Adela Garcia: Training for The Arnold
Q: We are four days out from the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. How are you feeling?
Adela: As the defending champion I carry a little bit more pressure than the other competitors. I believe every single move we make each day it is important to keep the pressure away and stay focused on the goal. It involves our training, nutrition, supplementation, friends, family, fans, and sponsors.
Q: What has your training been like recently?
Adela: The training aspect of the preparation has to be on point at all times. Having a schedule eases the process and it empowers us to stay on track with our goals. As I get closer to step on stage my main focus is to be perfect in my fitness routine. This requires practice every day for 1 hour to develop my endurance and be able to perform a perfect routine.
I put a lot of emphasis on the routine the last week of the show since my body is ready and I can cut my strength training to 3 times a week instead of 5. It is important for me to have my routine coach with me prior to a major event. Since he’s arrived, we have been working nonstop to make sure I am conditioned and confident. I feel that I am ready!
Q: What has your nutrition plan been like leading up to the event?
Adela: My nutrition has been on point, well with a few cookies here and there after the Flex Pro Show. There is no room for cookies at this point though. As an athlete we must stay on track with our nutrition. Our bodies need the fuel to perform at the best capacity. I am eating 6 meals a day and my meals are based on solid foods. My meals consist of egg whites, fish, bison, asparagus, kale, oatmeal, and avocado. Pretty simple but full of nutrients to keep my energy up.
Q: What kind of supplements are you taking?
Adela: Supplementation is key factor during my training and off-season as well. I am blessed to have GNC to supply me with top of the line supplements to keep me on top on my game. My number one supplement is Triple Strength Fish Oil.
Most people know there are benefits of supplementing Fish Oil. Problem is, most just don't know how many benefits there are. Heart health, brain health, skin health, joint support, inflammation reduction, fat loss aide, lowers cholesterol, maintenance of healthy blood pressure, lowers triglyceride levels, and hormone support*. Some of these benefits, of course, don't go on un-argued but that's for you to decide for yourself.
Q: Are there any other supplements you feel are important in your training routine?
Adela: BCAA and Glutamine are my two others top supplements during contest prep.
Glutamine is extremely important to your intestines as it helps maintain your gut structure. Studies have shown that glutamine increases growth hormone by up 400% when at least 2 grams are consumed*. During contest prep we must make up for the glutamine that is depleted during intense training. Glutamine prevents lean muscle mass depletion and it helps preserve the hydration and volume of cells*.
BCAAs seem to reduce muscle breakdown during exercise, increase protein synthesis, regulate blood sugar levels and aid in fat loss. Additionally, BCAAs have been studied for their potential role in delaying central nervous system fatigue especially in athletes*.
Q: How do the people who are close to you in your life effect your preparation?
Adela: Family and friends, play a major role on my contest prep. I believe in surrounding myself with positive and uplifting individuals. Having family and friends that understand the process of contest prep eases our struggles. I am blessed to have a handful of friends and of course my family that offer me support and are always there for me when I need them. Their understanding is essential in order to stay positive and motivated.
Q: What keeps you motivated to keep going?
Adela: Fans, they keep you going each and every day. I am there for them and they are there for me. One of the major satisfactions in life is to know that each day you touch someone’s life. I love posting motivational quotes, videos, pictures on my fan page: Adela Garcia Facebook Fan page. My fans keep me inspired and motivate me to strive to become my very best.
Q: What has your partnership with GNC meant to you?
Adela: Representing the number one company in the world has been one of the most rewarding blessings in my career. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing team. We are family and not to mention my supplements are always at my front door when I need them.
I am ready to step on stage and make my GNC family proud and thankful for the opportunity to be a sponsored athlete through such a great company!
Adela describes a fitness workout she is about to perform in this exclusive video:
After walking through the workout Adela puts herself to the test:
--- Follow Adela on Twitter @FitchampGNCteam
*Opinions do not represent the views of GNC. All thoughts, information, & opinions are her own.
