Ms. Namita Nayyar: Tell us about your journey that took you to the the world of fitness and as a winner in NPC Bikini competitions?
Ms. Elizabeth Dickerson: I was a dancer since I was 3 years old, up until I graduated high school. I did jazz, tap, ballet, and pointe. In high school, I ran track and cross country. Because I was so thin and delicate, my running career came to an end because I had a stress fracture. In college, after a few years off from running, I started back. This time I practiced sprints versus long distance running. I became more athletic, began lifting weights consistently, and the results were addicting! I then decided to set a goal to compete in the NPC as a bikini athlete. I now am taking time off to grow my physique and hope to compete again in 2015.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: How your experience and background of 14 years as a dancer in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and kickline has helped you in your present profession of being a Fitness Model and Bikini competitor?
Ms. Elizabeth Dickerson: I definitely know for a fact my experience as a dancer helps my stage presence. I’ve been performing in front of large audiences of hundreds and sometimes thousands (even on tv) since I was the age of 3. Being on stage and in front of a large audience is comfortable for me. It’s like a second nature. I love it! I actually get a high from it. Performing, having all eyes on me, and sharing with others what my hard work and practice has resulted in is so rewarding. I have confidence, and I believe my years in performing arts helped mold that. When I would dance at my recitals, I would have to smile. Even during practice, I had to smile. I didn’t want to smile though! I was always very concentrated on my movement, but I had to fake it. Eventually, it became a part of me. It is like putting on a mask for the world to see. Putting on a show—literally!
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Share your exercise routine that you do to maintain such a bikini perfect physique?
Ms. Elizabeth Dickerson: Haha my physique is far from perfect in my eyes. I prefer more muscle, and unfortunately my body likes to stay skinny! My goal right now is hypertrophy, so I am lifting as heavy as I can, high volume, and eating a ton!
A leg day looks like this for me:
- Leg Extensions 4×20
- Squats 5x 30,20,15,12,10, superset with straight leg deadlifts 5×10
- Leg Press 5×10
- Leg Press 5×20 superset with Dumbbell sumo squats 5×10
My friend CD Mayhew is an Elite/VIP Personal Trainer in Atlanta where I am from, and he is the one over my nutrition and workouts.
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