Fighting for Fitness
Written by Lisa Steuer Tuesday, 14 February 2012 22:34
The number of amateur and pro Fitness competitors has recently been on the decline, but there’s one champion who wants to do something about it. Two weeks before she competes at the Arnold Classic in hopes of winning her fifth Fitness International Title, Adela Garcia will take the stage at the Flex Pro (February 18-19) in order to support the division she has so often dominated. Here, the six-time Fitness Olympia Champion talks exclusively with FitnessRx about the Flex Pro, the Arnold Classic and the future of Fitness.
Quite often Arnold/Olympia champions don't do the smaller shows. So why are you competing in the Flex Pro two weeks before the Fitness International?
The Flex Pro Show will be a great warm-up before the Arnold. As the Fitness athletes’ representative, it is my job to support Fitness and the new shows. It has been a tough prep for me since I got sick with a kidney infection and this put me behind schedule, but I am woman of my word and a professional, so I am making this happen.
To be honest with you, I was expecting a larger lineup— from the newest Fitness pros— to support the show. We only have 11 competitors and it is the top six from the Fitness Olympia, plus five new girls. We need to support the shows in order to keep Fitness alive.
Why do you think the number of amateur and now pro Fitness competitors has dropped? What can we do to save Fitness?
Fitness is the hardest out of all the divisions. You can be depleted, tired, hungry, busted, but still have to dig deep inside your heart to run the Fitness routine. I have so much respect for Fitness athletes and their work ethic. I believe with other divisions in place, competitors don't want or don't have the time to do Fitness. Fitness requires a lot more work and also money. You are talking about choreography, costumes, suits, music. It all adds up, and when you do not have to kill yourself as much, why not choose an easier division? Also, a lot of girls believe that in order to be a good Fitness athlete they have to be a gymnast, and that is not the case. I have proved that year after year. Remember, it is not about gymnastics— it is about executing a routine that is clean, entertaining and brings your personality to the stage
With the Fitness International just over two weeks away, are you expecting to be your best ever in 2012?
Yes. As athletes we strive to perform better than our last show. I am looking forward to bringing a better physique and a polished routine.
What can we expect this year for your routine? What's the theme and are there any surprises in-store?
I will be doing the same routine I did at the Fitness Olympia. Like I mentioned before, it costs a lot to get a new routine, plus competitors need to understand that they do not need a new routine for every show. You can ask Sandy Williamson and she will tell you that if you have a good routine, there is no need to change it for every show. Just perfect that routine and save your money. So, same routine for me for the Flex Pro and the Arnold.
As a four-time Fitness International Champion and six-time Fitness Olympia Champion, what motivates you to stay on top and keep competing?
I will be honest with you. I believe anyone should compete until your heart is not in it any longer. I love the challenge of the Fitness routine. I never thought of becoming a champion and I am blessed to be healthy and able to continue to give back to the sport that has given so much to me. Every year is a new challenge and when people doubt me, I push more. I want to continue inspiring women of all ages to strive to become their very best no matter their age.
How many more years will we see Adela on stage?
People ask, “When is Adela is going to retire from fitness?” and I just say, “When my heart is not in it any longer, I will make that decision.” I just take it one show at a time, but as long as I am having fun, I don’t really care what others think of me continuing to get onstage.
Thank you so much for the interview and look forward to represent my Sponsors:
GNC, Eat to Grow, Jan Tana, Maggie Keaveny, SmartShake, and Betterbodies.
Also: FMG, Mike Davies Fitness Factory, FitnessRx magazine.
*SPECIAL THANKS TO JM MANION FOR THE PHOTOS! You can find him at www.jmmanion.com or on FACEBOOK.