Durkin Bounces Back

IFBB Fitness Pro Tina Durkin made a name for herself when she showed up looking her best at the 2009 Fitness International. Can she repeat her showing this year? Tina shares a bit more about herself as she heads into this weekend’s contest.

You shocked a lot of people last year with the physique you brought to the Arnold stage. What was the key to your success last year?
I believe it was rest, rehab and patience. I had to take about 6 months off from training due to my back surgery. I hadn’t dieted all year. I didn’t even start lifting serious until November. I think my body needed a break and time to heal. With that said, it responded great to the diet and workouts. I truly feel blessed.

What have you focused on since the Olympia?
I feel like I have so much I can improve on… I tried to really focus on my routine. I had to really be careful last year, not knowing what I could really handle. Also, I’ve been trying to work on my back side. During all the time off and surgery, I lost so much muscle and strength. I’ve been really working hard on my diet too. I get to nervous sometimes that I can’t eat… well, not this time… I got this!!!

What can fans expect to see from you this time out?
I have to admit, I’m not one to make excuses about things. Last year I played the routine round safe but I’m done with that. I’m healthy and ready to show my fans what I can do!

Do you miss the 45 second routine?
I do miss the 45 second. I felt like it was a great way to set apart the pros. I think everyone in the audience enjoyed them too. I liked the fact that we had mandatory moves, and plus it was only 45 seconds so it was easy to practice and perform. I am really bummed and will miss it greatly.

What do you do for your “day job”?
Well, I do lots of things:
1. Personal Training
2. Group Fitness Instructor
3. Zumba Instructor
4. Mom (most importantly)

How do you balance competing and your home life?
My family is very active in sports and fitness also. My daughter (6 years old) now takes gymnastics at the same location that I practice my routine. So we get to watch each other practice. My husband and I share the responsibilities with her and around the house so we can both get our workouts in. We are very supportive of each other and we make fitness/healthy lifestyle a priority.

Goal for the show?
My goal for the show is just to improve from last year, if that means better routine or physique than I’m happy… It truly is all about being happy and knowing you did everything you could to be the best you can be!

Good luck and all the best Tina!