And the Story Begins...An Exclusive Interview with NPC Figure Competitor Latorya Watts
By Lauren Cascio, IFBB Figure Pro
www.laurencascio.com
Each year, hundreds of competitors take the National stage in the hopes of earning their IFBB Pro card. And each year, there are certain competitors who stand out among the crowd. If you haven’t heard this name yet, remember it: Latorya Watts. She will be making her national debut this July, competing in Figure at the 2013 NPC USAs in her hometown, Las Vegas.
Latorya is coming off the high of her most recent win this past December at the Excalibur Bodybuilding, Figure, Bikini and Physique Championships, where she took both her class and the overall title in Figure. Her symmetry was on point, her conditioning was at its best, and she brought to the stage a presentation that some spectators have said was comparable to, not only a national-level competitor, but to one that would hold its own on a pro stage.
This is not a story of trials and tribulations, but a story of a woman who is hoping to inspire and motivate others, purely through her passion for the sport, her positive attitude, and a desire to participate in this industry for the long haul. Latorya is the type of person who you can instantly connect with - she is energetic, humble, and down to earth. Read on to learn more about this rising competitor, and know that this is just the beginning of her successful journey ahead...
Q: First, I want to congratulate you on your accomplishments at the local level, competing in the NPC last year. Now, for our readers who don’t know you, can you fill our audience in with some of your competitive background in Figure?
A: I started competing in 2009, and my first competition was the NPC Las Vegas Classics, where I competed in Bikini. That was when Bikini first started. I place first in my class...there were only two of us in the class, but I placed first. The following year, I decided to compete again in Bikini. I prepared myself just by researching diets and training tips online. But at this show, I didn’t place at all. I found out I had way too much muscle, and I had to do something different. So, I hired my trainer, Manny Torres, and finally started getting more conditioned; he started teaching me about different foods and diets. With the correct training in place, I competed in my first figure show in 2011, the California States, and placed 4th. After that I thought, “OK, I found it,” and I continued to compete. I competed in the Las Vegas Classic again this year (2012), took overall, and then competed in Excalibur, and I took overall there, as well.
Q: So, Figure was not your first calling. What made you decide to compete in the first place?
A: Fitness was a big part of my life growing up, but only because many of my family members were, and still are, very dedicated to keeping fit. As for me, it was never my thing. I first started working out during college, mainly taking up aerobics classes. Weight lifting didn't truly become a part of my routine until I began competing in 2009.
However, one day, I was actually just working out with my friend at the gym, and I got approached by Steve Karr - he is the promoter for s
hows out in Vegas, and he asked me if i ever thought about competing. I told him no, never. I never wanted to do anything like that. I didn’t think I would be disciplined enough or want to do the diet, or the hardcore training. Then, a year later I thought, you know what, why not? Bikini had just come out, and I thought I wouldn’t really have to do too much to prep for a show. So I began my prep, and entered a show. After that, I realized it would actually take a lot more dedication and discipline. But I figured, life’s short, let me give it a try, and now I’m in love with it.
Q: You are in love with it, and proving to be a force on the stage. But aside from competing, what is a day in your life like?
A: I wake up and get my cardio in, no matter if I’m on or off-season. I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and my job right now is a dealer at Caesar’s Palace, which is a part-time job, and I deal in a party pit. Apart from work and competing, I love being active. Other sports I partake in are hiking, biking, and snowboarding, which a lot of people are surprised about. Just the other day I was out snowboarding. I began boarding a few years ago but definitely don't board as much as I would like, because I can't risk getting hurt while I compete. I also practice pilates and yoga. I feel the need to mix things up a bit in season and off.
Q: Mixing contest prep and work can be hard, regardless of where you work. Competitors have to manage time for meals, they learn to maintain composure while carb-deprived and exhausted. How did you deal with working in a casino while preparing for Excalibur?
A: It actually helped. Unfortunately I have to be around second-hand smoke, which I do not like; but other than that, the way the schedule works, I am on the floor for an hour, and I break every 20 minutes, so it helps with my diet. I can eat every three hours, so being there actually helped me stick with my diet. I’m not around the restaurants, and we have our own cafeteria, and I bring my own food. Plus, once I’m focused and know it’s time to prep for my show, I don’t really have any cravings or temptations. I’m pretty much just focused.
Q: I would imagine it has to get interesting with your regulars and co-workers at Caesar's in Vegas. How do they respond to your involvement in the bodybuilding world?
A: Yes, dealing is a very interesting job, which can be fun, but challenging, especially when I'm in contest prep. Customers’ frustrations with me taking their money doesn't mix well when I'm carb deprived! But I’ve learned to handle them professionally. My co-workers are amazed at what I do, but at the same time inspired, supportive, and happy for me. They get a kick out of how I can transform. Regulars who know that I compete are just as supportive; they always want to stay up to date on what I'm doing next, and of course they're asking me to flex or challenging me to an arm wrestling contest!
