I’d like to take the time to introduce a hardworking, young woman with a beautiful physique and very serious work ethic. Bikini competitor Rosi Fernandez tells how she transformed her body and diet plan, and how she stays motivated to be her best.
The 29-year-old Santo Domingo native moved to St. Maarten at the young age of four. She works at Doctor Espana Dental Clinic. When not working, this fitness lover enjoys her days off at the beach soaking in the sunshine and floating in the ocean.
Anyone, who knows Rosi, knows that she has one of the best figures on the island, so it comes as no surprise to us that the natural next step would be to test her skills at a competition.
Coupled with sheer discipline and commitment, she sets about attaining her goal to not only compete in the Darcy Beckles Body Building Invitational Classic Bikini & Figure Championship, but to win it. Here’s my interview with her!
What motivated you to become a bikini competitor?
Fitness magazines! I love reading fitness magazines for new exercises, workout tips and facts. Also, the fitness models in the magazines being in top shape always make me want to push harder!
Have you competed before?
Yes, two times; but I was not properly prepared. I had no clue what I was doing, although I didn’t place bad.
What separates you from all the rest?
That is a good question because I have no idea what my competitors look like. I was told that the women in Barbados are super fit, but I do hope that all my hard work will make me stand out.
What gets you motivated?
Various things including my team (the Bodybuilding and Fitness Association of Saint Martin), my boyfriend, and the mirror. There is nothing more motivating then seeing my body change.
For those of us who are not familiar with bodybuilding competitions, could you please explain what your division means?
You can choose any division you want and build your body to compete in that category. I chose “bikini” because that is the body type I like. Here are the differences between the three categories:
Bikini:
- Overall toned, defined, athletic look
- Focus on great glutes, legs and abs
- Modest amount of muscle with no striations
- Very outgoing, posing that shows personality
Figure:
- Tight, defined look
- Focus on V taper with wide shoulder, defined felt caps, tiny waist, lean legs and rounded glutes
- Moderate amount of muscle with small amount of striation
- Structured mandatory poses to show V taper
Fitness:
This has the same physique requirements as figure, but also includes a two-minute routine that incorporates cardio vascular endurance, strength and flexibility.
What is your routine like?
Here’s a sample of my routine:
Sunday: Abs and cardio
Monday: Legs
Tuesday: Upper body
Wednesday: Full body
Thursday: Glutes
Friday: Abs
Saturday: Rest
This is the way I generally like to plan it, but it can change depending on if I miss a day. Then I would switch it up by working on the body part that I either need more help in or the body part that I like to work out the most. It can also vary depending on my trainer Simeon at PdP gym where I recently started working with him. Sometimes, he makes me a routine that challenges me almost to the point of crying. But it is all worth it to reach my goal.
What is your diet like?
I think the diet is what everyone wants to know, but never wants to do!
Breakfast: Eggs and oats
Snack: Rice cake with peanut butter and protein shake
Lunch: Veggies, salad, carbs and meat, fish or chicken. I love chicken.
Snack: Protein shake and a piece of fruit.
Snack: Protein shake and almonds
Dinner: Veggies, salad with meat, fish or chicken
My diet will change as it gets closer to competition. The diet gets much stricter. This is where you have to really be mentally on your game.
What is your supplementation like?
Dynameat keeps stacking me up with the products that I need and I have them to thank a lot for the development of my body. I use protein powder, l Carnitine, Amino tablets, Glutamine and what I basically can’t live without is their multivitamin.
Are you currently being sponsored?
Yes, competing is expensive; we need sponsors. My amazing sponsors are Dynameat, the Pro Engineering International Installer N.V., Soggy Dollar, Tantra Nightclub and the Driftwood Boat Bar.
Which physical feature are you most proud of?
My glutes.
Describe Rosi in three words.
Creative, adventurous, spontaneous.
What is your favourite quote?
Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Never give up!
What is your advice to women who are trying to lose weight or shape up?
Nutrition is the most important part of losing weight. Without proper nutrition to support your workouts, you will have a very difficult time reaching your goals. ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN! The food you eat is the most important yet hardest part of it all. Another thing is this: don’t start by killing yourself in the gym, start slowly and work your way up.
Who inspires you most?
My family.
Your favourite city/country to visit?
Sydney, Australia.
Guilty pleasure?
Food. I just love to eat.
Complete this sentence, “In five years, I’ll be...”
...wherever I feel like being at that time. I live day by day.
When do you feel most beautiful?
When someone compliments me.
If you could have dinner (a healthy one of course) with three people dead or alive, who would they be?
Ellen, Adam Sandler and Pink.
What is the first thing you are going to eat after the competition?
Cheese plate, burger, Tarte aux Fraises and wine.
Make sure you follow Rosi’s journey in our follow-up story and check out her instagram for fun, beach selfies, delicious food pics and her fun travel adventures – #rosi_fernandez