Big hair, glittery spray tan, tiny bikini and 5 inch plastic barbie shoes and about to parade in front of a cheering crowd and a row of serious looking judges. That?s how I met Tammy Carter. I was a novice in a women?s physique show and truly in a bizarre, surreal world. Tammy was a ?backstage athlete rangler.? These are the helpful, sensible people who ensure that nervous, carb depleted athletes get to the stage on time and in the right order. As a formerly overweight person who fought like hell to get in even remotely close to the shape needed to get?stage, I was already out of my element. To cope, and get my mind off this insane voluntary?exercise in public humiliation I was subjecting myself to, I talked to others about their lives and experiences.?(Taking your mind of yourself by immersing yourself temporarily?in the lives of others is?quite effective and I highly recommend it as a strategy to stop excessive self-consciousness.)
At any rate, I struck up a conversation with the kind and helpful?Tammy and what I found out amazed me and continues to inspire. For anyone who still harbours unseemly rigid stereotypes of blondes in bikinis, get over?your silly self?and read on!
Deb: You? have spoken in the past about how in your work as a respiratory therapist you have been alarmed at the effects of unhealthy life choices on your patients. Do you think people realize that so many chronic diseases are actually preventable.
Tammy: ?The quick answer to this is yes, I believe people do realize that chronic diseases are preventable or can at least be delayed. The message that proper nutrition, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight reduce the risk of so many ailments is out there with easy accessability. Doctors try and counsel their patients, and the media proclaims the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. There is amazing information on the internet if you trouble yourself to look for it.So that leaves the question as to why with all of the information out there do people persist with their poor choices?
I recently read about a study that concluded that that while more than half of the people in the survey thought chronic illness was the worst thing that could happen and understood that being overweight or obese could lead to diabetes, they still maintained an un-healthy weight and followed a poor diet. Chronic disease is insidious. The symptoms creep up on you and then somewhere along the way you are confronted with a diagnosis. Even hospital workers that are confronted daily with the evidence are not immune. Many of the staff I work with appear unable to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
I made a decision as I entered my 40?s to seek out information that would keep me in the best shape possible. I did not want to be imprisoned by physical limitations and there were a great many things I wanted to accomplish especially as my children were becoming more independant. I gathered much information on my own and found that a true transformation would require that I learn to lift in the areas in the gym where many women fear to go. Luckily I have been mentored and coached in nutrition, conditioning and weight training by a very knowledgable personal trainer. I managed to achieve feats of strength in the gym that would have been beyond my wildest dreams 20 years ago. I guess my passion shows as recently I was told that it is fun to watch me work out because I look like I have so much fun.
Perhaps that is the key. Find something that you enjoy that will give you the motivation to change and pursue it!
Deb: The first time I stepped on stage in my bikini, in addition to the terror I felt the most amazing sense of confidence and accomplishment. What was that very first time like for you? How has it changed with experience?
Tammy: Stepping onstage is the culmination of months of stricter than strict training and nutrition. It is several steps beyond ?living a healthy lifestyle?. After many personal achievements on the gym floor I was curious to know if I could bring that pinpoint focus that many athletes bring to their chosen sport. A physique competition was a great way to bring another level to my fitness and an opportunity to ?get out of the box? in terms of my natural reserved nature.I loved and continue to love the process of contest preparation. I marvelled at the weekly changes in my body and thrilled to see something approaching what you see in fitness magazines. Before showtime I was counselled by my coach to enjoy my experience on show day no matter what the results. He told me to be gracious to all of my fellow competitors and to sincerely wish them well. The first time I saw myself in the mirror, my stage makeup and tan, looking lean and muscular, I barely recognized myself but I was thrilled with what I saw. I felt like I had already won. The backstage comraderie was wonderful and I was very impressed with how kind everyone was to each other. My onstage presence left a little to be desired and I probably looked like a deer in the headlights. I placed dead last in the open categorie and slightly higher in masters. However afterwards I felt like I had learned so much and that I had more potential to bring to the stage. The following 4 competitions resulted in bringing home some hardware after each one.
