Interview with: NPC Figure Competitor, DEAZIE GIBSON
 
City/State you live in: New York City
 
Gym you train at: Jewish Community Center in Manhattan (JCC)
 
List your close supporters: Erik (my boyfriend), Tito, Tyear, JCC crew and my parents
 
Age: 32
 
 
MF:  Tell us a little about yourself Deazie.
 
DG: Deazie Gibson began in gymnastics and then ventured into dance, cheerleading and track which started her foundation of drive, discipline and determination to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She used those skills and received a cheerleading scholarship at which her team won Nationals and were chosen to perform in the 1996 Opening Olympic Ceremonies. She was recruited by Fox Networks after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, to move to New York. After just one year she moved into a full time career in fitness.  Her drive, dedication and discipline has made her a fresh face to the international fitness professional circuit as one of the most innovative and dynamic group fitness instructors and personal trainers for various clubs in New York City and Istanbul, Turkey. She teaches dance, body sculpt, urban rebounding, yoga and many other classes. Deazie Gibson is a natural athlete not only physically but with a gift to light up a room with her warm spirit. She is not only a fitness instructor and personal trainer but a fitness competitor and has appeared on several CW11 fitness segments and performed in over 40 fitness videos with instructors such as Patricia Moreno, Tanja Djelevic, Violet Zaki, and Cathe Friedrich. She kicked off the first NIKE Project Classified event in NYC with Ary Nunez as well as other NIKE events. Deazie has appeared in several magazine spreads such as Fitness Magazine, Natural Health Magazine and Glamour. Deazie is CrossFit certified and a Paul Chek – Holistic lifestyle Coach with well over 12 different styles of fitness training and continues to stay current on new programs that help her live the lifestyle that she teaches so passionately.
After years of hard-work piecing all her skills together and creating “DEAZIE”, she now is an international fitness expert. In her spare time she is a volunteer for Airline Ambassadors International (AAI). AAI provides humanitarian aid to children and families in need as well as relief and development to under-privileged communities worldwide. Deazie has found complete satisfaction in participating in helping where she is needed in the Special Olympics in NYC. Deazie has also had the opportunity to be a mentor to high school students and speak about health and fitness.
 
MF:  When and how did you start working out?  
DG: I started as a gymnast and then that unleashed the natural athletic side that was always in me!
 
MF:  What made you want to compete?
 
DG: My cheerleading, dance and track days were over but I still had that drive to want to compete so I began competing as a continuation in the 3 sports I love the most! I love to perform and I love the stage!
 
MF:  Explain how we set up your training and what you did to train for this last show.
 
DG:  I came to mike with 3 ½ weeks out..I know, what was I thinking? I keep a pretty tight off season but honestly, I had retired from competing so I had no idea what I was really in store for…I met with Big Mike and he pinched and assessed and said yeah, we can get you ready but it’s going to be hard work. I said, let’s do it! My weightlifting and cardio regiment stayed the same, Crossfit workouts, and my own intense cardio sessions, however, there were no days off. It was 7 days a week cardio 45min then got bumped up to an hour. Diet was very specific to the ounces and consistent with tilapia, salmon, lots of asparagus, spinach, avocado and almonds.    
MF:  Explain how you felt about the nutrition and how you think it affected your showing
 
BF: Now you have to remember, I had retired so I was enjoying food but still ate clean and allowed myself cheat meals every week but was thrown into shock because all this changed overnight.. My body definitely responded quickly. If I’m given an assignment, task or goal I do it 100% so I did! That’s the athlete in me! I felt myself dwindling away everyday and through the night, it was amazing! I had competed prior to this for 3 year in fitness so I knew what it took but I never had anyone change my body like this. I’m not going to lie though, it was hard. It was definitely an adjustment. The nutrition affected my showing big time so I could finally showcase my potential that was there all along but I just needed the right coach to believe in me and push me! Thank you Big Mike!  
MF:  What were you feeling when you won the overall at the Brooklyn show?
 
DG: I was totally shocked! I didn’t expect to win. I only started 3 ½ weeks out and was thinking I’m just going to give it a try, what the heck! I had nothing to lose and then…I won! I’ve never won a NPC show! Plus it’s the first time I’ve ever done figure so double bonus!  I was a former fitness competitor so this was new for me. I was so excited!  
MF:  What is your next step?
 
DG: Now my training has continued and I’m competing at Eastern Regionals in New York City, Tribeca Theater, Nov. 14th! Why not!? Whats dieting for another 4 more weeks.  LOL!  
MF:  What piece of advice would you give other ladies looking to compete?
 
DG: You gotta want to do it. Have a good support system and be disciplined.
 
MF:  Is there anyone you would like to mention or thank that supported you through your journey?
 
DG: Erik (my boyfriend) has been there for me through thick and thin. Its definitely been a bumpy road but he has been overly supportive and been wonderful.  He has stuck with me through my emotional breakdowns, body aches & pains, moodiness and absolute exhaustion. I think the supporter deserves an award too, lol! There job aint easy. Oh and I cant leave out my JCC crew, I work with. They have really seem me through my ups and downs and were always there encourage me to keep going and that I could do it, so thank you to my JCC crew. I love ya’ll and my honey buns too :*)  
MF:  Is there anything else you’d like to say?
 
DG: My motto is all about D3…Drive…Discipline…Determination! Look out ya’ll, here I come!  
MF:  Thank you Deazie!