FAME Pro Fitness Model Kristine Fretwell Interviewed By FullyFlexed.com

By admin on Feb 02, 2010 in Interviews, Recommended Reading

I was wondering if you could tell me the best way to get started in the fitness modeling industry? Is just contacting the photographers directly the best way or are there reputable agencies out there now? I think working with photographers is definitely important as a lot of magazines work with various freelance photographers for submissions to specific features. If you are really serious about wanting to get into fitness modeling, I would suggest getting on board with an agency. Most agencies work with various types of models (fitness, fashion, commercial etc)

What’s your background? How did you get started in the fitness modeling field?
I was born in Ontario, but raised in the suburbs of Vancouver, BC. I’m an Account Manager for a Supplement Company, and have recently started my Health & Fitness business (kristinefretwell.com). I’m also a wife and mother to an 18 month old toddler! Funny enough, I don’t have a modeling background at all. Growing up I was in various types of dancing (tap, ballet, jazz etc). I actually got more seriously into fitness just over 1 year ago. I started working with a trainer to get back into shape after having my daughter, and through her guidance, I decided to compete. It was a great decision as I loved the experience and ended up doing 3 competitions in 2009. The shows have gotten me a lot of exposure, so I’m thankful for them.

Any accomplishments you’d like to share with us?
FAME West ‘09 was the first show I did, which was only 7 months after I had my daughter. I came in 4th place in Fitness Model. I was so proud of what I had accomplished in such a short amount of time. A few weeks later, I did the WBFF BC Championships and placed 6th in Fitness Model, and 8th in Bikini Model, which were both very competitive categories. I built on that momentum and competed again at the FAME Canadian Nationals and placed 1st in Advanced Fitness Model earning my Pro Card!!! I’m also proud to be the cover girl of the FAME West 2010 event poster and featured as a WBFF Diva.

What do you like best about being into fitness?
First and foremost, its about being healthy. I love being in good shape and confident with my body. I also want to be a role model to my family and inspire others to get healthy & fit. I’m an all-natural athlete, always have been, and always will be!

What is your current weight lifting program like? Any specific cardio workouts you like to use?
I switch up my weight routine quite often. Typically I do a 3-4 day split (chest/back, shoulders, biceps/triceps, legs). Sometimes I lift heavy and sometimes I’ll do more circuit type training. For cardio I do a lot of intervals & tabata training. Bootcamp, spinning & the stairmaster are my favorites for cardio.

Whats your favorite and least favorite bodypart to workout?
My favorite used to be shoulders, but lately its been legs. I’m loving the smith machine right now. Least I’d say back.

Whats your daily nutrition like? How does your diet change leading up to a show?
For my daily nutrition, I have my staples—chicken, fish, egg whites, beef occasionally, oatmeal, brown rice, yams, sprouted bread, lots of veggies, fruit maybe once a day. Leading up to a show, typically my carbs get lowered and the “extra’s” get eliminated–sweetners, condiments etc.

What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying top shape?
Fighting boredom! I switch up my routine often. I don’t like doing the same workouts over and over. I like doing classes and being in a group atmosphere, I find it more motivating. Nutrition wise, its about having food prepped and not having bad food in the house. But there needs to be balance…being fit is a huge part of my life, but I also want to enjoy going out for dinner once in a while and trying new recipes. Having variety in my diet and not eating the same thing everyday also keeps me consistent. I also stay within 10lbs of my stage weight all year, I believe in eating healthy all the time, not just in prep for a show!

Care to share what your daily routine is like with us?

5:15am—wake up, have some coffee & grapefruit
5:45am—get to the gym for a workout (bootcamp, spinning, weights)
7:30-8:00am —Back home for breakfast- egg whites & oatmeal or protein pancakes!
9:00-5:00pm—Work. Since I’m a sales rep and on the road a lot of the time, I pack my lunch and 2 snacks.
6:00pm—Back home to make dinner and spend time with my family. I like getting my workouts done in the morning so I have family time in the evening.
10:00pm–Bed!

Got any advice you want to give for someone trying to get into fitness modeling field?
Its a very competitive industry out there. Be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to stay in great shape all year in addition to networking with the right people!

What are your plans for the future?
Continue to compete and get more 1st place wins, and continue making a name for myself in the industry!
Any favorite quote or saying you like to use?