Working out, having big muscles and bodybuilding are stereotypes people do not often associate with women.
Mason Everett, agriculture animal science sophomore, is a woman who fits all of those stereotypes—she is currently training in preparation for her first bodybuilding competition.
She will attend the Ronnie Coleman Classic April 30 in Fort Worth and enter in the Figure Class Division.
“I am excited for the discipline that comes with this experience. Fitness chicks either get the most love or the least love in history,” Everett said. “That is understandable, because everyone has their own opinion. But if you truly love how your body looks, opinions will not touch you anymore.”
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Everett played soccer for 12 years growing up. When her soccer career ended, Everett had a hard time transitioning from being an athlete and working with a coach, so she began working out on her own.
Everett became a certified personal trainer in her senior year of high school. Trainees ranged from older people focusing on weight loss to young adults trying to avoid the freshman 15.
“I loved being a personal trainer. My main goal is to help people bypass speed bumps that everyone faces when they first start working out,” Everett said. “Most people who are starting (to) work out either have desire or direction, but do not have both. They also have to learn to understand that it is a process.”
Everett usually trains at the Student Recreation Center or at the Texas Health and Racquet Club. A typical day includes an hour of morning cardio to prepare for a bodybuilding competition, an hour of heavy weight training in the afternoon and six healthy meals a day.
Michaela Muniz, interdisciplinary junior, is inspired by Everett’s hard work.
“I think it is awesome that Mason puts so much time into working out,” Muniz said. “It is very empowering to other women.”
Brandi Casarez, exercise and sports science senior, lifts weights at the Rec Center.
“Working out is a stress relief for me. There is more to women with a fit physique,” Casarez said. “It shows discipline, dedication, self-respect, patience and confidence. It is important for any woman to fall in love with taking care of herself, mind, body and spirit.”
Everett’s advice to people who are starting to work out is to be realistic and persevere.
“Learn to be your biggest supporter rather than your biggest critic,” Everett said. “Realize the time and the effort that it is going to take to get to your goal and believe you can do this.”
Courtesy of: Texas State Star
Main photo by: Alyssa Dugan-Rodriguez