It’s okay to enjoy a variety of activities. No one says you have to be pigeon-holed into one sport for the rest of your life. Nikki, our Vitacost Health Raiser of the Week, went from being a star swimmer to a budding figure competitor. One focuses on aerobic endurance, while the other is strictly anaerobic. This changes the game entirely, and that’s the beauty of it. As Nikki proves, passion should be your driving force. Wherever your heart lives is where your entire being should be – even if that means rerouting your path every now and then.
What does health mean to you?
Health is everything to me! I’m currently training for a figure competition, so every bite I take and every workout I do matters.
What inspired you to start living a healthy life?
Growing up, my mom ate pretty well, but my dad did not. Most of my healthy eating habits I developed on my own by doing research online. Plus, I’ve just always loved the way exercise and eating right make me feel! For years, I was on a USA Level 3 swim team. It was definitely a passion of mine, because swimming was such a challenge, even though I’m lucky to have pretty good endurance. I always loved the high swimming gave me.
Funny enough, during my swimming years, my coach had me do some heavy lifting. That’s when I realized that I love the look of muscle and wanted that for myself. It was a hard decision to choose between swimming and figure competitions, but I honestly love lifting more. I feel so powerful when I’m strength training and enjoy seeing the progress I can make.
What are three things you do to stay healthy?
- I strength train five days each week.
- I eat whole foods all the time, except when I have a “cheat” meal twice a week. It’s very important to incorporate balance into your diet to help keep you sane!
- I also sleep a lot and soak in a basalt bath regularly.
What is one motivational quote that you live by?
“Lions don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.”
If you were stranded on a desert island, what Vitacost product could you not live without?
I rely on Acure Organics Dry Shampoo when I’m going straight from the gym to work – it’s my best beauty secret! If I’m stranded on a desert island, I’m going to look good!
What advice do you have for someone who is trying to live healthier?
Surround yourself with people who will support you and cheer you on! Never lose sight of your goal. And, lastly, take progress pictures to show you how far you’ve come. They’ll become motivation for you to continue to work hard and keep pushing your limits.
Is there a role model you look up to?
I would say Dana Linn Bailey and Wendy Fortino are my two favorite IFBB pro athletes. They’re two amazingly beautiful, strong and down-to-earth women who inspire me to be better every day. Not to mention, they have INSANE physiques!