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Elspeth Dana – Interview & Photos

How and when did you get started in training and living a fit lifestyle?
I grew up playing sports. I played softball for over 10 years and volleyball year round all the way through college, so being active is basically engrained in me. I spent the majority of my youth at practices, games, sports camps, or events surrounding fitness do it’s no surprise that it’s become such a huge part of my adult life.

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What got you started in the fitness industry?
During cosmetology school I worked at a gym and began taking group fitness classes. I’d always played sports, but the weight room was foreign territory to me. One of the trainers took me under her wing and insisted that I sign up for her Fit Camp, which eventually led to me competing in my first fitness competition. I placed horribly, but was incredibly inspired by the women I saw that weekend. I knew this industry was something I wanted to be apart of so I dove in headfirst.

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Along your fitness journey, have you ever felt like quitting… and if so what/who motivated you to keep going?
I have questioned myself a million times throughout this process, but I’ve also experienced a massive amount of emotional growth which keeps me going when my faith waivers. Rejection and criticism are the difficult reality of the journey, but its given me strength that I didn’t know I possessed. None is invincible, we all come with faults, but the more I experience (both achievements and failures) the more I’ve come to term with my weakness’s. Instead of being fearful and trying to hide them, I’ve learned to embrace them.

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When I think of quitting I reflect on how far I’ve come. I think we ALL owe it to ourselves to fulfill our dreams or at the least, try. We weren’t put on this Earth to simply be, we need to truly LIVE, and live to our fullest potential.

What types of cardio have worked best for you?
-I’m one of those people who truly love cardio (I know, I know I’m one of ‘those’ people lol). I like to mix it up. I do a lot of HIIT using the prowler, jump rope, rower, battle ropes, sprints, bleachers, or stairs. But also include lots of dance, volleyball and the occasional long run.

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How is it working with your sponsors Reebok and Dymatize?
Working with Dymatize and Reebok has been truly life changing. I remember writing “become a sponsored athlete” on my goal board 6 years ago when I first started in this industry and its almost surreal to think that it actually happened. I’m beyond grateful they took a chance on me and have continued to support my goals throughout this crazy journey. Both companies are brands that I stand behind – I believe in their mission and products and am so honored to represent them. Working with reebok and Dymatize I’ve also had the opportunity travel across the country and make friends (that now feel like family) all over the country. Getting to experience different cultures and interact with people from all types of backgrounds has been the best classroom I could ask for. I’m constantly learning because of the opportunities they’ve given me.

What supplements do you use… and what are some of your favorites you would recommend?
Dymatize BCAAs regularly throughout the day, generally between meals.
Dymatize Amino Pro with caffeine pre and Intra workout.
Dymatize ISO 100 Protein post workout.
Dymatize Casein Protein at night, generally last meal or snack at the end of the day.
Dymatize Multi vitamin daily.
Dymatize L-Carnatine during prep.

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When you look back what do you think has been the key to achieving your goals?
I’d say the biggest key to achieving my goals has been persistence and faith in myself. If I had given up after hearing the word ‘no’ I would’ve been done a long time ago. Instead I turned my closed doors into lessons learned and fuel to keep me going. This industry can be very difficult to work in without a solid belief in yourself and your purpose. whenever I’m feeling down or helpless I try to take a step back and really focus on why I do what I do and what my focus is.

What’s one tip you would give to a person just starting their fitness journey?
Consistency. Changes don’t happen overnight, but with consistent hard work success will follow.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“Be so good they can’t ignore you”

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.”

“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.”

What’s next for you?
My goals are constantly changing as my life and career evolve. As of right now I’ve officially laid down some roots in northern Kentucky and am working full time as a hair and makeup artist and teach fitness classes locally during the week. I am also training to tryout for the Cincinnati Bengals NFL Cheerleading Team next spring and am excited to see how that goes- it would be a dream come true. And as always, I have a love for the stage and after a year off the heels are calling my name! I plan to continue to work and grow with my sponsors- new projects are always popping up! I feel like I’m finally coming into my own and am ready to embrace any and all opportunities that come my way.

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