Claudia Hope

Featured New-Comer - February 2011





Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Photos by: Satio Photography.


Claudia Hope was born and raised in Georgia. She always tries to stay positive and have fun! She loves spending time with her family and friends. Sports have always been a huge part of her life. Her daddy, being a big sports man and playing baseball most of his life, has always pushed Claudia to be the best athlete she can be.

When Claudia graduated from high school she decided she had to find something to do since she wouldn't be playing sports every day. She started going to aerobics classes at her university. The instructor quickly asked her if she was interested in getting certified to teach. Since the day she was certified, she has been teaching group fitness classes and has loved every minute of it! It is truly her passion! She loves motivating and pushing people to be the best they can be and reach their goals every day.

"...Fitness is so interesting to me because I see what it can do to people's bodies. Being on the right fitness program, diet program and sleep program can truly transform your life and make you a happier and healthy person. Anyone who has changed their lifestyle from unhealthy to healthy can tell you that they feel like a different person."

WP: How long have you been in the fitness industry?

I have been a group fitness instructor for 15 years.

WP: What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?

It has always been a dream of mine. I can remember when I was a little girl watching my aunt compete in bodybuilding and thinking how I wish I could do that. Seeing her body in such good shape, watching her eat her meals and seeing her so happy when she stepped on-stage had a large impact on me. I have always been the type of girl that wants to make people happy and push them to live their dreams. I have dreamed big, but never followed through with my dreams and tried to live them, until I met Zack. I decided that it was time for me to start living my dreams and working on meeting the goals I have had for many years. I still, to this day, have my aunt's pictures and look at them to motivate me and push me on those hard days when you just want to quit.

WP: What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor's degree in Inter-related Special Education and a master's degree in Educational Leadership. I also have multiple Les Mills certifications.

WP: What helps you get up each morning?

Well, without a question, the number one thing that gets me up in the mornings is my two beautiful little girls. Knowing that God has given me another day to make a difference in their lives and remain a healthy and positive influence for them as long as I can.

Also, it puts a smile on my face when I know God has given me another day to make a difference in someone else's life to help them reach and set new goals. Knowing that I can step foot on stage that afternoon and motivate just one person to exercise, have fun and make a life style for themselves makes me the happiest person in the world.

WP: What motivates you?

The main thing that motivates me every day is the results and feelings I get form working out and living a healthy lifestyle. Waking up in the morning and knowing I have eaten clean, worked out, and gotten a full nights rest motivates me to do it all over again. Of course, seeing my fitness idols and reading my favorite fitness magazines, motivates me to work hard and follow in their footsteps. Last and certainly not least, all my friends and fans motivate me to work hard and live every day.

WP: Since you just did a photo shoot three months ago, how does modeling feel?

I have done some fitness modeling and hope to do more in my future. Modeling is something that makes me feel like I am on top of the world at that moment. It gives me self-confidence and allows me to be comfortable in my own skin.

WP: What are you goals?

I feel like I have so many goals. I love having goals and dreaming of what could be. That is what pushes me every day to get stronger and better myself. Right now, my short term goals are my competition in March. I am really working on shaping my lower body and getting it to where I have all the confidence I need to step on that stage. As long as I know I have given it everything I have, I will be happy and ready to step in the stoplight.

Another one of my goals right now is to continue to work hard and get myself out there in the fitness world to accomplish and live my dreams. There are so many people in the fitness industry I would love to meet and talk to.

My long term goals would definitely be to get my pro card and continue to grow in the fitness industry where I would love to work with supplement companies.

WP: What future projects do you have planned?

Right now, I am really just concentrating on my competition in March. I have a photo shoot planned with an amazing photographer right after my show. I am just going to take one thing at a time and leave everything else in God's hands. I have and will always believe as long as I give everything I have and work for my goals unconditionally. God will provide what he has planned for me.

WP: You are about to enter your first bikini show. Tell me about that.

Yes, I am doing my first bikini competition this March in Atlanta, Georgia. I am competing in the 2011 NPC Atlantic USA.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I definitely feel that one of my strengths is the passion I have for what I do. Fitness and working hard is one of the most important things in my life. When I reach my goals it makes me happy and I feel a great sense of accomplish. Of course, I have hard days and days I almost want to quit, but having the love for what I do gets me through it and ready for the next day. I also feel that being such a competitive person is a strength of mine. Being competitive always pushes me to be the best I can be and accomplish my goals.

