Elya McCleave

How Did You Get Started?

I always was into sports, but never really had a chance to start training regularly. Only after I moved to Canada did exercising become my daily routine. I was working out for a year on my own, and since I didn't know much about weight training/nutrition I wasn't getting any noticeable results. In June, 2004 I met a wonderful person and trainer, Nancy Lockington! She took me to a completely different level... I'd say that's when I really started working out.

Nancy introduced me to fitness and helped to prepare for my very first competition: FemSport 2004. I feel extremely lucky and fortunate that I had that opportunity! Competing at FemSport was awesome! I've learned a lot and met so many amazing people. From this point I was hooked.

I started modeling and doing some promotional work, while getting ready for West Fame 2005. At FAME I placed 3d in fitness division... not that bad for my very first fitness competition. Since then, I participated in FemSport 2005 and SWFC 2005, were I placed pretty well. I'm now getting ready for WEST FAME 2006!

Visit my web site for more pics and information: http://www.elya.ca/

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I lift weights 4 times a week. I train lower body twice a week (4 days apart). Smith machine squats, Stiffed-legged dead lift and walking lunges work wonders for my glutes.

Sample Training Week:

Monday - Legs, Abs
Wednesday - Chest and Triceps
Friday - Biceps, Back and Abs
Saturday - Legs, Shoulders and other small muscle groups

Cardio is important - I do 45 min. of cardio 5 days a week off-season and 2 hours of cardio 5 times a week while preparing for a contest. The best time for a cardio is in the morning, before breakfast.

I take yoga and gymnastics. I also box three times a week, take jiu-jitsu and dancing classes (Latin, belly dancing, and hip-hop).

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Meal one:
4 egg whites
1/2 cup oatmeal
tbl spoon flax oil

Meal two, three, four and five
1 can tuna or 1 chicken breast
Small sweet potato
1/2 cup of veggies (or salad with no dressing)
flax oil and balsamic vinegar

I drink 4-6 liters of water a day.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

I'm currently taking NHF and PVL gold protein, 15g of glutamine a day, Nu-life multi-vitamin, for active women, and those tasty EAS bars.

I tried taking creatine, but it didn't really do much for me... except making me moody and bloated. I'm still learning about supplements, and in the process of finding the products that would work the best.

Why Do You Love Fitness?

It's a way of life! It's fun! I met so many great people and made a lot good friends! I have tremendous respect for all the athletes and fitness enthusiasts, because I know how hard it can be to keep going, to push yourself to overcome all the obstacles. There is so much satisfaction when you're finally standing on stage, next to all those wonderful athletes, and you are thinking WOW I made it.. I am here!

It's been only a year since I started competing, but now I really see what an amazing journey our life can be and I'm looking forward to the future. I would like to thank all the athletes out there who give back to the industry and help it grow by encouraging others in their fitness and competitive goals. Thank you so much!!!

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I would like to become a professional fitness competitor. A long term-goal is to win a national title, be on the cover of a fitness magazine and to spread the knowledge and benefits of the fitness lifestyle.

I'm currently in the process of getting my personal trainer certification. I can't wait! I really would love to help others to achieve their fitness goals!

What One Tip Would You Give Other Fitness Competitors?

I wanted to give a word of encouragement to all the competitors who are just starting out in the industry or planning to enter their very first contest. Sometimes it can be hard and scary to make that step, but please don't hold back!

Just go out there and show everybody what you can do! Show how hard you worked and how much you love the sport! Have fun on stage, make new friends and don't forget to smile. It really doesn't matter how we place, just by being there we have already won! Good luck!

Who Are Your Favorite Fitness Competitors/Bodybuilders?

There are so many athletes I simply adore and look up to!!! Nancy Lockington, Wendy Lindquist, Ocean Bloom, Fawnia Mondey, Sherry Ann Boudreau, Jen Hendershott, Monica Brant, Mindi O' Brian, Rebecca Angela Lee, Mari Kudla, Alicia Denson and many more.

More Profiles:

:: Current Fitness Competitor Of The Week.
:: Other Previous Fitness Competitors Of The Week.
:: Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Over 40 Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Teen Bodybuilder Of The Week.

---