Alicia Marie has carved her beauty, brains and discipline into a successful career in TV, print, radio and fitness. This gorgeous cover girl and winner of Miss Bikini Universe, graduated with Honors and Distinctions in a Neuroscience and Psychology degree and studied writing for broadcast news and reporting. Alica can be seen on MTV, MSNBC, Comedy Central and Oxygen Magazine to mention a few.
Fortunately for The Global Townhall readers, Alicia (who is a BSN Team Athlete) has swung by to answer some of our questions on the secrets to her success. Remember if you want to be successful surround yourself with successful people! So now to our interview.
Gabrielle Reilly: What do you do to keep motivated?
Alicia Marie: I figure you have this one life, and this one body. I have seen people treat their cars and their shoes better than their own bodies. Part of me is a perfectionist.
Gabrielle Reilly: How do you fit your overall training/dieting into your lifestyle?
Alicia Marie: I MAKE TIME. It drives me crazy when people say they are "too busy." These days, we are ALL TOO BUSY!!!! Most everyone I know has 15 things going on at once. Because getting to the gym is relaxing for me - I consider it "recess" - I get it in. I think so many people "dread" it, so exercise and working out has negative connotation, unfortunately.
You have to change your mindset and SET IT IN YOUR DAILY PLANNER, RAIN OR SHINE.
Gabrielle Reilly: Do you have days when the last thing you want to do is step foot in a gym?
Alicia Marie: Of COURSE! I'm human after all - even though some have mistaken me for a machine! Haha. If I really am just not feeling it - I don't go. But guaranteed I will miss it and want to be there the following day.
It's rare, but when I am sick I do not even attempt the gym. That's the quickest way to prolong being ill. Rest and liquids.
I know when my body needs rest and when I am over-doing it a tad. My - YOUR body tells you. I listen and take an additional rest day.
But if I am just being lazy - I just tell myself that I'll go for a few minutes and I end up being there for my entire workout anyway!
Gabrielle Reilly: Any tips for going out on weekends without gaining any weight back on?
Alicia Marie: Yes!! Never EVER go to a party or dinner HUNGRY. That is a huge colossal mistake. I always have a protein shake before I head to a dinner. I am always less likely to gorge. And I never want the dessert! Limit alcohol to one drink. Stick with filling your plate with more greenery and grains. Avoid the biscuits at all costs! Heavy buttered food and pies have flaky crusts - run! I love yams and lean meats. I also eat rice dishes. I don't believe in a carb-less existence! Rule of thumb - you are doing pretty good if you can avoid the sugar and keep the drinks in check.
Gabrielle Reilly: How many calories do you consume a day?
Alicia Marie: I am right at 1800. I am pretty good with that. When I am running more regularly, my calories might go up a few hundred!!
Gabrielle Reilly: Do you have allocated binge days/meals?
Alicia Marie: NO binge anything!! I DO have what is called a "cheat meal" on some choice Sundays.I'll allow myself a meal to have something that I don't regularly allow myself. Most of the time it is something sweet as I have a horrific sweet tooth. Sugar is my kryptonite!!
Gabrielle Reilly: What weight/cardio training do you do in a week?
Alicia Marie: It varies. I am in the gym 5 or 6 days a week. I weight train 4 of them. Cardio 4 or 5 of them. Abs 3 days a week.
I am a dancer and I am also a runner - I have to balance it so I don't burn too much muscle. These days, the treadmill is where I do the most damage. That and the stairmill. I have to shake things up because I get bored very easily! I like to do active things rather than watch TV. Its either out working out or I'm on the computer!
I love taking Ballet or modern dance classes. I would love to try my hand at a martial art - something with kicks and leaps!!
This question comes from a Twitter Journey with Joe: "What are your discipline factors in nutrition, fitness & attitude?"
Alicia Marie: This may sound a little "fluffy" but aside from liking when I feel healthy (i.e. my skin looks good, I can run farther longer, I don't get sick) - I am a huge CLOTHESHORSE! Everyone has their something, as they say, and I happen to love clothes. I stay fit because of the above listed BUT I can't rule out that I like when I am happy with my body in a bikini or a cute fitted sweater or top.
I have always been a picky eater. I don't like consuming garbage on a regular basis because it's obvious that my body doesn't like it. I like it when my body is "optimized" for performance!!!
Don't get me wrong - I might "cheat" here and there (very rarely and only in the off season). I can be pretty disciplined. I have iron-clad willpower.I'm stubborn!
Gabrielle Reilly: At what age did you start training?
Alicia Marie: For professional status I started training at age 25.
I come from an athletic background (track, softball, gymnastics) so training for muscle growth and not necessarily speed or quickness just took a change in the way that I trained. What most people don't internalize is that getting in shape is 100% CONSISTENCY.
Gabrielle Reilly: How did you make the transition onto TV and magazines?
Alicia Marie: Honestly? As soon as I started competing, I sent mini-press kits to the to the magazines that I read religiously! I made sure that I stayed relevant in the fitness industry by competing and doing well in competition. I had my first endorsement deal less than a year after my first competition. like to reinvent myself a lot. I take my role in the fitness community very seriously. It is an honor and a privilege to be where I am. I am happy to have a voice where I can help and advice others - women especially - to just take their bodies BACK. Powerless, no more! Go get the body you WANT by taking charge and just DOING IT. No excuses!
Gabrielle Reilly: What are you currently working on?
Alicia Marie: I am writing a BOOK!!! I am very excited and can't wait to share my fitness and staying in crazy tight and toned shape with YOU. My website, http://www.aliciamarie.com/, is in the process of a grand re-launch (May 1st!) - see you there!
