Dawn Fernandez

Dawn Fernandez

This month Dawn Fernandez competed at one of only two international competitions in the USA at the Arnold Classic Sports Event. She competed in the amateur open figure division and got 6th in her class against women from all over the world. Dawn tells us about the great experience that inspired her to continue her journey and keep working hard at sculpting her physique.
Author: Jonathan.L - Owner Models Observer
March 2011

1. Dawn, what sparked your interest in Figure?

Dawn Fernandez: In the early 90's I used to watch the Fitness Universe competitions on TV. The fitness competitors were entertaining, athletic and fit. I knew that I couldn’t be a fitness competitor because I don’t have a gymnastic bone in my body, so I thought I could be a figure competitor instead. That is what and when my interest in bodybuilding and competing began.

2. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

Dawn Fernandez: My motivation comes from within. I’ve always taken pride in being in shape and eating sensibly. As the years progressed and I continued to workout, eating to fuel my workouts and build my physique the more I wanted to share my story with others and inspire them to get healthy and fit for life not just a life event.

- Does competition increase your desire to succeed?

Yes, in a way the competition does. I would still workout and eat the way I do because for me it is truly a lifestyle, but I am a competitor and take the sport very seriously and want to succeed.

3. How do you choose which figure competition to participate in?

Dawn Fernandez: The sport of bodybuilding in general is very subjective. It can’t be compared to other sports because a judge (like in a pageantry) decides the outcome. It’s not always easy to choose which competitions to participate in. Once a competitor decides what their goal in the sport is and which association they want to compete in, then they can sit down and choose which competitions to participate in. I want to earn the coveted Pro Card with the National Physique Committee (NPC). So my coaches and I look at the schedule for the year and pick and choose those regional and national shows that will help position me well for that goal.

4. What is your favorite exercise, and why?

Dawn Fernandez: I don’t have a favorite exercise per say, but I do have a favorite exercise style. I like to workout using old school power lifting techniques and exercises. They are my favorite because they make me feel strong and powerful.

5. How do you determine if your body is ready for Figure competition?

Dawn Fernandez: I don’t make that determination, my coaches do.

6. Please tell me about your childhood.

Dawn Fernandez: My parents got divorced when I was six (I think), I was young. They both remarried and I lived with my mom nine months out of the year. I have a younger sister and brother. I grew up in Colorado for the most part and we moved to Arizona my freshman year in high school. I am still a Bronco fan, but I hate the snow and cold weather. Neither of my parents put us kids in sports, but I was always very competitive in school otherwise. Looking back, I wish I’d played sports. I think that I’d have been a good athlete. I didn’t grow into my looks or my body until high school. I’ve always compared myself to the ugly duckling story. I was kind of awkward looking as a kid, but when I became a teenager that all changed.

7. What do you consider your greatest strengths? And weaknesses?

Dawn Fernandez: My greatest strengths are adaptability, organization and I am highly extroverted. My greatest weaknesses are memorization and prioritization.

8. How do you evaluate your current body endurance, strength and its reaction to efforts?

Dawn Fernandez: I rely on my coaches to evaluate my body’s conditioning, but I keep track myself and I am constantly making comparisons from one week to the next. I am in tune with my body and listen to what it’s telling me. If something hurts or I notice that I am not lifting evening, I check in with my coaches or doctor.

9. Watching your photos, it's hard to believe you gave births to three boys and still look that fabulous. Any tips for women on how to look so well, fresh and young?

Dawn Fernandez: I didn’t change anything when I was pregnant. During my pregnancies I was careful about what I ate. I kept my meals healthy and proportionate. I only gained 20-25 pounds with each pregnancy. I stayed active too and found activities such as swimming to help me stay fit even in the last trimester. I also kept my skin well moisturized then and now.

10. Preparing for a Body Building or figure competition make it difficult for most people to go through their contest preparation without affecting other aspects of their life. How do you divide your time between motherhood and competing? Which challenges do you have to cope with and how can you devise a strategy to overcome these?

Dawn Fernandez: Although I have been working out for many years, I didn’t start competing until my children were grown up. It’s finding a balance and working your own personal schedule around your family’s. For instance I will either go to the gym in the morning between taking my sons to school or in the evening when they are all at practice. I think communication is critical. Listen to what those closest to you are saying and how they feel. As the athlete, I have adjusted my game plan or we’ve come to a compromise. My family and I are all very athletic, supportive of one another, encouraging and considerate. We are also each others biggest fans! The best way I’ve found to cope and overcome any challenge is to be flexible and not to take things so serious. When plan A doesn’t work, go to plan B and if that doesn’t work either, that’s what plan C is for. I am spontaneous and can come up with plan B or C without a moments notice. Contest prep is easy for me because this is a lifestyle and not something I do part time.

11. While training in the gym, what inefficient uses of fitness equipment, weight lifting equipment, abs workout and total body workout do you see amongst men and women?

Dawn Fernandez: The greatest inefficiency I see on a regular basis is poor form. Performing any exercise improperly or trying to lift too heavily that it throws your form off isn’t going to get a person the results they desire and can result in serious injury.

12. Do you feel men are intimidated by you in the gym? You're probably in better shape than most of them.

Dawn Fernandez: I am comfortable working out alone and know my way around all the weights, machines and equipment. When I am at the gym, I don’t chit chat a lot and am very focused on my workout. I am sure that there are some men that are intimidated by me at the gym, but I think more of them are either impressed or motivated.

13. Was it easy for you to find the right man who understood your needs as an athlete and Figure competitor?

Dawn Fernandez: Yes, it was easy. In fact it was my husband that introduced me to weight lifting and got me hooked on the sport. He is my coach, travel companion, photographer and biggest fan! I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for him and couldn’t do this without him!

14. What do you like to do in your spare time? Spare time?

Dawn Fernandez: I don’t have spare time, there is always something that needs to be done. I am always on the go and have a hard time just sitting still. I do like the outdoors though and taking time out to hike, boat or take a road trip.

15. What is your favorite movie? Which movie genres do you like the most?

Dawn Fernandez: I don’t have a favorite movie, but I like movies that make me laugh, are action packed or very girly. I’ll see just about anything except scary horror movies. However, don’t ask me to remember anything about the movie. I like to go and be entertained, but see no reason and care not to remember anything about it. Guess that is why I don’t have a favorite.

16. What is next for you? Where are you heading now?

Dawn Fernandez: I want to earn my Pro Card with the National Physique Committee (NPC). My coaches and I are working towards that goal. I am also in the process of transitioning into and making a career for myself in the fitness industry.

Dawn can be reached at themoderatelifestyle@cox.net