I feel that a weakness of mine is not always getting the rest that I need. I feel that I can over train and put too much strain on my body at times for working too hard and wanting to do too much.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

I really feel I don't have a problem with sticking to my workouts. I have my days when I am tired and I just don't want to do much, but I always remind myself how much better I will feel when it is all done. I am always thinking that this particular workout might be the one that determines first from second or second from third. I can read my body and tell whether I am having a tried lazy day, or if my body really is in need of rest. If need be, I will take a rest day and be ready to give all I have my next workout. I feel that it is very important to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. When you don't do give the body the rest it needs, you are asking for those days of low motivation and the feeling of being burned out.

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

Fitness is so interesting to me because I see what it can do to people's bodies. Being on the right fitness program, diet program and sleep program can truly transform your life and make you a happier and healthy person. Anyone who has changed their lifestyle from unhealthy to healthy can tell you that they feel like a different person. It gives you more energy, makes you feel better and allows you to enjoy life and live an active lifestyle.

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. I love asking this question. Ha-ha.

I love to watch "I Carly".

WP: How have you changed over the years?

I am definitely a stronger person inside and out. Modeling and getting into the fitness world has also made me a more confident girl and allowed me to be happy with the body God gave me. I can only be in charge of me and control the body that I have.

WP: Any shout outs?

I have to give a big shout out to my best friend, Tara Johns that lives in Singapore, I have to send a shout out to all my friends and biggest supporters back home at "Bodyplex of Milledgeville". Of course, a huge shout out goes to my biggest supporter and trainer, Zack Bell and last but not least, to my parents, who live their life everyday to make me the happiest girl in the world. I love you mommy and daddy!

WP: What is your diet?

I eat every 2-1/2 to 3 hours. My diet consists of lean sources of protein, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. I have a clean diet that allows me to stay lean, while maintaining my energy levels throughout the day and throughout my workouts. I am always trying new healthy recipes to keep my diet clean and fun, and yes, I will allow myself a cheat meal every once in awhile to keep me motivated!

WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

I have to say my "Papa" had the most impact on me in my life. He was an incredible, strong, and dedicated man in everything he did. He taught me everyday how to live my life to the fullest and love everything and everyone around me. He also taught me that I had to work for everything in my life and nothing was going to be handed to me. I always knew he loved me for who I was and would support me in anything and everything I did. Even though he is not with me today, I know he is my biggest supporter and motivator out there. He would be telling me, "Honey, live today like it's your last day; no one is promised to be here tomorrow. Live, have fun, but make your mama proud!"

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I love spending time with my boyfriend, family and friends. I love to shop and watch movies. For quiet time, I love to get one of my favorite fitness magazines and read.

WP: You talk a lot about your family. Tell me about them.

I have two beautiful little girls that I live my life for every day. Being able to show them a healthy way of living and an active lifestyle makes me such a happy mother. When seeing them exercising in the living room, asking me for fruits and vegetables to eat and hearing the words "mommy you are so pretty and healthy", makes every sweat and tear worthwhile. I also have an amazing boyfriend that I have talked about this whole interview. I truly cannot speak enough good words about him and his family. I am so blessed to have them in my life and I honestly thank God for them every day. Zack lives his life to make me happy every day. I have the two most wonderful parents a girl could ask for. They have always been my rock through good and hard times in my life. They both have two amazing hearts and have always pushed me to do my best and be a girl of honor and integrity. They have truly made me the person I am today.

WP: What supplements do you take and why?

I take a few different supplements. I take a protein supplement for the occasional meal replacement and for recovery from hard workouts. I also take a BCAA supplement from time to time to help with endurance and repair. I take a pre-workout supplement on the days that I have resistance training and I have to teach my group and fitness classes. I use it for energy and endurance as these are my long days. Lastly, I take general health supplements, such as a multi-vitamin and fish oil for general health support.

WP: What accomplishments have you achieved thus far in your life that you are proud of?

I have completed a half-marathon and two full marathons.

WP: Anything you would like to mention before we close?

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk with you today. It's an honor to be able to share a little bit about myself with you. For everyone out there, remember to live your life to the fullest and reach for your goals and dreams every day. Just don't forget who you are and what you stand for along the way. If you can close your eyes at night and open them in the morning knowing you have been the best person you can be, you have succeeded in life.

WP: Well said! Thank you for your time and it's been a pleasure interviewing you!

Thank you, it has been a pleasure talking to you too and hopefully we will talk again soon!