Carla Sanchez
by Gene
X Hwang - January 2003
Fitness
competitions are not easy, and with the introduction of figure, the ranks
of fitness athletes has seemed to be on the decline, but in Colorado,
that's definitely not the case and anyone who was at the 2002
NPC Nationals knows that the Performance Ready Team is a growing force
in fitness.
The
team was started by IFBB pro Carla Sanchez.
"After
receiving my pro card in 1997, I would regularly receive phone calls from
girls wondering about contest prep. They wanted to know about training,
diet, stage color, make-up, suit and costume selection, routine choreography,
where to buy heels, etc. With my experience as a fitness competitor, personal
trainer, and former Denver Broncos cheerleader, I felt I had the experience
and resources to begin a 'fitness competitor training program,'"
says Sanchez.
"Since
I was basically on the 'injured reserve' list from 1998-2000 (lots of
knee surgeries), I had time to implement my ideas and thus, founded Performance
Ready, LLC in August 2000. Since then, PR has developed beyond just a
'training program' to a very disciplined and commited group of women."
Carla's
name is synonymous with excellence in fitness as she also won the NPC
Colorado Trainer of the Year award for 2000 and 2001.
Pretty
impressive accomplishments and a great start for the team for sure. This
year, Sanchez already has 21 women on the team. They range in ages from
20-40 years and they all have varying athletic/fitness backgrounds and
abilities.
"I'm
proud to say that all of the women on the team have begun their fitness
competition careers with the team. This past year, I had one competitor,
Tanisha Harrison compete in the National Figure Championships. She placed
13th and surprisingly, this was only her second show ever! As a matter
of fact, all of the National competitors I had in 2002 had very little
competition experience. The most experienced competitors were Melissa
Flannery with just two contests under her belt prior to Nationals (she
has only been training since June, 2002) and Desiree Cezanne and Tara
Richards who both competed in their third competition."
With
the Arnold Classic fast upon us, and the inaugural Pro Figure division
being unveiled, Sanchez already has a team member in place, Christine
Pomponio.
So
what is it about the Performance Ready Team that differentiates it from
others?
In
Sanchez's words, "First of all, we truly are a team! The girls actually
sign an 11-month athlete agreement and they all train together. We have
a team gymnastics class, team track workouts, team strength and conditioning
training, as well as small group strength training. Our gymnastics coach
is Steve Lake; we have a strength and conditioning coach, Jim
Tindall, Ph.D.; choreographers, Erika Tomlinson and Heather Starr;
track coach, Dave Reese and I'm the head 'hooch!'"
So
what does a 'hooch' do? According to Sanchez, she helps with everything:
stage presence, hair and make-up, routine choreography, training, diet,
promotions, etc. The team also provides an incredible support system,
high-energy atmosphere and constant motivation.
"It's
so beneficial to be able to train with a group of highly motivated women
who share a common passion for fitness and a commitment to the 'fitness
lifestyle.' Due to my competition schedule and because I want to provide
personal attention to all the girls on my team, I am unable to help other
competitors individually. The reality is, I just don't have the time to
give the necessary one-on-one training and I also feel it's important
that a competitor works exclusively with a 'team' of individuals who share
the same training philosophy. I like helping a competitor tie everything
together, instead of just helping here and there. In my opinion, the training,
the diet, the routine, etc., all have to work together in order for the
competitor to find success. I remember one time I was helping a competitor
with her routine and noticed that despite her high degree of strength
moves, she had absolutely no stamina which made her routine look very
weak and sloppy," Sanchez adds.
"When
I suggested that she incorporate sprints and interval training into her
workouts, she told me that her trainer didn't want her doing any cardio,
because she might lose too much muscle! I found that very frustrating,
because I was limited in how much I could truly help her. I don't believe
fitness is bodybuilding, so you can't train in the same way a bodybuilder
does. I enjoy working with a 'set' team for a season. It's rare to find
something like this for adult women, not to mention a group of women who
are so supportive of one another."
Of
course the training and preparation is just one element as the name of
the team itself implies a performance aspect. This year part of the team
will perform fitness routines as a group called 'Carla Sanchez and the
GlamourJock Divas.' With plans to perform nationally they feel that they
can take advantage of their power in numbers, so they'll be participating
in several charity events throughout the year, promoting health and fitness.
They'll also be hosting Fitness and Figure seminars in February, June,
September and November at The Point Athletic Club.
And
to keep things balanced, Sanchez likes to make sure to incorporate enjoyable
activites as well as the fitness regimen.
"I
feel it's really important to try to live somewhat balanced and take some
time do something other than train, make protein shakes and pose! It's
important not to become so obsessed with training and diet or you'll burn
out very fast! I've learned that even fitness competitors need to have
some fun! I don't mean go out and party every weekend, but find a way
to still be social with friends and family. We've had some fun bachelorette
parties, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, team dinners, etc. So,
yes we train hard and take our training very seriously, but hey, you gotta
work in a margarita or a bucket of popcorn at the movies every once in
awhile," she adds with a smile.
Sanchez
and her team are also grateful for all the help and support they've been given
from Jeff Taylor, Colorado's NPC chairman ("for all of his support"),
IZBA Spa ("for the great rub-downs"),
Cyto-Charge and Christine Marsh Designs
("for her beautiful suits and costumes").
Sanchez
and her team would like to thank their sponsors: Cyto-charge, The Point
Athletic Club and Meridian Physical Therapy. She is also planning on promoting
her own fitness, figure, cheerleading and dance competition in late August
2003 and will debut her GlamourJock workout and streetwear line.
Carla
Sanchez's contest summary for 2002:
-
2002 Pittsburgh Pro- 5th overall; 1ST IN THE ROUTINE!
- 2002
SW Pro- 5th place
- 2002
Slovia Pro- 6th place
For
More Information, visit the official site at: www.carlasanchez.com
