Stacey Seaver
by gene x hwang - April 27, 1999
Stacey Seaver is working to change the perception of what a female bodybuilder
is, and in the process, ignite her evolving career. Unlike many who dream
of reaching the top of their sport by winning it's biggest title, Seaver
is grounded in her approach to bodybuilding and what she can achieve through
it. Seaver, like many bodybuilders, was an athlete in both
high school and college, and upon graduation, felt the loss of competition,
which pushed her towards bodybuilding.
"Once that phase of my life ended, I filled the void with
weight training, which eventually lead to competitive bodybuilding. In
addition to that, I had always been intrigued with women's bodybuilding."
That intrigue sparked Seaver to work to promote herself
through bodybuilding while at the same time promoting women's bodybuilding
to the rest of the general public.
"I have a very supportive group of friends who have been there
with me through it all. Without them, I wouldn't have gotten this far.
Although I come from an athletic family, they aren't quite keen on the
bodybuilding lifestyle. My brother has been pretty supportive of my endeavors
and has been to a few shows. My mom came to see me for the first time
at the Jr. Nationals, but we haven't gotten Dad to one yet. If it was
up to them, they would've rather seen see me walking the LPGA courses,"
she jokes.
On the other side of the coin, the bodybuilding community in Houston is
an active and growing one full of support for the locals. "From my gym
alone (One2One Fitness), there were five of us who competed in the 1998
Nationals in Atlanta, in addition to two fitness competitors. I'm lucky
to be able to work-out in an environment conducive to competing at this
level," she adds.
With that in mind, Seaver continues to train hard to improve
her physique, but has no delusions about her competitive future.
"I take one year at a time. I don't have a desire to necessarily
compete at the pro level. That would not be a realistic goal considering
there are no weight classes at that level, not to mention I would have
to possibly jeopardize my feminity to achieve a pro-level physique. Besides,
landing a contract endorsement seems more lucrative and attainable."
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And that is the point where Seaver's goals differ from some in the sport.
With the women in the pro ranks getting bigger and harder over time, Seaver
cannot envision pushing herself to do whatever it would take to compete
at that level, but nevertheless makes no judgements about her fellow competitors.
"It takes alot of hard work, determination and discipline
to achieve that look. I have always been impressed by their level of conditioning.
Those women make a choice to reach that level, and am in no position to
judge them. I respect them."
"Let's face it - it gets expensive to compete, and some
individuals will go to some extremes to make money to supplement their
sport. I will never resort to this. I would like to receive a contract
endorsement and be a positive role model for future competitors in this
sport, and I felt this mission statement was important to publicize because
I want to show this to companies and individuals who might be interested
in me as a spokesperson and as a role model - if I ever reach that status,"
she adds modestly.
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Her Mission
Statement:
As a proud member of the bodybuilding industry, I promise to represent
myself in a professional and ethical manner. Because of the firm commitment
I have made to myself and our industry, I will represent myself with utmost
professionalism in a promotional or profitable capacity. I endeavor to
develop relationships within the industry that will enable me to display
my physique in a manner that portrays the beauty of the human body and
its unlimited potential; and not in any disrespectful, pornographic or
obscene nature. |
In the offseason, Seaver trains quite heavy, employing a five day on and
two day off weekly training schedule, but avoiding any unneccessary cardio
work. Her training includes: Flat Bench Presses with 235 lbs. (2-3 reps
w/spot), Smith Presses with 265 lbs., Dumbell Shoulder Presses with 55
lb. dumbells, 85 lb. Straight Barbell Bicep curls (30 lb. each arm with
dumbells, and Pull-ups for reps with a 25 lb. plate attached! In her typically positive manner, when asked about her
dress code in the offseason, Seaver laughs, adding, "let's see.....in
the off-season.....NO, I don't dress to impress! However, when I'm lean
and getting ready for a show, then the answer is yes! For instance, when
I'm training during off-season, you can forget about EVER seeing me in
a thong or a skimpy work-out outfit! I'm always covered up! When I begin
to see my body getting leaner, that's when I start shedding the clothes
and start wearing more revealing articles of clothing. Don't get me wrong,
I don't get fat by any means in off-season, but I don't feel as comfortable
in those type of clothes w/out a more defined physique."
And that physique certainly draws a lot of attention. With
her impressive showing at the 1998 Nationals and her preparation for the
1999 USAs, Seaver is working as hard on her training as she is in promoting
the sport she represents, with very positive results.
Outside of the gym, Seaver enjoys mountain biking, roller blading, golfing,
and even playing pick-up football with her friends. Her other interests
are much like anyone else her age, but she also loves to cook for people
during the off season where she can also partake in the indulgences.
For the remainder of 1999, her focus is currently set on
competing in the NPC USA's in Santa Monica.
"Based on the outcome of the USA's, I will determine what
will be my next step. I can't predict the future," she states matter-of-factly.
As a closing note, Seaver adds: "Please visit my website at http://www.staceyseaver.com
where you can order photos or just email
me!!!
Send comments, critiques, inquiries, etc. to genex@genex9.com
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