In the August issue of FitnessRx for Women, our cover model— IFBB Bikini Pro Tawna Eubanks— describes herself as one of the “goofiest, craziest” people you’ll ever meet. But in addition to having a positive attitude and loving life, Tawna knows exactly what it takes to get toned legs and glutes for the bikini season. In fact, Tawna was able to transform her lower body from “long and lanky” to strong and shapely! How did she do it? Tawna— a Better Bodies athlete who has competed for three years— recently took some time to tell us a little more about herself and share a few secrets, tips, and how she went from “party girl” to a Bikini Pro!
For much more with Tawna, including a legs and glutes workout poster, be sure to check out the August issue of FitnessRx for Women. PLUS you can find Tawna’s BONUS legs and glutes tips and exercises.
FitRx: How does it feel to be on the cover of FitnessRx?
Tawna: I honestly just don’t know what to do with myself! I am on cloud… 9, 10… well let’s just be honest, I am above and beyond! Tawna Eubanks, FitnessRx for Women Cover Model— sounds good to me!
OK, back to reality— what a dream come true. I could not be more honored and thrilled to be a part of what I think is THE women’s fitness magazine!
FitRx: In the August issue, you demonstrate a unilateral training program for getting perfect legs and glutes. Why is this type of training so effective?
Tawna: Yes, I thought that would be a great workout to share with everyone. It’s something that my trainer Greg McCoy has me do, usually once per month, for a few different reasons. First and foremost, because you’re doing one leg at a time, it really cuts your rest periods down and you’re always moving. So it’s a great way to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. We also do this to keep me balanced. Greg says that strength imbalances lead to “visual” imbalances. So we will work with a unilateral program on a regular basis to make sure to “sniff out” any of these weak points before it becomes noticeable onstage. It’s also great for your core and a good change of pace!
FitRx: You’ve admitted you have a sweet tooth. How do you deal with cravings when trying to stick to a diet?
Tawna: OK, OK, I know already… man ,y’all won’t let it go, huh? Haha just kidding! Yes! I do have a sweet tooth— I crave and want to cave sometimes. BUT, I know that treating yourself has to be in moderation. I like to drink coffee, hot tea or chew gum. I am a HUGE fan of Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Cream Soda, Diet Cherry 7UP, and Powerade Zero. There are also other healthy choices to snack on that I know FitnessRx has on the site ;)
FitRx: Are there any other challenges you’ve faced when it comes to a fit lifestyle? How have you dealt with them?
Tawna: Absolutely; it’s not easy. Especially when you haven’t lived the fit lifestyle your whole life— it’s a whole other world! I used to be that party girl, out every NIGHT and weekends, eating out with friends— breakfast, lunch, cupcakes and dinner!
I have truly flipped my life around 180. I have had to learn how to balance my training and prepping for shows with everyday life. In many cases, I have gotten so focused on my prepping I have forgotten to pay attention to the important things/people in life! I have had to learn how to prepare my meals for every single day, traveling or bringing to “dinner” with friends! I’ve had to miss out on yummy birthday cake and ice cream or wedding cocktails. Sometimes you have to skip out on this or that. But, it’s all a trade-off because I love doing THIS more than I love eating Pop-Tarts or cake. The challenge is finding a balance between social life and pursuing what you enjoy!
FitRx: How often do you have cheat meals?
Tawna: I’m feeling the pressure again with all cheat questions… is this a trick question? I typically have cheats about once or twice a week in the off-season and about once sometimes twice a week during my contest prep, depending on how my progress is going.
FitRx: What are some of your favorite “clean” foods?
Tawna: I’ll stick to my favorite “clean” meal. You can never go wrong with a filet steak with a sweet potato and asparagus!
FitRx: What are your favorite supplements?
Tawna: I like AminoLast by Gaspari and Cell K.E.M. by Evogen for my BCAAs. I use several different brands for my whey protein isolate, but I do like Myofusion by Gaspari in the off-season because it tastes really good! As far as pre-workouts go, I like SuperDrive by Gaspari and Dr. Jekyll by Pro Supps. Some nights before bed I take REM by Formutech; it helps me sleep and recover!
FitRx: Why do you enjoy fitness so much?
Tawna: It makes me feel good; I’ve never felt so clear minded or happy! It makes me look good— confidence is so important in being happy with yourself. It helps me set goals, whether that be mini goals, to setting personal records on how heavy I go on squats today, or long-term goals of getting top 5 at a show like Olympia or the Arnold Classic! It surrounds me with positive people and a positive lifestyle. Going to my gym, I’m surrounded by likeminded people who are trying to better themselves.
FitRx: What do you like to do for fun outside of fitness?
Tawna: Any kind of outdoor activity! I recently picked up on rock wall climbing. I love to ride dirt bikes, snowboard and travel. Spending time with my family, as I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like. Shopping, going to the movies— did I mention shopping?
FitRx: How do you stay motivated?
Tawna: I get asked this question frequently. There is nothing more motivating than looking at your own progress. Of course, looking at other girl’s pictures is motivating, but I go to the gym to perfect MY physique. Seeing myself and knowing what I need to work on or seeing my changes is my motivation.
FitRx: How do you define confidence?
Tawna: Confidence to me is being happy, content and believing in yourself. It’s believing that you are in control of your success, that no matter what happens you’ll be able to adapt to challenges and achieve the goals that you set out for. Confidence is viewing failures and difficulties as a learning process as opposed to a negative outcome.
FitRx: What’s a great piece of advice someone once gave to you that you’ll never forget?
Tawna: I said this in the article as well, but it is something I think everyone agrees with. My dad has always told me to do something that I love, something that I enjoy. It’s what makes you happy to get out of bed in the morning, to look forward to the next day. If you love what you’re doing, it will be easy for you to succeed!
FitRx: What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Tawna: Cover model of FitnessRx for Women… CHECK! Haha. Of course, I would love to just keep making my personal improvements to my physique. I’d like to bring home my first pro win and be back on the Olympia stage. I am a posing coach at my gym, Metroflex Plano, so I’d also like my “Perfect Posing” business really take off.
FitRx: Anything else you’d like to add about yourself that we haven’t talked about?
Tawna: Of course! There is so much exciting stuff going on around me, I can’t help but to talk about it. My boyfriend Greg McCoy, owner of Metroflex Plano, is about to open his new facility up, and we are super excited about that. We are working close with Gasp and Better Bodies, who will have a showroom and warehouse under the same roof as the gym, as well as Ultimate Sport Nutrition, who will also be inside the building. We are calling the whole project “Destination” and we hope to create THE place to be and visit for everyone living the extreme fitness lifestyle! I’ll be running my posing and training business out of Destination and of course helping Better Bodies with their new space and working with them on U.S. athlete marketing. So if you happen to be in the Dallas area make sure and come say hey, grab a workout, and maybe a new outfit ;)
