WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model Sharon Polsky Interview

Why did you decide to begin training and exercising?

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I have always been an athlete but a champion equestrian is quite different then most of the sports the girls in our industry participate in. I spent my days wrestling with horses, navigating obstacles, and mucking out stalls; so needless to say I did not have a well rounded fitness program. While competing in equestrian events I was also an aerobics instructor but fitness did not become my lifestyle until college. I attended a very small all women’s private college in Pittsburgh, PA called Chatham College where I was lost and needed to find my way and I found my way through a dear girlfriend who led me into the gym. Once I got a taste of pushing weights I was found. It was like wrestling with horses all over again, but this time it was on my terms and there was no turning back. Since college I have been a virtual sponge absorbing every bit of information I can about nutrition, health and fitness; and it has been an integral part of my life ever since.

What are your work out related goals for the future?

At the ripe age of 38 I have decided to embark on my career as a fitness model, for the first time. I never thought I had what it takes to do this until last year when after competing with the WBFF many magazine editors, photographers and fellow models encouraged me to pursue it. In addition to my modeling aspirations I will continue to compete with the WBFF (World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, wbffshows.com) as a Pro in the Diva Fitness Model division. I have appeared in many publications over the past year and hope to appear in many more.
What is in your experience the most effective routine?

In my experience the most effective workout routine is combining functional training (track workouts) a minimum of 2 times per week, and traditional old school bodybuilding weight training a minimum of 3 times per week; combined with alternative fitness like Yoga and topping it all off with High Intensity Interval Training for cardio.

What is your current routine ?

My current routine is very complicated….but aren’t all of our programs complicated. Monday is about cardio, Tuesday I train Legs and do 1 hour and 15 minutes of Ashtanga Yoga, Wednesday I train Back and Triceps in the morning and cardio in the afternoon, Thursday I do a functional workout in the morning and train shoulders and biceps in the evening, Friday is about cardio, Saturday is my day off, and Sunday is about one last functional workout.

What is your diet and supplementation like?

In season and off season my diet is very different. In season I am on a Hi calorie, Medium calorie and Low calorie rotation to create metabolic confusion; In season, I feed my workouts in order to build muscle without gaining too much bodyfat. A day in the life of me looks a little bit like this Breakfast: 5 egg whites, small apple and 1 small sweet potato…all baked together. Pre workout is a protein shake with berries and Edge5 by koflexsports.com. Post workout is protein shake with quinoa in it. Late Lunch: 6 oz of tilapia and 1 cup of asparagus. Dinner: 6 oz flank steak on top of a big salad with dressing made from 2 tablespoons Udo’s oil, 2 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of mustard.

What is your top tip for general fitness?

My top tip for general fitness is that you can’t make the body you want by basic exercise alone. I see 150 basic fitness clients per week and they just need to remember 3 simple things. 1. You must experience discomfort to effect change (in other words make your workouts count) 2. You must eat healthy 3. Remain Consistent