With experience I continue to enjoy the process and feel the sense of fun which is why I continue to compete. I still am compelled to pinch myself when I see myself in the mirror on show day and I make a point to seek out the first time competitors. I love to tell them how great they look and hear their stories. So many have overcome bigger obstacles than I have which I find inspiring.
Deb:?So you have two kids of your own, plus have fostered 11 children! What do you say to folks who don?t think mothers can get up and rock the fitness stage?
Tammy: First I would stare blankly and say ?what are you talking about?? haha. Many people may be surprised to learn just what percentage of women on stage in amazing shape are indeed mothers. All organizations have masters categories which are for competitors over 35 or 40 and have the biggest, most competitive lineups. Those same ladies hold their own as well in the open categories against younger, childless competitors. Moms are the ultimate multitaskers so if anyone is going to make a committment and make it work it is us! That being said there is a time and season for everything. For me my time came when my kids were a little bit older and could be part of my ?team?.
Deb:?I remember chatting with you backstage and we both discovered we had come from very religious backgrounds and were going against the grain with all this ?in your face? sexiness that goes along with bodybuilding shows. Can you tell us about that?
Tammy: Let me just preamble that I am not judgemental of the choices that others make in how they choose to present themselves. I just do what is the most comfortable for me. I was raised in and continue to be active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints more commonly known as Mormons. Modesty in dress as a way to show respect for our bodies is strongly encouraged. We try to be as stylish and fashionable as possible while still still maintaining coverage of our shoulders with at least a cap sleeve and shorts and skirts approaching the knee. However this is for everyday life and exceptions are made for ?athletic attire?. I consider physique competitions sport and judges can?t give me a score on a covered up body. I try and maintain the integrity of my? personal philosophy by not posing provocatively.during my presentation on stage. For photo shoot opportunities I choose settings and poses that show sexiness through strength and grace and not with poses that I would be embarrassed for my children to see. To date I have only recieved complimentary comments from those who share my faith.
Deb: Lastly, in addition to all this, you are also involved in a Global Village Build in Nepal. What is this about and how can people chip in?
Tammy: And we come finally to another subject that is near and dear to my heart! I am leading my first team to the Chitwan district of Nepal to work with families to help them build affordable homes which in turn strenghens their communities. I am actively recuiting for team members to fill the 20 spots on the build.
Global Village is the international arm of Habitat for Humanity. I love their model for helping people. The teams provide volunteer labour and the receiving family get a no profit, no interest mortgage tailored to their income.As the mortgages are repaid the funds are used to build more houses. The organization works with all backgrounds, races and religions. Joining a team is a wonderful way to make world travel more meaningful. Team members are welcomed into the community and introduced to the local culture as guests. Working and laughing together lets you forget the comforts of home and focus on the things that really matter.
My husband is already a team leader and has lead teams to Jordan, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Cambodia and China. After seeing how much fun he was having I embarked on my first trip with the organization to Kenya this past April. The leader of that team recommended me for training and I am anxious to put my knowledge to use!
I am hoping that readers will contact me to learn more and potentially join up. The build is from Nov 30 to Dec 13 2012. I am still working on the budget and itinerary but the tax deductible fee will be approximately $2100 and includes a direct donation to the local Global Village program, food, lodging transportation, medical insurance and an in country flight. Flights are arranged by individual team members in consultation with me and under certain conditions are tax deductible as well. There will be R and R in Kathmandu and an elephant safari in Chitwan National Wildlife Park. I can be reached at tammylynnrrt@hotmail.com or the newly created facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TammyandBryanDeb: Thanks a million Tammy. Best of luck with Global Village and with your athletic pursuits!
More AWESOME TAMMY CARTER LINKS
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Source: http://debsimms.com/2012/02/18/strong-in-mind-body-spirit-5-minutes-with-tammy-carter/
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