Stay Fit Buzz Interview with Erin Simmons

Learn How Erin Simmons stays in tip top shape, while at the same time maintaining a separate full-time career.

 

Stay-Fit Buzz: Tell me about your background. I understand that you picked up the fit buzz back as a track athlete ‘like myself’. But were you athletic before that?

Erin: I played softball starting in first grade up until middle school. Then I started track and volleyball in seventh grade. I’ve ran track ever since, and since it’s just a spring sport, they had us lifting a lot during the off season. What I like about lifting is that you’re competing against yourself, figuring out your limits, and then pushing them as far as you can. Which is the same reason I like track. Even though you are part of a team, you really can challenge yourself on an individual level.

Stay-Fit Buzz: I understand that you have entered the world of fitness modeling. I understand many of the challenges that fitness models face (From past interviewees). But do you find it more challenging than being a track athlete?

Erin: Well, I am still trying to enter it! It is certainly a work in progress. I think it’s just a completely different world, because instead of training for a specific event, you are tailoring your body to a certain look. And it is definitely a challenge to change your body. I’m used to training with performance goals, not appearance based goals so that has been a big transition for me.

Stay-Fit Buzz:Femininity… and the quest to maintain it. Is that an issue for Erin. Personally, looking at your current physique, I think you are one of the best to do it. That is, maintain femininity while building a fit and lean body. But has that been a challenge for you?

Erin: Well, if you ask my mom, then yes it’s an issue! She thinks I have too much muscle! But I think it’s all about how happy you are with your own body. I don’t like being just plain skinny, but I don’t want be confused with a man either. I think it is definitely possible to be feminine and still build muscle! There are going to be those people who look at my pictures and say, “ew, she looks way too muscular!” and there are others that may leave a comment saying I am too skinny! So you can’t please everybody and you shouldn’t want to. You can’t base your own body on other people’s opinions. You have to do it for yourself.

 

Stay-Fit Buzz: Has your training regime and/or diet changed much on your new journey into fitness modeling compared to being a track athlete?

Erin: Well, obviously I’m not competing any more and I don’t go to track practice every day so my training regime is significantly different. My workouts are no longer focused on improving my javelin throw! I do different lifts and different cardio, though I do still incorporate a lot of the workouts and exercises I used to do for track. I’ve improved on my diet but that just comes with growing up and not being in college! I’ve always been pretty healthy, but now I keep up with it better.

Stay-Fit Buzz: Motivation is a big thing that we focus on at Stayfitbuzz.com. Your physique is sure to motivate many who aspire to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. But how do you manage to stay motivated, especially with the busy schedule that I know you have?

Erin: I’ve always been pretty self-motivated, but I have quite a competitive spirit so that helps. And I don’t mind competing with myself. I like to set goals for myself and then try to beat them. I want to add another 10 lbs to my lift or do one more set of sprints than I did the week before. It’s like a game for me, which is nice after sitting at a desk all day. But I can’t tell you how much I love the fact that I’m able to motivate other people! I still can’t believe that!

Stay-Fit Buzz: Injury can really put the nail in the coffin fore many Fit buzzers out there. We strongly believe that this should never be an issue if one focuses on training with good form while at the same time focusing on steady progression. However, you’re a track athlete and I know how injury can plague a track athlete’s life. Has that affected you much thus far?

Erin: Oh my, I can’t tell you how many injuries I’ve had. It can be very depressing, especially when it’s one thing after another as it often is. I’ve spent hours as an athlete in the training room cold tubbing, with the chiropractor, getting electric stim, ultrasound, and having my shin splints “rubbed out” with Graston. And I’ve gone through enough ice that, if melted down, could probably supply a city for a year! I’ve been in boots, slings, splints, braces, and crutches. But you just have to stay determined and do everything you can to fully recover. I’m very guilty of trying to push myself back too early before I’m fully recovered, but as I’ve gotten a bit older I’ve gotten better about letting my body heal. It’s always best to see a physical therapist to help you properly recover from an injury.

 

Stay-Fit Buzz: Let’s talk about support systems. Everyone that is striving for greatness will need one. What kind of support system do you have (Or wish to have) in place to help you with your goals?

Erin: My parents haven’t always been on board with my athletic goals because they think that I’m going to hurt myself, so I have to say I’ve ended up making myself my own support system. I think you really have to find it in yourself to get your ultimate motivation. Obviously, it’s best to surround yourself with others who will push you, too. So a lot of my friends are athletes of some sort, whether they are old track teammates, triathletes, ultra marathoners, cyclists, weightlifters, or yogis. My photographer/agent/video editor is also a great help and encouragement for me. And last, but certainly not least, my “new found” fans are great motivators! Knowing that people out there look up to me and use me as a motivation provides phenomenal support for me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support of my online followers. I absolutely love them!

Stay-Fit Buzz: Since we’re on the topic of ‘goals’. What short/long term goals have you set for yourself in 2012 and beyond?

Erin: Well, I would like to secure some modeling jobs this year. But I would also like to really expand my “brand” with some gear as well as a variety of workout and diet plans. It’s hard to keep up with since I already have a full time job, but I really enjoy my fitness stuff so I like having that part of my day that I dedicate to that. I’m really working towards an 8 pack, so that would be my physique goal for the next few months and then of course maintaining it. In terms of competitions, I will be doing an Olympic distance triathlon and, if all goes well, a half Ironman this year. I am also considering trying the Honolulu marathon either this year or next! I did my first half marathon in December and it was such a great feeling to accomplish something I never would have imagined I could do. So I can only imagine how great a half Ironman and marathon would feel. Afterwards, of course, probably not during!

Stay-Fit Buzz: Who is Erin outside of fitness. How do you keep the fun factor going, when there’s such a strong career focus?

Erin: Well, I enjoy doing all kinds of things though most of them revolve around athletic activities! I really enjoy going to yoga with my friends or with my mom when I get a chance to go home. I really like to cook, especially when it involves finding ways to make favorite dishes even healthier! I love to go out dancing when I can find the energy to stay out half the night. And, like any girl, I enjoy shopping whether it’s for dresses, shoes, workout gear, or a new bike (like I am right now!). I love living on the water right now where I can go diving, paddle boarding, surfing, or just relax on the beach. I have a great mutt that I love to run or share the couch with, too. And while my core workouts are usually by myself, I’ll go swim, bike, trail run, or compete with my friends and support them in their competitions as well. So I stay pretty busy!

 

Stay-Fit Buzz: What is the one, most important and valuable piece of advice that you would give to those who want to mimic the success you have achieved with your physique?

Erin: I know I’ve said it a few times already, but you really have to want it for yourself because in the end, that’s all you have. You have to set your goals, you have to get motivated, you have to work out, and you have to stick to it. Regardless of what TV shows or fad diets or workouts try to tell you, it’s not easy and you can’t do it in 15 minutes a day. Obviously, you want to find exercises and sports or competitions that you enjoy but in the end it’s going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. And not just in the gym or on the track, but at the table, too. Half the battle is what you’re putting into your body, so you want to be healthy from the inside out. Eating right can be a challenge at first, but it just takes some readjusting and self-discipline. But in the end, it will be so incredibly worth it!

 

Photo credits: Craig Alles

 

About Erin Simmons

Erin is a former member of the Florida State University Track and Field team with an interest of perusing a career as a fitness model.

 

 

 

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