Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, Heather Dees has been a top IFBB Figure competitor ever since earning her pro card at the NPC Nationals (Atlanta, GA) in 2010. Compiling a sizzling run of high finishes, including back to back 2nd place finishes at the Arnold Classic in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to consecutive wins at the 2012 and 2013 California Governors Cup; Heather features 4th place finishes at the Olympia in 2012 and 2013. Deciding to forego the 2014 Olympia competition, Heather is committed to refocusing her efforts on taking Gold at the 2015 Arnold Classic; and then a no-holds barred run at the 2015 Olympia.
One of the most charismatic, well spoken, and hardest working professionals on the IFBB circuit – Heather has used her stardom to give back to the sport that has given her so much. In addition to employing her trade as a Master Esthetician and Cosmetologist, Heather is regularly engaged in training and counseling the next crop of Fitness competitors through her patented posing workshops and body-sculpting training seminars. Heather Dees received her pro card at the 2010 NPC Nationals in Atlanta, but she received her first taste, literally, of bodybuilding as a young girl.
During an extended family vacation Dees watched as her aunt ate dry oats from a baggy and drank what she called a “protein shake.” She was told that this food was her aunt’s fuel to compete in fitness competitions. It wasn’t until she was 23 though that Dees developed a craving what she had tasted years earlier, and began weight training. A year later and Dees was in her first competition taking home first in her class and the overall. She went on to place first in the 2012 IFBB Governors Cup receiving Olympia qualification.
IFBB Pro Heather Dees is a woman who once hated her legs and refused to wear shorts, and one who had to read the diagrams on the gym machines to train is now an IFBB Pro from Utah and has become iconic to many.
Heather Dees once said “My very first experience with Body building was when I was a young girl. I remember taking a trip with my Dad to Lake Powell. It was an extended family vacation and during the trip I watched my Aunt DeDee eat dry oats from a baggy and drink what she called a “protein shake.” This was my first experience with this kind of nutrition and it intrigued me. Every time I saw my Aunt, everyone always commented on what great shape she was in and asked how she was doing in her sport. Later I found out that she competed in Fitness competitions, because this was long before they had Figure. She still stays in incredible shape and trains clients in Phoenix, AZ. I wish I had followed in her footsteps right away but it took me clear until I was 23 years old to begin proper weight training.”
“Well, once I got going in the gym I loved it! I became a regular and looked forward to a really good sweaty workout.” Heather began in late 2007, when a gym friend, Jake, told her she had the genetics to do a show. She had no idea what she was doing and usually stuck to the treadmills. And Heather admits to having to read the diagrams on the machines to figure things out. After some frustration she decided to seek a personal trainer, Justin Dees at his gym Evolv Nutrition and Fitness. He encouraged her to train for a show as well. She was reluctant at first and began training hard for it, not actually intending to enter, but she finally entered and the rest is history. Also, both of them found themselves single around the same time, and now they’ve been married.
She said “Once I saw actual changes in my physique, I was excited and motivated. I reached a point only a few months into our training where I finally loved my legs and wanted to show them off! At that point there was no turning back, I had the bug and I wanted to take it to the stage. I remember asking Justin if I should just do one show, he encouraged me to take it as far as I could… and look at me now, only a short three years later and I am an IFBB Pro!”
Heather Dees said “My first competition was in March of 2008. It was very exciting and interesting. I won 1st place in my class and took the Overall which was very unexpected but motivating. It definitely made me addicted to the sport. The second I walked off stage I wanted to plan my next show. I felt like for the first time in my life I found what I was born to do! There is no other sport that I know of where you lift heavy weights, train hard and get sweaty for 12 weeks. Then it all leads to the day of the show, where you have your nails, hair and make-up done. Put on lots of bling jewelry from head to toe, slip into a jeweled Figure suit and heals, get a fresh coat of spray tan and posing oil and are finally able to show off all the hard work and conditioning you’ve put your body through. You feel amazing and beautiful. Now, that is my kind of sport.”
“I guess as I have continued competing over these last few years the only expectations that have changed has been improving on myself. I wanted to continue to improve on my body, to come in more conditioned and symmetrical. My husband Justin Dees who is also still my trainer, has been so great to work with. He helps me on improving weak areas of my physique and I continue to train all muscle groups to keep my body symmetrical. He has been in the industry for 16+ years and has done a 180 turn with my body. I have never met anyone with so much knowledge and experience in the industry. Yet, he still really cares about his athletes and is passionate about what he does. It’s all calculated down to a science with him. He uses factual data to make adjustments.” “My strengths as far as physique goes are my arms, mostly biceps.”
