Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you take skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hair to make them look so stunning?
Mayla Ash:
First, thank you for the compliment!! Concerning my skin care, It’s basic. I drink plenty of water, cleanse thoroughly, exfoliate often and moisture daily. Many don’t realize just how critical water is to the human body. Drinking water daily helps flush out the toxins out of of the body and allows the skin to regenerate while we sleep. To reveal that glowing new skin I first “pre-cleanse” it with Noxema and a exfoliating towel then follow up with a Neutragena Deep Cleans Facial Wipe. This process helps to remove the sweat, salt and oil that accumulates from my workouts and daily life from not only the surface but deep into the pores. Then I use a light essential oil to moisturize. Now my hair, well that’s a different story…LOL!
I wear my hair long and unprocessed which helps it maintain its strength. But with my daily workouts maintaining a sleek hairstyle is too time consuming or would require chemical products that would ultimately damage the hair follicles. So, on a day to day basis I normally “co-wash” my locks with a cream conditioner twice a week, dry the roots and moisturize it and my scalp with Moroccan Oil. At night I brush it out, secure it in a bun and sleep in a satin scarf or on a satin pillowcase to prevent breakage. In the morning I take down bun spritz with a leave-in conditioner and go! It gives me a carefree “Bohemian” look with big full soft airy curls. I save the more polished straight hairstyles for shows or photoshoots because of the diversity. To achieve that look I normally have my own hair straightened and curled. However if a more extreme bold hairstyle is desired I’ll have my hair and makeup sponsor, GetFlawless, braid my hair up so a custom wig can be sewed on.
Namita Nayyar:
Fitness modeling 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?
Mayla Ash:
When it comes to fitness modeling there are two things that are essential. Loving yourself and researching your photographer. Fitness modeling is not about being a size zero or six feet tall. It’s not only done by people who are self-absorbed or seeking attention. It’s about being happy with how you look and celebrating reaching your goal…whatever that goal may be for you. You have to be comfortable in the skin you are in before you step in front of a camera. The reality is that no matter how great a photographer is at editing the truly beautiful images take capture people are the one were the model radiates a peace with what is seen in the mirror.
The second piece part of this advice is equally important and some of the best advice that was passed along to me. Do your research on your photographer and make sure they are experienced in fitness or athletic modeling. The reality is there are some camera owners that prey on those with unreal expectations about any type of modeling or like to shoot images for alternative uses. Anyone can take a picture, but an experienced fitness photographer understands lighting, movement, symmetry and angles. They will guide their subjects into the poses to capture a work of art! So Google their names, check out their websites and online portfolio. Shop around for the right package and sometimes price that works for you. But find and use a photographer that shows solid work in capturing beautiful “raw” unedited pictures. Those are the ones that fitness magazines and supplement promoters are seeking to publish.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding professional figure competitor girls who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to ladder of success in field of professional figure competitions?
Mayla Ash:
When it comes to competing in the sport of bodybuilding its so important to understand the guidelines of the sport and the categories you are considering. So often I talk to new and potential competitors at workshops that where someone convince them to compete because they workout regularly. Not knowing that the judges are looking at symmetry, development and conditioning along with overall stage presence. All these things have to be brought together and fine-tuned before you step on stage or you risk having a bad show experience.
Whether you are just planning to compete once or plan to strive to become a Professional Competitor do your homework. “Know Before Your Show”. Learn about your category’s criteria in the federation you are joining so you and your coach train with purpose.
Those currently competing who are striving to go to the next level, keep in mind that the level you a trying to achieve is NOT the same as the level you are right now. So take the time to contact at least two different judges after each show, regardless of how you place, and request a critique so you can make improvements. Find the key elements and work to become better. Next level better.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