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a competitor?
A: Maybe just staying in it, and focused. I do have a lot of friends and family and they like to go out a lot. But I’m a homebody, and I like to stay in and focused on my goals, so that’s the hardest part.
Q: And what do you love the most about being involved in the industry?
A: I love being around everybody that has that same passion and love for the sport - it gets me going. Just seeing how everyone is so hungry for it - I love that.
Q: You have been competing for a couple years now. One thing that 
is so amazing about this sport is that you learn and grow so much, both mentally and physically. What is the greatest lesson you have learned over the years?
A: I would have to say the dedication needed and being able to stay focused and be passionate enough about something to go all the way. I have to admit, I’m quick to dibble and dabble in things, and then give up. But this is something that I really want to stick with, and go all the way. I want to see how far I can go.
Q: Anyone who has tried their hand at competing knows that this sport poses challenges. There are times when you might feel alone, stressed, misunderstood. For you, being a homebody, working part-time in a casino, training for shows...How do you balance work, play, competing, diet, etc?
A: My friends and family are very understanding of the sport, and have been nothing but supportive. For example, right now, I know I’m going to be competing in the USAs, so I let everyone know, and I say, “Let’s all hang out now, and do the things we want to do, right now. Because, I’m going to be dedicating myself and disciplining myself for this upcoming show.” I make sure that I make time for everyone and let them know ahead of time, and the fact that they are all so supportive - thats how it all gets balanced out.
Q: Of course, no one can do the work for you, when it comes to preparing for a show. You are responsible for putting in hours of training; you are accountable for eating the right foods, at the right times. However, we all (hopefully) have people to guide us and influence us along the way. Who has had biggest influence on your success in sport?
A: Definitely my boyfriend, because he works out with me, and pushes me. He’s not into the competitions himself, but as soon as I’m on the diet, he wants to get on the diet. He throws away the junk food, keeps the healthy food in the house, and he keeps pushing me. He tells me, “You can do it, baby,” or “No, you gotta do your cardio, you can do this.” So he’s constantly helping and pushing me to stay focused. Also, of course my coach, Manny Torres.
There was a time when I felt like this wasn’t for me, and I wanted to
give up. I thought, this isn’t what I really want to do. I’m always placing fourth, I’m always placing fifth...you know how that always go through your head. So, having those two push me, and push me to continue on when I thought I couldn’t go anymore, and then succeeding. They both have definitely helped out.
Q: Who do you consider your role model in this industry?
A: Well, even before I got heavy into competing, it was Ava Cowan. I would see pictures of her online and didn’t know who she was or what she was doing, but I was like, “I want this body.” I think she was one of the first ones whose picture I saved on my phone, and just thought “I want this, I want to look like this.” And, actually right now, Erin Stern is definitely a role model for me in this sport, as well.
Q: How does your diet and training change off season to contest? Are you a competitor who makes drastic changes to your program or do follow a consistent regimen?
A: I am definitely consistent, but I do have my cheats in the off season. My favorite cheat meal is chips and salsa, so I like to include that for a cheat in the off season. But after competing for four years, I like staying on a routine, because when I do go out and have a cheat meal in the off season, the next day I’m thinking, “That wasn’t really worth it.” I want to get back into my routine.
Q: As far as training goes, do you have certain styles or techniques that you like to utilize while putting on muscle or leaning out?
A: I pretty much keep it simple, and stay with low weight, high reps, and high sets. My training has evolved from when I first started competing to now. With me crossing over from Bikini to Figure, I know how to build up and bring down muscle mass. I’m more aware of what my body can do and what it takes to get to the level it needs to be. An athlete with better body awareness has more mental ability and endurance to push further, and it has given me physical confidence. I feel that now I produce a physique that matches the demands of my sport.
Q: As a figure competitor, you are likely logging hours a week on cardio. What is your favorite cardio workout?
A: I used to hate running, but now I like to run, and mix it up with plyos. So I’ll run on the treadmill for a little, then jump off and maybe do some jump lunges, jumping jacks, etc. That’s my favorite cardio, because it gets your heart rate going, and time just flies by.
Q: You have an amazing physique, and you can’t be successful in this sport without hitting your whole body. What is your favorite muscle group to train?
A: My back. I love it. I’m able to go heavy, and I just love how it looks.
Q: What is your favorite healthy, clean meal?
A: Right now, it’s protein pancakes. I like to try and experiment with a variety of ingredients to keep it interesting, but at the same time, clean.
Q: What supplements do you use?
