What's Your "Y"
Interview with Hanna Joy, Bodybuilder
Give us a brief background of how your fitness journey has evolved?
My name is Hanna Joy and I'm from the beautiful city of Los Angeles. For the past 10 years, I've been doing something I'm incredibly passionate about—bodybuilding. I never could have imagined that a journey, that started as a hobby, would turn into something that has shaped my life in such a profound way.
What made you who you are today.
Bodybuilding is no easy feat. It requires a tremendous amount of discipline and dedication. But the hard work has been worth it. Not only have I seen impressive physical transformations in my body, but I've also seen mental and emotional changes that have made me a stronger and more confident person.
I'm incredibly proud of what I've been able to accomplish and the impact I've been able to make.
What (or who) has been your main source of motivation over the years?
For me, motivation can come from a variety of sources, both internal and external. It's easy to get discouraged when the going gets tough, so it's important to look for sources of motivation that can keep us pushing forward.
The path to becoming a bodybuilder is one that requires dedication, hard work, and an unshakable commitment to your goals.
But what has been my main source of motivation throughout my journey?
From the very beginning, I was driven by a desire to prove myself. I wanted to showcase my inner strength and physical prowess, and bodybuilding was the perfect way to do it.
Every time I hit the gym, I was just a little bit closer to achieving my goals.
But my motivation went beyond the physical. Every time I worked out, I was also challenging myself mentally. I had to push past fears and doubts, and learn to trust in my own abilities. It took a lot of time and effort, but I eventually grew in confidence and belief in myself.
I'm still striving to be the best version of myself, and I'm thankful for the journey I've been on. I'm motivated by the knowledge that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Where do you find more motivation: doubters or supporters?
The doubters can be a powerful source of motivation.
The thrill of proving others wrong can be a great incentive to keep on pushing. It's a great way to stay focused and determined to reach your goals.
On the other hand, it's important to recognize the power of supporters. They can provide invaluable encouragement and help to keep you motivated. Having an enthusiastic cheerleader can make all the difference in the world. Without them, it can be much harder to stay on track.
I'm motivated by those who believe in me, not by those who doubt me. You see, I don't want to prove myself to the cynics; I want to prove myself to myself and those who believe in me.
When I'm feeling down and out, I think of all the cheerleaders in my corner, and it gives me the strength to keep going.
This is the fuel that keeps my fire ignited and the wind in my sails. Knowing that I have a team of supporters behind me is like having a superpower. It helps me stay focused, stay motivated, and stay determined to reach my goals.
No matter how tough life gets, I know I'm never alone.
What are the biggest mental challenges you've had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?
A. Mental fatigue
The mental stress of training, dieting, and competing can be exhausting. It is important for bodybuilders to practice self-care and rest to avoid burnout.
B. Motivation
Staying motivated and committed to the routine can be difficult at times. Plateaus and setbacks can be discouraging, and it can be hard to keep pushing forward.
C. Patience
Building muscle takes time and patience. It can be easy to become frustrated when progress is slow or not as visible as desired
I remind myself to take small steps, one at a time. I set realistic, achievable goals that I know I can reach. This allows me to build confidence in my ability to reach the next goal and eventually, the big goal.
Lastly, I've become more open to failure and setbacks, as they are now just part of the process. This helped me to be more resilient, even on days when I felt like giving up.
What do you do to make sure you're physically and mentally prepared for competition? What’s your “secret”?
To ensure I am both physically and mentally prepared, I have to devise a unique strategy to make sure I'm in top form.
•Physical Training
I spend countless hours in the gym, sculpting my physique to perfection. I also incorporated cardio to get lean and gradually increase it, as I get closer to the show.
•Nutrition
I follow a strict diet in the weeks leading up to the competition, eating whole foods like lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. I also make sure to get enough healthy fats to regulate my hormones. To stay on top of my macronutrient goals, I use a popular app to track my food intake.
