An Interview with MayLa Ash, Bodybuilder

I was born in Broadview, Illinois (a Western Suburb of Chicago). Currently, I live in Valley Ranch, Texas, and my occupation is Sports Performance & Body Development Trainer and Posing Coach. Also, I have fitness certifications in Personal, Group, and Pre-Natal Training. Finally, I have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and I’ve been competing for almost nine years.

What started my bodybuilding journey was a promise I made to myself and my surgeon after a serious injury.

In May 2011, I chipped a bone in my foot while kickboxing and needed surgery. After that, my initial doctor informed me I would not be able to continue my athletic lifestyle. Even worse, he told me I would also have to give up wearing heels! Give up being active AND my high heels? Not happening!

Therefore, I needed a second option. Well, it was the third surgeon that finally told me he could get me back to being active and back into my heels if I followed his recovery process to the letter. At that moment, I promised I would finally do a fitness competition, along with other items on my bucket list. Well, if his procedure gave me a second chance.

By May 2012, I was fully recovered, able to train, and decided to make good on my promise! In August 2012, I attended my first bodybuilding competition, the Dallas Europa, for research. Afterward, I developed my own training and nutrition program to start preparing for what I was told would be my one and only competition.

Furthermore, in November 2012, I won the Texas Status Natural Championships and was officially hooked. After being mentored by Dave “The Shredder” Goodin on my development and Jeff Dwelle on my stage presence, I achieved pro status. In less than eight months, I earned the honor of competing with the world’s best in the IFBB Pro League.

Personally, I do not feel competitions have changed over the years in relation to what is expected by the judges. Like any other sport, I feel competitors have continued to improve, ultimately elevating the “standard” of what it takes to win.

However, the individuals presenting themselves as prep coaches have changed immensely. As a result, there are so many out there with little to no real knowledge, experience, or conscience preying on naive individuals who are looking for that social media moment on the bodybuilding stage.

I am motivated to be the best “MayLa” I can be before I leave this world. Therefore, I want to live my life to the fullest and die with my soul empty!

Not having access to heavy free weights and lifting equipment forced me to revert back to “old school” calisthenics, isometric exercises, and track conditioning workouts. Therefore, performing these types of workouts using industrial bands, weighted bars, and dumbbells ultimately served not only as conditioning workouts but also as extensive physical therapy.

Above all, the process helped heal injuries, strengthen weak and underdeveloped areas, and improve posture and alignment issues that plagued me for years.

Being an elite competitive athlete since childhood, I have won the bronze medal in the 400 Meters in the Junior Olympics, competed in the NCAA Division I Nationals in the 200 Meters, and been bestowed the title of Fitness & Conditioning All-American. Additionally, I earned and still hold sprint records in the 50m and 200m indoors in addition to the 100m, 200m, and two relays outdoors at my university. Furthermore, I have been honored and inducted into my university’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

My goal in the world of fitness is to become an international Wellness and Fitness Ambassador.

Many people don’t realize that you don’t need to make sacrifices like bodybuilders preparing to step on a stage to live a healthy and long life.

Therefore, I want to offer seminars, workouts, and retreats that teach real-world methods and options to move towards a MoBetta lifestyle and inspire individuals, young and old, to respect their unique fitness journey.

There is no “right” diet, workout regime, or overall process of moving towards having a healthier lifestyle. At the end of the day, it comes down to being active and moving every day, eating balanced meals, and eliminating or at least minimizing negative eating habits.

For anyone wanting to begin on their fitness journey, the best way to start is to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick with doing.

Therefore, choose an activity in a group setting or enlist a fitness buddy either will help during those times when you feel uninspired or discouraged to help you maintain your momentum.

Each one of us is different. Therefore, it’s okay to be motivated by the actions of others. But remember are a unique mastermind, so love the skin you are in and respect YOUR journey.