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Are you willing to make a positive change? Join the thousands of individuals on the same fitness journey!

TESTMONIALS Start Your Transformation
English Macedonian

An Interview with MayLa Ash, Bodybuilder

Hello all, it is my pleasure to present MayLa Ash, an American professional bodybuilder, trainer, and coach.

MayLa participated in her first bodybuilding competition Dallas Europa in 2012 after recovering from a serious injury. And in the same year, only a few months later, she won Texas Status Natural Championships, which was her second competition. As a result, she accomplished pro status under the mentorship of Dave “The Shredder” Goodin and Jeff Dwelle.

Besides these achievements, she won the bronze medal in the 400m Junior Olympics and was bestowed the title of Fitness & Conditioning All-American. Also, she earned and still holds sprint records in the 50m and 200m indoors in addition to the 100m, 200m, and two relays outdoors at her university, and has been honored and inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

MayLa has a fascinating career, and I suggest we start with this interview immediately so we learn everything about her journey.

Hello all, it is my pleasure to present MayLa Ash, an American professional bodybuilder, trainer, and coach.

MayLa participated in her first bodybuilding competition Dallas Europa in 2012 after recovering from a serious injury. And in the same year, only a few months later, she won Texas Status Natural Championships, which was her second competition. As a result, she accomplished pro status under the mentorship of Dave “The Shredder” Goodin and Jeff Dwelle.

Besides these achievements, she won the bronze medal in the 400m Junior Olympics and was bestowed the title of Fitness & Conditioning All-American. Also, she earned and still holds sprint records in the 50m and 200m indoors in addition to the 100m, 200m, and two relays outdoors at her university, and has been honored and inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

MayLa has a fascinating career, and I suggest we start with this interview immediately so we learn everything about her journey.

    Tose Zafirov

    Mr. Olympia Representative

    Tose Zafirov:

    Who is MayLa Ash? In addition, what is your background, your profession, and how long have you been competing?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    What sparked your interest in fitness and bodybuilding?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    You have been competing for a while now. So, my question is, according to you, have the competitions changed over the years?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    As a bodybuilder, I know that it can easily become challenging. So, what keeps you motivated and going at difficult times?

    MayLa Ash:

    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!

    Tose Zafirov:

    Many people found 2020 as a significant challenge. Also, professionals struggled to maintain their shape. How did you respond to the situation, particularly with the lockdowns? Moreover, how did Covid-19 and 2020 affect your body shape?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    Undoubtedly, you have had a long list of successes during your career. But can you tell me about your favorite accomplishments in the fitness industry?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    What are your long-term objectives in the fitness industry? How do you want to be recognized and remembered in this world?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    What advice would you give to people seeking healthier lives, especially regarding their meals?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    Do you have any beginner routines that you would recommend for women who are still thinking of going to the gym?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Tose Zafirov:

    What are your motto and message to the world and all the women who want to choose this path?

    MayLa Ash:

    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.

    Final Words

    MayLa, I appreciate all of your quick and sincere responses. I wish you success in the future, and we expect you to conquer the stage for many years.

    For more inspiring stories, feel free to check the Interviews page.

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