A: Like any competitor I take a variety of supplements in-season and off-season. A couple of my favorites would be EVP, an elite creatine based pre-workout solution, which is free of stimulants, sugar and carbs. EVP 
gives me great size and fullness during and after my workouts. I also use an omega fatty acid blend that increases muscle tissue recovery and promotes immune and cardiovascular health...not to mention its great for hair, skin and nails.
Q: Latorya, you are clearly rising up in this industry, and you will make a name for yourself on the national stage this year. But I know it won’t end there for you! What impact do you want to have on the Figure and Bodybuilding industry?
A: I want people to be motivated by me, and I want to be an inspiration for people to continue on. Like I mentioned earlier, there was a point in time when I just wanted to give up, but I didn’t. And I want people to go with their passion, just as I did. If this is something you want to do, just go with it, because when you do, the results are amazing.
Q: Your journey in this industry is really just beginning. You have your first national show lined up in July, and (sorry to sound so cliche, but) the sky’s the limit. What are some major goals you hope to achieve?
A: Definitely going pro - I want to get my IFBB pro card. I want to be able to travel, touch people, and inspire people. And, ultimately I want to take the title of Ms. Figure Olympia.
Q: All of those are absolutely attainable! So, where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I see myself as a figure pro, and definitely an Olympia winner. Right now I’m also working as a personal trainer, but I would like to be a coach and work with competitors on contest prep. I see myself giving this sport my all, and being full-time in it.
Q: How do you motivate yourself to stay focused while prepping for a show?
A: I write. I have this manifestation, and I write down a lot of things. I use pictures, and quotes; I have my trophies that I look at. I look at RX Girl, Oxygen magazine, Muscle & Fitness magazine. I look at these, and ask myself, “Why can’t I do this? Why can’t this be me?” I continue to look at these pictures and these quotes, and that just pushes me to go further. I have my favorite words from my coach that push me everyday, especially during contest prep: "Hard work and dedication crushes talent any day!"
I also want to include a quote I live by and share with others, "Never give up on a dream because of the time it takes to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." -Earl Nightingale
Q: Time is going by fast, and USAs will be here before you know it. So, with your first national show around the corner, what area do you want to focus on and improve upon?
A: My legs have always been an issue, even the very first time I ever competed. And even though I won overall at Excalibur, I still wanted to get feedback from the judges. I approached them and said, “I won overall, I had what it took today, but what do I have to improve upon to go further?” And the focus has to be on my legs. I want to lean them out, and that will be my biggest improvement to focus on for USAs.
Q: You said earlier that you don’t have any cravings for food. I think most competitors would say the diet is the hardest part, and foregoing their favorite meals and desserts poses the biggest obstacle. How do you manage to keep this from being an issue for you?
A: Well, there are definitely temptations. I’ll see cakes, and sugary foods, but I get so focused that it’s like, no I can’t do that, I won’t do that. And what I tell myself is, “OK, I got six more weeks...OK, I got four more weeks.” I think what helps me is that I know this isn’t something that will be everyday for the rest of my life, so I’m able to say, I have “X” amount of weeks before I can eat this or that, and that helps me. I tell everyone, “Hey guys, if you want to go out and party or celebrate, I can do that in a few weeks.” And then when the time comes, everyone is ready. We plan for it, and I have something to look forward to after the show, whether it’s a little vacation or a little treat, or just something to look forward t
o. I repeatedly tell myself, this isn’t forever.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring competitors?
A: If you want to compete, then do it! Get the right coach, get the right training, and the right diet, and just go all the way. If it’s something you want to do, just go for it. That’s how it was for me - I was a little scared; I was a little intimidated, and I wasn’t quite sure. But now I love it, and I wouldn’t do anything differently.
Q: If you could trade places with any competitor or celebrity, who would it be and why?
A: Nicole Wilkins, as far as competitors go. She’s the top competitor; she gets to travel, and she gets to have all these amazing experiences, so I would want to trade places with her right now.
Q: What else do you want to share with our readers?
A: I definitely want people to look out for me, and know I’m going to be here for everyone. I want to inspire people, and I am all for everyone pushing and going for their goals. It takes time, but you stick with it, and the results are amazing.
Also, I want to thank my coach, Manny Torres of Golds Gym Las Vegas. I would like to acknowledge and thank my family and friends who are my biggest fans and my support system.
Despite the fact that Latorya once questioned if this sport was right for her, there is no doubt that this rising Figure athlete belongs on that stage among the best of them. Whether she’s on the stage or snowboarding the slopes, this lady is rising to the top and will no doubt make a name for herself.
Latorya can be contacted on Facebook, [email protected]. She also plans to create a fan page soon so she can share tips, motivation, and her progress leading up to the NPC USA Championships. Find her on Facebook, and be a part of her journey as she climbs the ranks in this industry.
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