M&S Talks To Driven And Disciplined Tarah Andrews

What is your athletic background, and how did you get involved with fitness and bikini?

I have always been involved in sports: basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and horseback riding to name a few.  When I got to college I started running marathons and was training year round, which led me to a knee injury that kept me from distance running.  In late 2010 I began networking with other athletes in my area, mainly to keep myself motivated to rehab and eventually (maybe) be able to train again.

I remember the first few fitness competitors I came in contact with…I felt a glimpse of hope….could I be like them?  Even though running was my priority at the time, I couldn’t help but feel slightly hypnotized by such strong, beautiful, women.  Their driven state of mind completely captured me and before I knew it, I realized that a dream of mine was to be on stage with them someday.  I won my first FAP show and I haven’t looked back since!

What do you love most about fitness?

I love the drive that it takes to prepare for fitness shows.  It can definitely get hard sometimes, especially when my friends go out for pizza and a beer….but my fitness goals are number one.  When I commit myself to something, I don’t do it halfway.  Dedication is a big factor in seeing results, and being able to see results mentally and physically is a much bigger gift than even the best slice of pizza!

What were the major milestones that gave you that "extra" motivation boost?

After winning my first show, I was in total shock.  It made me want to keep pushing my fitness goals further.

What keeps you motivated?

My coach is a huge motivation to me.  She’s been there for me night and day, and constantly tells me how proud she is of my accomplishments.  I wouldn’t have been successful without her support!

What are your future goals, dreams and plans?

I will be competing in Fitness America – Vegas, this fall.  By next year I am hoping to be a sponsored athlete and continue competing.   My main goal is to inspire others the way that other athletes inspired me when I first toyed with the idea of clean eating and setting fitness goals for myself.

In the future, I’d love the idea of training athletes full time.  If I can help someone change their life and find the confidence to go after their goals, that would be my dream job!

What does your current training and split look like, and what do you like most about it?

• Monday - Back
• Tuesday - Shoulders
• Wednesday - Legs
• Thursday - Cardio of choice for 60 minutes.
• Friday - Arms, chest, abs.

I mostly do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with heavy weights and lift to failure.  Currently I’m doing cardio 5 times per week after lifting workouts, usually for 40 minutes using the treadmill or stepmill.  Sprinting intervals for 30 minutes twice per week.

Do you supplement your weight training and cardio with any other physical activities?

When I need a break from my typical training schedule, I’ll go to a yoga or kickboxing class.  I also love to canoe in the summer and it’s a great upper body workout.

What are your favorite 5 muscle building exercises and why?

• Rear foot elevated split squats.
• Seated dumbbell press.
• Leg extensions.
• Reverse flye.
• Standing overhead press while standing on a bosu ball.

What are some of the biggest training mistakes you’ve made?

Not eating enough.  I used to be afraid of my calorie intake and would only eat 2 or 3 times per day, and not enough per meal in order to lose weight.  That stopped working for me, and I started seeing the real muscular growth and tone when I started eating the RIGHT way.  5-6 small meals per day.

I currently eat every 2½ hours and that is how you kick start your metabolism.

Do you cook daily or cook for the week?

I don’t have a ton of time during the week, so I typically prepare my meals in bulk every Sunday evening.  That way I don’t even need to think about my meals during the week.  Just grab and go!  I think that’s the best way to stay on track.

What are your favorite cheat meals and foods?

Chunky peanut butter is my all time favorite cheat food.  If given a spoon, I could eat an entire container of it in one sitting. My dog loves it too, he gets cheat meals when I do.  Also, I’ve been known to carry a few dark chocolates on me at all times.  That way if I have a wicked craving, I can handle it and not go completely overboard.

Which athletes do you admire any why?

Chady Dunmore, she’s an excellent role model to women and her stage presence is amazing.

Workout music – What's on your MP3 player?

When I’m at the gym, I’m in my own little world, so music is a must.  Most of my workout playlist consists of Spill Canvas, Beyonce, Dashboard Confessionals, Kaskade, and No Doubt.

What are some of your favorite motivational quotes?

• “Our greatest glory is not ever failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.  The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”  ~Earl Nightingale

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

• Email: tandrews9285@gmail.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/andrewsfit

Do you have any tips for someone who is looking to compete in your sport?

Seek people that lift you up and want to see you succeed.  Get involved with athletes/competitors in your area or online…

It’s important to have a group that can help support you.  Stay motivated.  Educate yourself because there are always improvements that can be made.