“Genetically I was born with some bi’s and have not had to train them for the last few months. This has helped my delts catch up to give the ideal shape wanted for Figure. Also my back is pretty thick and strong for a Figure competitor although I still train it once a week.”
“My weaknesses I would say are legs. It has taken me the last three years to put size on my quads, hams and calves. My quads have come up really well and I have noticed more size in my hamstrings and calves. They have really developed getting ready for my most recent show: Nationals. It’s been super exciting to watch my body change and know that with consistent proper training and dedication you can make your physique look however you want it to. Another weakness for me, I believe is abs. I don’t love training abs and although they are more developed than they have ever been I know this is an area I need to continue to work on.”
“Some of the most important advice I can give a woman is to be excited. Know that doing a Figure show should be your goal and do it for no one else. It takes hard work and extreme dedication. There will be times during your contest prep that it gets so hard and you will want to quit. But once you step on that stage, you will walk more confident and enjoy your time in front of the judges knowing that you gave it your all. Also, have a good support team behind you! This way when it does get tough, you can turn to your team for strength and encouragement!”
Full Interview on Next Page!
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
Heather Dees is an exceptionally talented IFBB Figure competitor. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are from Salt Lake City, Utah. During a family vacation you watched your aunt ate dry oats and drink protein shake, that made her fit to compete in fitness competitions. This motivated you to do weight training. Later you received the pro card at the 2010 NPC Nationals in Atlanta and reached the pinnacle of success by winning first place in the 2012 IFBB Governors Cup receiving Olympia qualification. Tell us about your journey that took you to the the world of fitness and as a winner in Figure Professional competitions?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My Journey was a whirlwind of 5 National competitions from 2008-2010 until receiving my Procard at Nationals! An amazing accomplishment that I always believed I could do! I went into my 1st Pro Show confident (which was Pittsburgh Pro in 2011) and there was a lot of buzz about me Winning after Prejudge! I took 2nd Place and immediately qualified for the Olympia! Since that first pro show I have competed in 23 More Pro-shows placing in the Top 10 all but 2 times and 7 of which I took 2nd place…
The past 7.5 years in this industry has been a combination of actions and emotions. They include hard work, dedication, constant drive for progress, excitement and also defeat. I am NOT done but as I reflect on what has come to pass I am grateful for all I have been able to do, where I’ve been able to travel and all the wonderful friends I have made on the way!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How your experience and background of many years in bodybuilding and weight training has helped you in your present profession of being a fitness model and figure professional competitor?
Ms. Heather Dees:
I caught a glimpse, like you said in the previous question, of my Aunt DeDee who competed in Fitness… But I really don’t believe my journey started until I met my trainer Justin Dees in September 2007… Since then I have been inspired by watching my own physique transform, to continually grow and set goals to get me farther in the industry. I found something I felt I was really good at for the first time in my life. A profession I had control over with efforts in consistent dedication! Now, I am fortunate to be able to inspire other women to conquer their goals and coach them with stage presence and posing!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share your exercise routine that you do to maintain such a bikini perfect physique?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My routine is very similar to that of most bodybuilding athletes. I weight train certain muscle groups five to six days a week. My weight training is focused on maximum muscle hypertrophy. I incorporate cardio generally six days a week (the time & intensity always varies according to whether I am pre-contest or off-season) but minimum of 30 minutes generally.. The most important component is trying to maintain a very clean and consistent eating schedule. When I am off on this I see the negative changes in my physique the most!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What is your diet? Do you take a particular fixed regulated diet comprising of nutrients and vitamins to keep you in perfect health?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My diet is simply broken down into Healthy carbs proteins and fats. I interchange my macros according to my needs and wants so I rarely eat the same thing day after day.. I try to eat 5 to 6 balanced meals a day usually between 300-400 calories. This component is super important but changes again when I am pre-contest or off-season. I do incorporate cheat meals off-season and try to have some balance so my body doesn’t develop food allergies or eating disorders. I have heard to strict of dieting can cause these symptoms. One thing I strongly avoid is soda, processed food and white sugar. Doing Away with these makes it much easier to maintain a healthy, shapely physique.
Video
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What is your motivation to take a multi-faceted personality of a fitness model, physique professional competitor, personal trainer and nutritional expert ?
