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Mejia finds niche in natural body building
May 22, 2012 (The Deming Headlight - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
A former Lady Wildcat basketball player has found that her athletic background has opened avenues toward a healthier lifestyle.
Tiffany S. Mejia became bored with traditional sports upon graduating from Deming High School in 2007. As a Lady 'Cat basketball player she maintained a peak conditioning that translated into a healthy lifestyle while attending New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.
"I'm a personal trainer at Prime Time Fitness in Las Cruces and I also work out at Ultimate Fitness in Deming, said Mejia, a 23-year-old senior studying criminal justice at NMSU. "I have been certified for about a year now and really wanted to do something to challenge myself."
Mejia began training with body building in mind and she entered her first competition on May 12, in El Paso. She competed in the Natural Bodybuilding Border States Body Building and Fitness Competition held at the newly built East Lake High School in the Horizon City development.
"Body building has been extremely challenging," Mejia said. The nutritional end alone has been rewarding and I truly enjoy the workout phase in preparing for this first competition."
Mejia pushed herself not knowing what to expect and came in prepared for the competition in what she thought was tip-top shape.
"I can see how difficult and demanding the preparation is now," Mejia said after her first-ever competition. "It was nerve-racking, but also an eye opener as to what I can do to be better."
She placed second among four women in the bikini fitness division. They were judged by a panel of four who scored the women based on muscle tone, definition, symmetry, overall fitness and suit (bikini).
"There was one woman in the overall competition who was 47 years old and she gave me the best advice," Mejia said. She said, 'Just have fun with... Don't concern yourself with the judges."
That was fine and dandy for the pre-judging early in the day. But the actual on-stage judging in front of an audience was intimidating to say the least.
"You have to be confident, or your flaws will show," Mejia said.
She plans to continue training in this little corner of natural body building and will take on the NPC (National Physique Committee) event on July 7, in Albuquerque.
"I have a couple of months to train and get ready," Mejia said. "It's my new hobby and a complete lifestyle change."
Billy Armendariz can be reached at barmendariz@demingheadlight.com. Follow us on Twitter: @demingheadlight. CUTLINE: Billy Armendariz/Headlight Photo Tiffany S. Mejia proudly hold her plaque for finishing second in the Natural Body Building Border States Competition held May 12, in El Paso, Texas.
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(Deming, N.M.) at www.demingheadlight.com Distributed by MCT Information
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