Category you 
compete in: Physique
I started competing in 2011 in Figure, just as woman’s physique was coming out. Growing up I admired the physiques of Rachel McLish and Cory Everson and while I enjoyed the glamorous aspect of Figure, I switched to physique because in my opinion it’s the perfect blending of muscle and glamour.
Date of birth: 7/20/73
Hometown: Live in Scottsdale AZ Born in Los Angeles CA
Career: Periodontist
Competition history: 2011 NPC Border States 3rd Figure Class B
2012 NPC Border States 3rd Figure Class B
2012 NPC Western Regional 3rd Figure Class B
2014 NPC Cal State 3rd WPD Short class
2014 NPC Dennis James Classic 2rd WPD Short
Next competition: 2014 NPC USAs
What do you feel is the WORST part of contest prep? The truth is prep is a choice and the personal satisfaction of reaching a goal is an amazingly exhilarating feeling, especially with all the hard work and completely life consuming aspects of this sport. I lead a very high intensity life both mentally and physically as a Periodontist with my own solo practice and I am normally drained by 3PM. Eating clean and training are two of the main tools that keep me running at such a high level. Without the healthy food fuel and without a means to relieve stress my career would definitely suffer. However, toward the final weeks of show prep I would say that the lack of time and the lack of energy do finally catch up with me and I do need to spend my weekends recharging for the week ahead.
Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? I train in the evenings around 5:30 after work, I like to train no more than three days in a row then take a day off from lifting. I usually always take Friday nights off as my “treat” to spend time with my husband. During prep I do 30 mins of fasted cardio at 5AM so I can be at work by 7AM. In the evenings I lift for an hour and then do another cardio session, so I usually get home around 7:30. I prefer to train legs on Sunday afternoon because the gym is empty and I have more time. My training splits are Arms, Glute/Hams/Chest, Back, Shoulders, Legs
If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which one would you prefer to lose and why? I would lose smell because it would make dieting so much easier without all the delicious scents that stir my cravings. On a different note it would make cardio easier because I wouldn’t smell the strong perfumes/odors of some of the other members next to me on the stepmill, hahaha.
If you could change one things about this sport what would it be? I would change the subjectivity of this sport. As a competitor it is mentally difficult to be judged on non measurable criteria. A runner wins based on how fast they run, which is measurable and also improvable via practice. However, we are judged based on others physiques, symmetry, and esthetics which are subjective based on the judge’s opinion.
If you had a time capsule what would you put inside it and why? A picture of my family so I can always remember them and have them with me no matter where I am or how we have changed.
What is your favorite vacation spot? Hawaii! I love the beautifully vibrant colors and the soothing sounds of island life. The peaceful “Laissez faire” attitude is a treat for my soul and I always come back with a renewed appreciation for life.
What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in and compete in the sport of bodybuilding? DO IT! Do your research and find a good coach/nutritionist, get help with your posing and presentation. Be strong and believe in yourself. You may lose “friends” but you will gain better ones. This sport is filled with motivating, inspiring, and encouraging females and I am honored to be a part of it!
What is a day-in-the-life of Tannaz like? I get up at 4:30
to be at the gym and on the stepmill by 5AM. I leave for work at 7 and see my first patient by 8AM. I leave the office around 5, train and do cardio and get home at 7:30. I eat my 5th meal with my husband as we get home around the same time. After dinner we get our meals and “stuff” ready for the next day. We usually eat our last meal by 10PM and literally I fall asleep the second my head hits the pillow around 10:20ish. This is a typical Monday thru Friday while in prep for a show.
Favorite Motivational Quote: “To want is to have”, my father told me this when I was 20 years old and this has been a mantra in my life; it is translated from Farsi.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? My husband and nutritionist/coach, Louie Nasta. He has brought my physique to a level I never imagined possible. It is not easy to live with someone going through a prep much less be the one in charge of it. He is able to be both a supportive husband and a non biased supportive coach.
I would also like to thank my parents who have always been my biggest supporters. I come from a conservative family and I was nervous that my parents would be opposed to my being “exposed” on stage and having my body viewed, However, I was WRONG. My parents are fascinated by the sport and are so proud of how far I have come and my determination. They have always taught me to give 100% percent and to never lose faith. I love it!
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