• Chris Gurunlian
  I always wanted to compete. After stepping on stage for the very first time, I fell in love with the sport and I have been competing ever since.
• Alex Liska
  Do it for fun.You train super hard all year round so you deserve to showcase your hard work on stage and feel proud! Don't do a show expecting to place high cause you never know what the judges are looking for, so just try your best and have a great ti

 
Tanya Cherryholme is a name you will soon come to recognize. Not only is Tanya a competitor, this fit diva also owns and manages her own health club  called "Ultimate Fitness Nutrition and Health Club" located at 505 Hespeler Rd in Cambridge, Ontario.

One would think being a mother, running a health club and competiting would be enough. Tanya is also a model and nutrition article columnist. Whether Tanya is on stage competiting or in front of a camera this is one fit diva who cant help to be the center of attention.

Why Compete?

I was always intrigued by competitors and respected them so much, but I felt intimidated. Once I started my own business and being involved in the industry I wanted more and more to try. I was surrounded by successful competitors and was often encouraged to do it.  Also watching my boyfriend get ready for his bodybuilding competitions I just decided to make the commitment! I find it extremely rewarding allowing a sense of personal accomplishment.

Describe the first time ever you stepped on stage.

 I was incredibly nervous!  I was shaking so bad I thought I was going to pass out.  I just kept reminding myself all the sacrifice I had made for that day and to keep my head high and smile!

 What was your most memorable moment while competing? 

I’m pretty new to the scene, but of course most memorable would be receiving 2nd place at my first show.  I was thrilled. 

 What word of advice would you give to any inspiring competitor? 

 Take everything ONE DAY at a time.  Stay focused and patient.  If you work hard dedicate and educate yourself, everything will fall into place for the day of your event!

 What type of diet do you follow or believe in?

 I follow portion and time diet.  Keep it clean, keep it balanced, and eat often!

 What does your training routine look like?

   During competition season I am trained by my boyfriend who has me doing: 

Monday: chest & calves,
Tuesday: quads
Wednesday: back
Thursday: biceps/triceps
Friday: shoulders
Saturday: hamstrings

 What do you advocate HIT or Low Intensity Cardio?

  I think cardio is a very individualized activity.  It varies depending on an individuals needs, body fat, metabolism and sport.

 For myself – I am not much of a stationary cardio girl.  I take it outdoors such activites as biking, walking my dog or jogging.

 What would you like to say to those women out there who avoid weight training like the plague in fear they may get too bulky? 

 I say to them – get informed!  Muscle hypertrophy isn’t acquired over night. It takes intense work outs, constantly pushing your limits, proper nutrition and extreme sacrifice.  Hire a trainer and articulate exactly what you want to achieve and exactly what you don’t. They are educated to “get results” be it, toning, bulking, fat loss, etc.

What would you say is your favorite body part to train? 

Biceps. They respond quickly and I love the burn!
 

What does it take to develop an aesthetically pleasing physique such as yours?

  Well first I have to give credit to genetics.  I am lucky for that advantage. From there I just respect my body and health. I eat clean, train smart and try to stay as positive as I can.  Mental health keeps us as fit as 5x/week in the gym.  It’s definitely a lifestyle!

 What is you favorite cheat food/meal? 

 Any kind of apple pastry.  I run to the kitchen on cheat days like its Christmas morning!!

 What are your favorite Movies?

   I love scary movies or movies based on true facts.

What was one of the goofiest things you have ever done?

One time a friend and I were taking our kids for ice cream and we decided to embarrass them.

 I wrapped a scarf around my head to look like an old lady and my girlfriend put on plastic safety glasses and we went through the drive through.  Our kids were sooooooo mad at us…it was hilarious. 

 If you won the lottery, you would…

   Give my daughter her dream bedroom – no expense spared!

 What do you enjoying doing for leisure?

 Scrap booking.  I’m a big geek. 

Tanya is currently preping for the ontario provincials in London, Ontario June 17th 2006. Which Hypemuscle.com is proud to be sponsoring.

To contact Tanya via email tanyacherryholme@yahoo.ca