World Physique

Why do we call it our Next-In-Line Pro? These competitors are the ones we feel will become a Pro soon. They have great accomplishments in this industry and we feel they will be the ones' to watch in the coming months.

There's a saying, "Success breeds success". Danielle Armstrong epitomizes that adage in all aspects of her life. A third-year medical student specializing in forensic pathology, black belt in karate, successful fitness model, award-winning Bikini Competitor, and now she's breaking into fitness. Everything Danielle touches turns to gold; however, she works extremely hard for everything she's accomplished. Find out what it takes to breed success from someone who has the formula.

"...I think we have a tendency to have an all or nothing attitude when it comes to exercise. If you only have 15 minutes, go ahead and walk the dog, ride your bike, or go for a jog. Any exercise is better than none."

WP: Hi Danielle! Thank you for doing this interview! Tell us a little about yourself!

DA: I’m a third year medical student at Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine and am getting my Masters of Forensics specializing in forensic pathology. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in French and Minor in Spanish. I have a M.S. from Oklahoma State Center for Health Sciences where I researched the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids.

I’m from Tulsa, OK, and have two dogs, Hercules and Achilles (both are from the shelter). I lived in both France and Mexico, so I speak both French and Spanish. I’m an army girl, too. I’m an elite fitness model with FAME and plan on competing in fitness this year. I love to laugh and can generally be found with a smile on my face!

WP: How did you become interested in competing in fitness?

DA: I’ve always been active; I grew up playing sports. When I was in college, I competed in ballroom dance and loved performing. Unfortunately, my partner moved. I viewed fitness as a way to challenge myself physically and still satisfy my love of performing and my love of dance. I’m not flexible naturally, so prepping for Fitness has taken a lot of work.

WP: You started competing in fitness modeling a year and a half ago; what got you started?

DA: I’d been talking about competing for years, but self- doubt and injuries stopped me from doing so. When I was accepted into medical school, I felt like anything was possible so I decided to just go for it. Also, I viewed fitness modeling as a way to push myself and come out of my shell; I’m an introvert and bookworm, so getting up on stage in a posing suit and heels has forced me to overcome some of that social anxiety.

WP: You’ve done extremely well on the competition circuit! Can you tell me what titles you hold?

DA: I won Overall Bikini at the 2009 Kendra Elias Battle of the Bodies and placed 3rd in Bikini Tall at the 2010 Battle of the Bodies. I won 1st runner up in Advanced Fitness Model at the 2009 FAME International Championships.

WP: You are really making your mark on the competition scene. Are you planning to compete in any upcoming modeling competitions?

DA: Yes, I am. I plan on competing in Fitness at Red River in October and in both fitness and fitness model at the 2010 FAME World Championships.

WP: You are one hardworking woman! You’re in your third year of medical school and in the military; how do you manage to fit in your training with everything else you do?

DA: Basically, I get up early and go to bed late, so I definitely don’t sleep as much as I should. It also means sacrificing my social life to train sometimes.

WP: Sacrifice is the name of the game in competition. How long have you been involved in gymnastics?

DA: I started gymnastics when I was 10 and then quit as an adolescent due to injuries. I picked it up again last June. It’s been challenging trying to work through injuries and re-learn how to tumble.

WP: It must be difficult relearning a skill after so many years, but it has really become an asset to your training. What other elements do you incorporate in your training? Can you give me an example of your current workout routine?

DA: During competition season, I get up before work (usually at 5:00 am) to do morning cardio. I, then, do weight training in the evening followed by another 20-30 minutes of cardio. I split up my weight training into muscle groups; for example, I do chest on Mondays, back on Tuesdays, legs on Wednesdays, arms on Thursdays, and shoulders on Fridays. Saturdays are cardio days. I also have gymnastics Tuesday and Thursday nights and have routine practice on Sunday.

WP: You train seven days a week! Now, that’s dedication. How is your current regiment different from before you started modeling?

DA: It’s much more structured which suits my personality better. I had a bad habit of getting up about 15 minutes before needing to leave. With the strict training, those days are over. My diet is also different. I have hypoglycemia and often would go many hours without eating, and then, pass out. With my structured eating schedule, I have to eat every 3 hours which means my blood sugar is more controlled and I feel better physically. I also had to give up partying every weekend. So, I had to say goodbye to a lot of my social life. In addition, my cooler has become my new best friend!

WP: You really have embraced a healthy lifestyle and it’s paying off! What are the key factors that dictate the way you train?

DA: A desire to improve and better myself with each competition. My goal is to get my WNSO pro card, which definitely motivates me to train hard.

WP: What does your usual daily diet look like?

DA: During competition season, I live off of oatmeal, egg whites, tuna, chicken, whey and casein protein powder, veggies, and sweet potatoes. I usually eat something small before my morning cardio to keep my blood sugar stable. I eat every three hours after that. For a snack between meals, protein powder is best because clinic and hospitals can be very fast paced, and it doesn’t take long to mix in a shaker. During off season, I add more varied carbs like brown rice, brown rice pasta, and more healthy fats like peanut butter. I also get a cheat meal off season, so I get to satisfy my dark chocolate craving.

WP: With work, school and training, how do you maintain a healthy eating regiment when you’re always on the go?

DA: I prepare my meals for the week on Sundays and Wednesdays. I prepackage my food the night before so all I have to do is throw it in my trusty cooler before heading off to work. I always have my cooler on me. That way, my food is always with me, and I have no excuses. I’ve also grown to love my shaker for my protein powder when I don’t have time to sit for a meal.

