social media has begun to play a huge role in self-marketing as an athlete, competitor, fitness model or personality in the Industry. These days, you don't need a modeling agency to help promote you, or a company to take you on as a sponsored athlete in order for you to be seen in the industry.
Someone who once could have been just an average fit person, now has the ability to transform themselves into a “Social Media Fitness Star!” If you put in the time, the effort, and truly have a passion for fitness, you can change yourself from just a face with a body, to a bona fide personality – someone able to inspire and motivate others on their own fitness journey!
Tina Nguyen, 21, originally from Viet Nam, currently living in Dallas, Texas, is proof that if you put in the time, effort, hard work in the gym AND the kitchen, and use social media as a tool to self-promote, you can turn your average health/fit lifestyle into a network that reaches out to endless amounts of people who want to take the time out to follow your journey.
Q: Tell me about your competitive history.
A: Only been in one competition, which was the 2013 Ronnie Coleman Classic and placed 2nd, qualified me for Nationals!
Q: When did you get started on your fitness career/journey? What made you want become more than just the average person living a healthy and fit lifestyle?
A: I started working out t.jpeg)
he beginning of 2011, a little after my 20th birthday. I've never been an athlete in my life and wanted to be in my best shape. I wanted to see how far I can push my body and my genetics. ;) And of course to achieve my personal goal!
Q: Being that you have a loyal social media following, what is some advice that you would offer someone wanting to increase their popularity in the Fitness industry? What tip can you give someone to help them build their following as well?
A: Your fans are the biggest foundation, the support and the love that you have while taking on this journey in the fitness industry. If you are committed, dedicated and have a strong motivation within you, that's some of the best characters people value most. And of course, to encourage one another to be the best they can be.
You can help share some tips that you know, to help others. And give others your feedback that can boost their confidence to work harder and achieve their personal goal, as well. Be active, stay with your followers and take your time to respond to them, something not a lot of people do!
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: It is a hobby if you are talking about making it for a living. I do work a full job position at a company 40+ hours a week. it is also a full time job with if you're mentioning the work and dedication I put into the sport. From making the time to do your daily cardio, prepping your meals, etc.
Q: There are many people that motivate and are inspired by you. How does that make you feel knowing that there are people who take the time to see what you are doing day to day?
A: When people take the time to view, and write me an email/ message/ comment, I take my best time to write back. :) NO matter long or short, but something. People are all equal, whether you have something else that they don’t have, they also have something that you don't have. Appreciate your followers, your fans, your support system. As always, stay humble and blessed.
Q: How does it feel knowing that somewhere, you are actually helping someone by motivating them to achieve their personal goals, just by posting your personal life and achievements on social media?
A: It is an amazing to know you've inspired someone; that you have motivated someone out there to work harder. And also for them to be watching and taking the journey with you as well. :) I love seeing the progress pictures of my followers, the questions they ask or whatever they're concerned about. It is a.jpeg)
bsolutely awesome to be connected with the world. <3
Q: Is there anyone who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: I LOVE all the Figure competitors, OR just any competitors in general. It takes a lot to do what we do. After watching Nicole Wilkins taking back her title, it has motivated me to work harder and achieve my goal, and to bring a better package next time I'm on stage again. ;)
Q: How does your family feel about your lifestyle? What would you say to someone whose family does not support their lifestyle?
A: My family is very old-fashioned and a traditional Vietnamese culture. They never liked, or understand why I want to get into fitness and competing, or even having muscles in general. They think it's too much and didn't want to support the sport.
If you are in this situation, just think to yourself, “What makes you happy?” Your happiness means most, not everyone else’s. You can't please everyone, ever! So do it for yourself. :)
Q: Of all the social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), what do you think is the most effective to use in order to market yourself in this industry?
A: Anything would work. For me, it's about motivating your followers and giving them something to look forward to, to prove that anything is possible. :) If you are loyal to your fans, they will be loyal to you.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: My diet consists of ALWAYS lean chicken, lean fish, beef, eggs, yams and red potatoes, also oatmeal every morning. I do eat clean because my body isn't used to fried food but when I'm not getting ready for a show I can't stay lean all year round, no improvements being so lean all the time.
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: I have to say sushi is my favorite, then pho (vietnamese beef soup). I'm used to eating my portion of the meals, so when I feel full or close to being full I will stop. I hate being miserable from being TOO full. lol
Q: Do you take any supplements? What do you think is one of the most important supplements someone should take who is training constantly?
A: Yes! Just VPX Syngex Protein chocolate flavor and their Ultra Hardcore fat burners f
or my cardio energy. I would say drink your protein shakes, this is important for keeping up with your meals and muscles. You have to eat!! Other than that, anything to boost your energy is fine, not going too overboard.
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: You can follow me on Instagram @tinang13
Facebook:www.facebook.com/TinaNguyen1115
Tumblr @tinang13
www.modelmayhem.com/2630572
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/tinanguyen1115/
email: [email protected]
Q: Special thanks to:
A: Roxann Rizzuto for the interview opportunity, Rx Muscle for publishing the article, my coach Ambrose/friends/followers who have been super supportive.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