Ms. Heather Dees:
I am actually motivated by my trainer/coach Justin Dees, who has been there since the beginning of my journey. I am honored to inspire other women to achieve their fitness goals. I love to encourage others, and am constantly learning by applying these healthy concepts in my own life! I know it is possible for anyone to achieve their goals with consistency and dedication.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hair to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Heather Dees:
Well thank you for that sweet compliment! I am a licensed cosmetologist and master esthetician so I take pride in making my skin and hair look healthy. I went to college and have had a passion for skin and hair care since I was a young teenager. That being said, I have a good at home skincare & hair care regime (i.e. Using quality products) Also I think a healthy diet and taking a pure multivitamin will increase the health of your hair and glow of your skin. Internal health can play a huge roll to the outward appearance of your hair and skin, sometimes I think people forget that. I also visit my esthetician, Mistee Montayne in Utah, monthly to help keep my skin fresh and even!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Fitness modelling is about bold photo shoots. What advice you wish to give to the women of today to be body confident in order to do such bold modeling?
Ms. Heather Dees:
I am not sure what you mean by bold, but I believe I am one of the more conservative fitness models in the industry… And I am OKAY with that!! The best advice I can give any woman aspiring to be a fitness model is DO NOT, comprise your moral or ethical values just for a photoshoot. There are a lot of respectable photographers who will respect your values and there are some who will try to see how much you are willing to reveal! Just know and state those guidelines before even beginning your photoshoot so there is no misunderstanding or awkward moments. To each is own, I just don’t think it is necessary to ever cross boundaries you are uncomfortable with!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding figure professional competitor girls who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to ladder of success in field of figure professional competitions?
Ms. Heather Dees:
Just enjoy the journey! Building a physique takes time! Don’t shortcut yourself! This is a lifestyle not a sprint to the finish line! Be Yourself too! I want the people I meet to know I am the same person I am at home or signing autographs! Genuinely humbled and honored, and not entitled to be where I am at in the Industry. Your journey will be a pleasant one with that type of attitude.. Also its not always about the Placing you receive. As long as your doing your best and making constant improvements, then you are a Success no matter what place you get! (Of course a 1st place is always nice though wink!)
Video
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us how you felt before and after standing first at 2010 NPC National Bodybuilding, Figure & Bikini Championships (National Physique Committee of the USA)?
Ms. Heather Dees:
When I placed 1st at the 2010 NPC Nationals in Atlanta, GA I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement! After being called to the center of first call outs at Prejudge there was a lot of buzz via Social Media that I had Won! The realization that it would be a possibility of earning my Procard at Finals was an emotionally happy moment! Then once it was announced at Finals I was only more elated to know my hard work had paid off! I still think back on that day and a huge smile crosses my face & those emotions return!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have won 2008 NPC Utah Classic: Overall Winner, 2010: NPC Utah Classic: Overall Winner, 2010: NPC California State Championships: Overall Winner, 2010: NPC Nationals Atlanta: 1st Place Class D (earned Pro card), 2012: IFBB Governors Cup: 1st Place (1st Pro Win) Olympia Qualification and 2013 IFBB California Governors Cup Pro Figure. What additional responsibilities these winnings bestow upon you towards the community and the sports of “Figure Professional Competition” you competed in?
Ms. Heather Dees:
I think my responsibility is to represent myself as a Professional athlete and conduct myself respectably on and off the stage! As I am know in the industry I represent my Supplement Sponsor Species Nutrition, and TMariesuits… I am also managed by Fitness Management Group so I need to show that I am a good ambassador of the Sport! Any unprofessional conduct would misrepresent myself and those who support me! Most importantly I am a Wife and step-mother, so I honor those roles and want anyone who recognizes me, to also recognizes that I cherish my family and am devoted to them! I think all these roles go hand in hand and is what potential Sponsors look at when Signing athletes to represent their companies!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your biggest influence and motivation in your path to success ?
Ms. Heather Dees:
My Husband Justin! He is always encouraging me to be the best I can be! He understands the sacrifices the sport demands as a Bodybuilding athlete himself! Justin started as my coach in 2007 and then became my Husband in 2009. I am so grateful for his support and love year after year & it drives me to succeed!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Heather Dees:
I appreciate the outreach from Womensfitness.net to want to interview me! If I can inspire or encourage one woman to reach their fitness goals or create a healthy balanced lifestyle then my interview was a success! I hope all who read this may know me a little better now! For those trying to reach goals, stay motivated and small success are still successes! Shoutout to my Sponsor since 2012 Species Nutrition, TMarieSuits, and my management FMG! Love & devotion to my husband and children! & a great big, Huge Thanks to all the support of my Friends and Fans thay are always encouraging! Best Wishes to those beauties out there reading this! Thank you so much! It was an honor!
To know more about her, Check her out on her social network:
- https://instagram.com/ifbbheatherdees/?hl=en
- https://twitter.com/ifbbheatherdees
- https://www.facebook.com/Heather-Dees-IFBB-Figure-Pro-141951345876469/timeline/
- http://deesmuscles.com/
Women Fitness Team thanks Heather Dees for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
Video
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.