Interview With Mariya Mova
Feature - 2009
Interview by: Tammy Renee'
WP: Hi Maria! Let’s begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.
MM: My name is Mariya and I am fitness professional since 1990. I am a Competitor, Model, Personal Trainer and Fitness Specialist with more then 15 years of experience, Internationally. I was born in Bulgaria, Sofia and persued a career as Fitness Coach in 1991. Soon after that, in 1992, I was on stage competing. My ambition brought me to Australia, where I residing currently and also my desire competing helped me to see different countries and to travel all around the world.
WP: I love your accent. It sounds like you have came a long way in your career. What do you feel has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
MM: My passion and dedication is the foundation to where I am today and of course the hard work and never ever giving up, as well.
WP: That's the only way to succeed. What has it been like to maintain your physique today? Has it been a tough road?
MM: I love training resistance exercise and I am addicted to the weights. This year, I am changing my diet and will maintain all year round healthy and lean diet.
WP: So, you have competed before? Can you tell me more about it?
MM: My first competition was in 1992; at that time the perspective for female bodybuilding was very different. As soon as I noticed girls becoming too muscular in the category of bodybuilding, I started doing figure and last year for first time I did bikini contest, which was fun. I love being on stage, although in life, I am very shy person.
WP: I've never known you to be shy. Sweet, yes. But, shy, no. You have always been so outgoing since I've met you. Are you planning to compete again in the future?
MM: Thank you, Tammy. Yes, I am hoping to compete this year in USA either for INBA or Flex bikini model search at the Olympia .
WP: Good luck in your future competitions. What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?
MM: I love also singing, drawing, and dancing. Basically, everything with arts I love. My latest hobby is web design. I spend everyday at least 1-2 hours designing my sites.
WP: You have a wide array of hobbies. I've seen your sites and you do such a great job. So, for all them men that is drooling over your pictures, can you tell me if you are single or taken?
MM: Ha-ha! I am single.
WP: What has figure competitions taught you thus far?
MM: Instead of being fanatically obssessd with placing and winning, the best approach is to look at the whole process as fun; mental and physical development and growth; learning and discovering new things about yourself and the impact of the training on your body and mind, the effect of your diet and the achievements on your body and your life.
WP: That is so true. What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
MM: Doing cardio was the hardest thing for me as I find physiologically I am far from an endurance physique.
WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
MM: The hardest thing concerning my diet is to not to eat after certain hours at night, I get very hungry at around 9 P.M.
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?
MM: Key factors are my energy levels, competition dates, and season.
WP: Can you tell me how your training has changed over the years?
MM: Currently, I am including various sessions like cardio, outdoors, yoga and try to stay active and motivated.
WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.
MM: I have been runner up at a national level for IFBB in Bulgaria 1992-1995. I have, many ocasions, came second or third place, but I never won a competition; well maybe this year.
WP: Just getting on stage makes you a winner! Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?
MM: I have no idea but, if I have kids they will be coming with me in the gym.
WP: That is very important. Are you doing any modeling? If so, please tell me about it.
MM: Yes, I have a couple of Modeling Agencies that represent me and I have worked on few assignments for TV shows and ads. Also, I have been published in few fitness magazines internationally, including
WP: You have quite the extended resume! Can you tell me any photographers you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?
MM: Yes. I have worked with few photographers when I was visitng USA last year for a competition held in Miami Florida (Musclemania Universe weekend). I had a photoshoot with William Uz and George Hoffman-ONYX (RIP), who I believe was one of the very best in the industry. When I heard the bad news of his passing, I couldn’t believe. He was very professional and one of the reasons I got inspiried to come to America to compete. His photos are the best in my folio and I believe that people who know his work will agree with me. I also have constant photoshoots with photographers in Australia and my official photographer, who I work with, is Tony Anastasi. We have different projects for posters, web sites, and magazines, too.
WP: Yes, he was the best. He had a signature. When you see his photos, you knew who had taken them. He was the best out there. What supplements do you currently take?
MM: I take L-Carnitine, mainly. I also take BCAA, vitamins and minerals, too.
WP: What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
MM: Health is the most important thing for me and my closest people and friends, after which comes decent income, friends and family and all of the rest.
WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
MM: I am more aware of things and try not to jump into conclusions until I test situations.
WP: You have the perfect physique. What are your stats?
MM: Thank you. I am 5 feet 6 inches tall. On season, my weight is 121. During my off season my weight is 136.
WP: Give me an example of your workout.
MM: I do at least 4 cardio sessions a week for 30-45 minutes and 3 weight sessions a week. Prior competition, I do 6 cardios a week and 4-5 weight sessions a week.
WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?
MM: I eat vegies, eggs, lean meat, fish during my on season. During my off season, I add fruits, nuts and low fat dairy.
Oh, forgot to add; also oats, brown rice are my favorite starchy carbs and ocasionally potatoes, too.
WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?
MM: I would like to develop my net business and my sites. I will continue modeling. I would like to develop my writing skills and write books and articles. At the moment, O am writing for few web sites, including mine and couple of fitness magazines. I will probably take up few new hobbies like photography. This would be fun.
WP: You will enjoy photography. I went to school for it and I see the entire world differently now. Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
MM: I would like to spread the message: STAY HEALTHY, NATURAL AND FEMININE. CURVES ARE SEXY.
WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!
MM: Thank you very much. It is my pleasure and honor.
