Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Dani Kay Hageman
Category you compete in: Bikini Class B
Date of birth: October 22, 1986
Hometown: Snohomish, WA, but I currently live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
Career: Accountant
Competition history:
LA Championships 2013 – 16th Place Bikini B
Excalibur 2013 – 3rd place Bikini B
Next competition:
Emerald Cup, April 2014
Jr. Nationals, June 2014
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep?
For me… Cardio. I hate cardio, but I find ways to keep it interesting. For example, lately I’ve been doing High Intensity Interval Training where I walk at an incline for a few minutes then do jumping jacks or pop squats for a minute.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule?
I’m in the gym 5 times a week to lift, plus I have cardio that I try and do in the morning or on my lunch break. Cardio varies depending where I am in prep and how my metabolism is responding. Lifting is definitely my favorite part though. I typically hit legs twice a week, with one day more focused on quads and glutes and the other day focused on Hamstrings. Then on the other days I’ll hit back, chest, arms, and shoulders. I also do abs 3 times a week, since I really, really, REALLY want those.
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why?
Smell I guess… Think about it, I’d never smell someone’s BO at the gym, or face the temptation of all the yummy smells associated with what people eat for lunch in my office.
If you could change one thing about this sport what would it be?
Bikini is very subjective, you never know what the judges will be looking for. Sometimes they like leaner, sometimes softer, abs, no abs, etc. For example, Nathalia Melo has a completely different look than Ashley Kaltwasser, but they’ve both won Olympia.
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why?
Probably yoga pants…
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love tropical weather! So really anywhere with a beach, sun and palm trees is perfect for me. I loved the Bahamas, Ft. Walton Beach/Destin Florida and Australia. My dream vacation is Fiji or Bora Bora.
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding?
Go for it! If it’s something that you want to do, stop putting it off. Hire a coach/nutritionist to help you with your prep and guidance. They can also help you pick a show based on where your body is now and how long it will take you to get ready. Just get started sooner rather than later. Deciding to compete was the best decision I’ve ever made – I love it. I wish I wouldn’t have spent 2 years thinking about it before getting started.
What is a day-in-the-life of Dani like?
I work a pretty typical workweek, 9-6ish Monday to Friday. I typically get up in the morning and do cardio (if I can pry myself out of bed, if not I do it at lunch), make breakfast at home and pack my meals for the day. I always have 3 to 4 meals at work. After work I’ll come home and go to the gym. Then I’ll eat my last meal and relax until it’s time for bed.
Favorite Motivational Quote: Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most!
In closing, who would you like to give a shout out to?
My Coach CJ Harris from Team Bronzed Divas, who has taught me so much. With his guidance I’ve grown so much as a person: my confidence, health and happiness. He’s a coach and a friend and I appreciate everything he’s helped me accomplish.
Saskia Boogman and Miluan Heflin who both helped me so much during prep. From any time I had a hard day, to posing advice, jewelry, and hair. I really love them for being there for me.
All my Bronzed Diva teammates, who are always there for me, inspire me and have become such amazing friends. We have a great team, even though we compete as individuals.
Also, my parents who are so supportive with anything I ever decide to do. I’m so grateful for their support. I know a lot of girls face issues with not having family support in this sport, but with my family that’s never been a concern.
Contact Info:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DaniKayHageman
Instagram: Dani_867
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