•Mental Training
1. To make sure I am mentally prepared for the competition, I visualize my success. Each day I would take take a few minutes to close my eyes and visualize myself on the bodybuilding stage, performing perfectly. This helps me stay focused and motivated. Every time I practice my poses or step on the stage, I allow my mind to wander and imagine myself standing tall and confident. This visualization will help me stay focused and motivated during my preparation.
2. Get Into the Zone
When it's time to compete, it's important to get into the zone. This means taking some time to relax, clear my head, and refocus on the task at hand. Listen to some calming music, take deep breaths, and focus on the positive.
3. Be Kind to Myself
No matter what happens, it's important to be kind to yourself. It's normal to feel some nerves and anxiety before a competition, but don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Remind yourself that you're here because of all the hard work and dedication you put in, and that you have nothing to prove. Focus on your strengths, and do your best to stay positive throughout the competition.
4. Celebrate My Achievements
Whether I place or not, it's important to recognize how far I've come and the hard work I put in. I take a moment to be proud of myself and my accomplishments.
After all, my dedication and passion will make all the difference in the end.
Describe your recovery strategies. How do you know if those recovery strategies are working?
•Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep is essential for muscle recovery and growth. Aiming to get enough hours of quality sleep each night ensures your body has the time it needs to rest and repair.
•Eat Right
Your body needs the right fuel to recover and build muscle. Avoid processed, unhealthy foods and opt for natural, nutrient-rich foods instead.
•Hydrate
Staying hydrated is key for muscle recovery. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and replenishing your electrolytes with sports drinks or electrolyte supplements.
•Take Time Off
Rest days are just as important as training days. Your body needs time off from intense workouts to recover and rebuild muscle. Take one or two full days off each week to give your body the rest it needs.
•Use Supplements
Supplements such as protein powders and creatine can help your body recover more quickly and repair damaged muscle tissue. I also supplement with YOLKED, as not only does it help with recovery, but it also helps build 3x more muscle mass. Two wins right there!
What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?
At an early age, I was adopted into a household that was anything but loving and accepting. No matter how hard I tried, I felt like I could never be enough for them, constantly seeking validation and acceptance that never came.
The years that followed were filled with abuse, trauma, and betrayal. My struggles with anxiety only compounded my issues, leaving me feeling helpless and alone.
The Unexpected Savior: Bodybuilding
Desperate for a way out, I turned to bodybuilding. I figured that if I could focus on my physical transformation, maybe I could build the strength and confidence I needed to move on from my past.
Little did I know that bodybuilding would become much more than a physical transformation. It was an emotional journey of self-discovery and healing. Through challenging workouts and strict nutrition plans, I learned the power of discipline and dedication. Instead of relying on external validation, I learned to find self-worth within.
Today, I'm proud to say that bodybuilding has changed my life. It's given me the courage to take control and live life on my own terms.
So, what is my Y?
I love what I do and I want to push myself as far as I can go.
The act of lifting weights and challenging my body gives me a sense of accomplishment. When I see the results of my hard work in the mirror, I'm reminded that I'm capable of achieving great things. This feeling of success helps to keep my stress levels at bay.
Also, I've always had this gut feeling that I'm meant for something bigger. And they say that your purpose is usually linked to your passions. Fitness became my outlet, my escape, and my way to build a better future for myself. I was able to work through my emotions, build strength, and learn more about myself through each workout.
I'm passionate about sharing the power of fitness with others and help others who suffer from anxiety or depression and low self-esteem.
Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years?
5 years from now, I'd like to be an Olympian or an IFBB Pro at least.
Favorite motivational quote.
"Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." - Rikki Rogers
Why are you Team YOLKED?
I've been supplementing with YOLKED for 3 months now and I love it. Not only does it help with recovery but it also helps build muscle.
I am team YOLKED because:
Quality products: Yolked's supplements are made with high-quality ingredients and are designed to support muscle growth, recovery, and overall health.
Scientifically-backed: Yolked's supplements are based on scientific research and are formulated to optimize muscle protein synthesis and improve performance.
Customer satisfaction: Many Yolked customers report positive results from using their supplements, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy for the brand.