"The longer the hair, the stronger the spirit," says bodybuilder Sunshine Spring Moose when explaining how her Native American background has influenced her decision to keep her hair long.It is this strong spirit, combined with her strong body, that recently won the 26-year old the title of NPC (National Physique Committee) Kentucky State Bikini Champion. Bikini is a recently new category in bodybuilding competitions, which also include Figure and Fitness for women.
In bodybuilding, the obvious focus is on muscle definition, symmetry, and body leanness. But overall grooming affects the final outcome of any serious competition, and Spring has chosen to remain a long-haired girl in a sea of short hair.
"During competition 25% of your score is appearance: Hair, Skin, Complexion," Spring says. "Many people have short hair so I like to show the length."
In fact, Spring says she'll never cut her hair because it not only sets her apart in the bodybuilding world -- it's also an important part of her Native American heritage and identity. Still, competing with long hair has its challenges.
"I believe your hair is your glory," Spring says. "But my hair is so long and thick that it can be heavy and doesn't want to hold a curl. So, when competing, having long hair can be a difficult task."
To get her hair in tip-top shape for competition, Spring uses a Chi Straightning Iron and shine serum "to make sure it's super sleek and tame."
Spring says her White Mountain Apache ancestors had their own methods for taming their locks. "I have heard stories of my ancestors who stiffened their hair with a variety of plant extracts, animal grease, or mud," she says.
When competing, Spring has been known to try different hairstyles for variety while still showing off the length. She also likes experimenting with traditional hairstyles when attending Native American events.
"Yearly when we gather for traditional ceremonies I will add a variety of hair ornaments to my styled hair," Spring says. "Sometimes I use beaded bands, bull's tails, feathers, and rawhide strips wrapped with brass wire and decorated with dentalium shells, or long tubular shaped white shells, and beads."
Spring's super clean bodybuilding diet is no doubt partially responsible for her healthy tresses. She uses a George Foreman grill to cook protein-rich chicken, turkey, and other meats. She also steams her vegetables to retain their nutrients.
Another important part of Spring's diet are nutritional supplements from Beverly International.
"I always take a Beverly Super Pak. This is great for your hair, skin and nails, especially when on a restricted diet," Spring says. She also believes strongly in taking a serious multivitamin.
According to Spring, "Hard training and strict dieting cause increased oxidative stresses on the body. Beverly International's Advanced Antioxidant Compound is a crucial support element to counteract exercise induced oxidative muscle damage, or EIOMD. I highly recommend it for competitors or serious athletes."
Spring eats five meals a day when training:
Meal 1: 3 oz lean meat, 1 egg, 3 egg whites, 1/2 C. oatmeal; 1/2 grapefruit with Splenda.
Meal 2: Beverly International UMP vanilla shake.
Meal 3: Chicken patty made with 3 egg whites, a 3 oz can of chicken, and 1/2 C. oats fried in 1 tsp olive oil, salt and pepper.
Meal 4: BI Chocolate Muscle Provider shake.
Meal 5: 5 oz chicken or lean beef patty, 1 cup salad, 1/2 C. broccoli.
Meal 6: UMP chocolate made into pudding.
2009 was a great year for Spring's bodybuilding career. In addition to winning the Kentucky Bikini Championships, Spring placed second at the IFBB show in Cleveland, Ohio, and placed in the top five at New York's Team Universe competition. She also placed in the top 10 in the NPC Nationals in Hollywood, Florida.
In 2010, Spring says she's working harder than ever and is "looking forward to holding that Pro Card in my hands soon!"
To follow Spring's career, visit her online at www.sunshinespringfitness.com. For more information on training and nutrition, contact her at spring@sunshinespringfitness.com.
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