WP: Yes, the trusty shaker is so valuable in a pinch. Do you take any supplements?

DA: I do. I take Creatine Monohydrate, protein powder, a calcium supplement, vitamin D, folic acid, fish oil, coconut oil, flaxseed, CoQ (for better ATP utilization) and a multi-vitamin.

WP: That is a lot of vitamins! You are really knowledgeable about your supplementation. What is the hardest thing you’ve had to deal with when it comes to your diet?

DA: I love my dark chocolate and peanut butter, so giving those up is always tough. With the hypoglycemia, finding a food plan that allowed me to keep my sugar level also presented a bit of a challenge, but it’s under control now. Carrying around a cooler can be a pain sometimes; too, and usually will elicit a few comments from coworkers. And, at times eating out can be challenging; I feel bad for the waiters taking my order.

WP: Just make sure you tip them well when they get your order right. Tell me more about your fitness modeling; what photographers have you worked with?br>
DA: I’ve worked with Tim Bennett, who is amazing. I’ve also worked with Tim Rollans who is also a fantastic photographer. I’d love to work with both of them again. In the future, I’d like to work with Sarah Picturegroove Photography.

WP: Do you have any other hobbies or activities you’re involved in? I hear you also have your black belt in karate!

DA: I do! I love martial arts and hope to get back into MMA style fighting soon. I have two big dogs (a bull terrier and a pit bull) I enjoy walking and am learning to rollerblade with them currently. I love to salsa dance, so if the opportunity presents itself I’ll go tear up the dance floor! I also belly dance every now and then. I love to read medical mysteries and science journals in my downtime.

WP: You are a regular jack of all trades! What do you believe has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

DA: My family has been incredibly supportive. I would not be where I am without them. I also can be stubborn and refuse to take no for an answer and refuse to accept defeat. This has worked in my favor. I think determination has been a big factor, too. If someone told me I couldn’t do something, it just makes me that much more determined to prove I can succeed.

WP: So, where do you see your career and life in 10 years?

DA: My dream since I was 10 was to be a pathologist for the CDC or be a medical examiner. I also plan on continuing my military service and continuing to compete in fitness. Hopefully, in 10 years I’ll have my pro card. I would also like to start an animal rescue group. Depending on how life presents itself, a family is also a possibility.

WP: You had high career goals set for you at such a young age and continue to dream big. That is extremely commendable! What are your plans for after you finish medical school and your masters program?

DA: If I decide to go into forensic pathology, I will have a four- year residency followed by a year fellowship. Afterwards, I’d like to be a medical examiner or pathologist for the CDC. I will continue with my military service. I still plan on competing, too.

WP: No rest for the weary! What does your family think of your healthy lifestyle?

DA: They are very supportive. I think they worry sometimes that my competition diet may be too limited. They probably think I’ve become a hermit since starting to compete. I know they probably dread going out to eat with me during competition season!

WP: For someone who still finds time to train seven days a week with everything you have going on, what advice do you have for those who think they are too busy to fit in exercise?

DA: You’re never too busy for exercise. You don’t have to train like a fitness competitor to be healthy. I think we have a tendency to have an all or nothing attitude when it comes to exercise. If you only have 15 minutes, go ahead and walk the dog, ride your bike, or go for a jog. Any exercise is better than none. And, if you don’t have time to go to the gym, just buy some exercise bands and dumbbells and do a quick weight program at home.

Also, don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout. When I was at military training in San Antonio, we were out in the field for 5 days at a time, so I couldn’t train like I normally do. I just got back to training as soon as I could. That’s the beauty of muscle memory. And, if you travel, buy some bands. They are a great, cheap and portable workout.

WP: All are excellent pieces of advice. What about to those who think it’s impossible to eat healthy on the go?

DA: It’s definitely not impossible! If you have to eat out, just order a grilled chicken sandwich without sauce. At restaurants, make the special request to hold the sauce or ask for no butter. I prepare my meals in advance and carry a small cooler with me, allowing me to grab food on the go.

I know there are circumstances where you won’t be able to eat like you normally do. Do your best and make healthy substitutions when possible. When we were at training, we ate whatever we were given. I just substituted the whole wheat bread for the mashed potatoes and would pull the skin off the fried chicken.

WP: You should write a book on on-the-go nutrition tips! What kind of example do you want to set for other career driven women?

DA: I want to show them that you can be fit even if you are focusing on a career other than fitness. My career is medicine, but I still make time to eat healthy and workout. Don’t let your career be an excuse for leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Find a balance between your personal time and your career.

WP: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you?

DA: My favorite shows are Criminal Minds and Dexter. I’m a member of PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine).

Don’t let people tell you something is impossible. I’ve had to work hard at this sport. It takes me forever to put on muscle, and I’m not naturally flexible. Not to mention, I was pretty clumsy in the heels when I first started; I actually tripped on stage. So, if you have any self-doubt about a goal of yours, don’t let it be an excuse to prevent you from pursuing that goal. Work hard and overcome those odds!

If anyone is looking to sponsor a slightly nerdy, hard-working competitor, I’m your girl!

WP: Do you have any shout outs?

DA: Hello family, Neda, Jewels, Elise, and my coaches Michael and Kendra Elias!

WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming modeling competitions and the rest of your future endeavors!

DA: Thank you so much for the opportunity!