How did you get started in fitness?
Growing up, I was an overweight child. It wasn’t until high school that I started dropping weight as a cheerleader due to not eating. As a collegiate cheerleader at the University of Houston, I realized that my eating disorder was slowly destroying me. The training became so intense for me that after practice I would go home and sleep for hours. I knew there was a problem and I wanted to change so I hired a Nutritionist and a Personal Trainer. My personal trainer at the time took me to my first fitness competition and told me that I had what it took to compete if I ever had the desire. It was at that point that I wanted nothing more but to be able to compete on the NPC Figure stage. It took 8 years and two children to give me the confidence and ambition to compete on stage. I got second place at my first show and from then on I have been hooked. It has been a joy and an honor helping other gals do the same thing as well in the past two years.
How do you stay motivated?
Surrounding myself with people that love and support me has been what keeps my mind focused. My fiancé is my biggest fan and has been a tremendous support system for me. I don’t know that I could continue to compete or do well without having love all around me.
What does your diet consist of?
During contest-prep my diet stays pretty simple…
Protein – extra lean turkey cutlets, egg whites, tilpia
Carbohydrates – brown rice, oats, sweet potato
Fats – almonds, almond butter, coconut oil
Veggies – (unlimited) kale, spinach, celery, romaine, brussels sprouts
What’s your favorite music to workout to?
Depends on what I am doing. DON’T LAUGH but I like ENYA, JOHN MAYER, DAVE MATTHEWS BAND when I am lifting. I lift really intense, but I like to keep my mind calm; makes me feel a little more in control. If I am doing plyo or track training then I listen to instrumentals with good beats or intensity. Sound tracks from movies like “The Gladiator”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Transformers” are my favorite.
What body part are you most proud of?
My Back! Mainly because it started off as being one of my weaker body parts but it has responded the best and the fastest to my training. Pretty neat-o!!!
What is the biggest fitness myth you encounter in the fitness industry every day?
“You have to lift SUPER heavy to gain size”. Yes, there are days that I lift heavy but that is not the only style of training that I do in order to gain size. I’m constantly looking for new styles and techniques for growth in my shoulders and back, but I have found that high-rep (burn) intensity and drop-sets work phenomenally well. Not to mention, you are at a decreased chance of injury if you which up your routine.
What’s your favorite cheat meal?
Hands down FROZEN YOGURT! Sugar is my best friend and worst enemy at times ☺ ! If I were to choose a meal to cheat with it would definitely be Mexican food. I live in Houston and we have some of the best authentic Mexican Restaurants. I’m hungry now…thanks.
How do you deal with cravings?
There are only two reasons why I would be craving. I am bored (which is VERY rare) and in that case I would hop on the computer and reply to some emails, run an errand or play a game with my kids. The other reason why I would be craving (which is often) is being purely exhausted after a long and busy day. That is when all I want to do is drive head-first into my children’s Nutella!!! Instead, I just explain to my kids, “Mommy had a very busy day today. Let’s take it easy tonight and watch a movie”. They are ALWAYS game for that! We usually fall asleep shortly after the movie starts and wake up refreshed and renewed the next day.
What are your 3 favorite exercises?
Because Shoulders are my main focus for growth at the moment and I am training them today, they are fresh on my mind. So, my Top 3 Shoulder Exercises are: Arnold Presses, Front-to-Side Lateral Raise, Rear Delt Fly
Which female fitness model’s physique do you admire the most?
Monica Brant is without a doubt THE LEGEND! She has been number one of my list since I was first introduced to fitness back in 2001. Second to Mo is Jessie Hilgenberg! I’ve watched her evolve into a rockstar over the past few years and it’s outstanding. I am traveling to train with her later this month! How cool is that???
What supplements would you use/recommend if any?
I am bias to AdvoCare sports nutrition, so much that I became a distributor for them. They have what I have found to be the best line of products on the market. I take: Muscle Gain (whey protein), Muscle Fuel (pre-workout), Catalyst (BCAA’s), Spark (b-vitamins and aminos), Night-Time Recovery (muscle recovery), BioTools (joint support)
Top 6 tips for people who want to get in shape?
1. Maps out your goals. Declare your ultimate goal and then layout how long it will take you to get there along with what steps you need to take along the way.
2. Hire a fitness professional. You will save yourself a lot of time and frustration by hiring someone to map out a plan for you and show you what you need to do while you are in the gym.
3. Hire a Nutritionist/Dietitian. You can tackle the gym as hard as you want to but you WILL NOT lose the body fat that you are hoping to unless you eat a clean diet.
4. Be Patient. It is not going to happen overnight, so keep your mind fixed on the end results and you will get there!
5. Reach out to or follow someone you admire. I follow a number of fitness friends that post positive and informative messages on instagram, twitter, and facebook.
6. Stay Consistent. “Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat.”
What’s next for you?
I will be competing at the NPC Texas State Competition (Stafford, TX) Oct 12, 2013. From there I will talk to my coach about our next move. I am also planning my wedding! That’s right! I will become Hilary Hagner Hall on March 30, 2014. Lots of exciting stuff going on right now!!!
More Hilary Hagner
Height: 5’4″
Weight: 120 lbs
Born In: Bryan, TX
Resides In: Houston, TX
Approx Measurements: 34D / 26 / 36
Website: www.hilaryhagner.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hilaryhagner
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hilhagner
Instagram: hilaryhagner
