Fitness Amateur Of The Week: Golden Girl

Vigorous contest prep is fun to Clarissa. That's the sign of a potential figure star. The stage is a comfortable place for her to show off a physique that earned two first place trophies!

Name: Clarissa Evans
E-Mail: clarissajeanevans@gmail.com
BodySpace: clarissaevans
Location: Portland, Oregon
Age: 21  Height: 5'4"  Weight: 120 lbs
Years Bodybuilding: 1

Q
How Did Your Fitness Journey Begin?

Fitness is a passion that I have been actively involved in throughout my life. I was a competitive cheerleader and gymnast growing up and began weightlifting in high school. Since I was a little girl, my father told me I would do great things one day competing in this industry. That day became a reality when I decided to step onto the figure stage at the Oregon State Championships in July of 2012.

I started training for my first show on my own, then joined Team iPhysique in March and met my coach, Dan Simpson from HD Training. Dan and I had the same goals and vision for my physique. We set checkpoints and competition dates for the past season. I won first place in my height class at my first show. I trained hard the next week for the Seven Feathers Classic and accomplished my goal by becoming the overall figure champion at my second competition.

This is just the beginning to my fitness journey. I will meet higher goals, overcome difficult obstacles, and have greater successes as my journey continues. With not even a year's worth of experience at age 21, I cannot say thank you enough to my awesome support system for all my achievements so far.


How Did Your Passion for Fitness Emerge?

My fascination for this sport grows on a daily basis. The weight room is my favorite place and I'm constantly pushing to reach my highest potential. I've trained throughout my life in various sports, but never trained like I do now for figure shows. Each show experience, training week, and contest prep varies in its own way. The experiences you come across are what you make of them. They build you to become your best.

What/Who Motivates You to Live a Healthy Lifestyle?

My younger brother, David Evans, trained with me to compete in the junior bodybuilding category in 2012. David motivates me to stay consistent with my nutrition plan and pushes me to the limit in the gym. His hard work and dedication to this sport drives me to be the best I can be.

Dan Simpson, my good friend and coach from HD Training/Team iPhysique, is my motivator. During our training sessions, Dan constantly pushes me to new heights. With him, I lift my heaviest and give 110 percent. He keeps me in check, answers my questions, and is someone I can always count on. We make a good team. Always remember to have fun because that is the most important part of this lifestyle.

I would be nowhere close to where I am without the motivation and support of my loving parents, Robon and Nola Evans, my family, friends, and teammates.

Where Did You Go for Inspiration?

My inspiration comes from teammates, friends, and coaches. They all are inspirations to me. Every time I step into the gym, I see each athlete putting their blood, sweat, and tears in every workout. It's amazing watching everyone's journey and transformation happen week by week. Being part of such an awesome environment makes this lifestyle much more enjoyable and rewarding.

What Are Your Future Fitness Plans?

I plan to compete at the national level and have high aspirations to win my figure pro card during the 2013 season. My first national stage will be Jr. Nationals, followed shortly after by the USA's. Before these two shows, I will be competing at the Governor's Cup and the Emerald Cup. I was one of the few selected athletes to blog about my journey to the Emerald Cup. Please follow my articles. I will provide workout routines, struggles, successes, progress photos, and videos of my training. I plan on marketing myself more by blogging, posting, tweeting, and searching for potential sponsorships.

My long-term plans are to be happy and successful through a career within the industry. I'm not quite sure what path that will be yet, but I enjoy the sport enough to devote other areas of my life to fitness other than competitions.

What Is the Most Important Fitness Tip?

Remember to have fun. Lots of competitors take this sport too seriously. Yes, there's a time for seriousness and productive criticism. As long as you train hard, stick to your nutrition plan, keep a level head, and have fun along the way, you will be golden.

Who Is Your Favorite Fitness Competitor?

IFBB figure pro Kristi Tauti, is my favorite competitor. I look up to her in more ways than just her competitive background. I see Kristi day after day working through a busy schedule and still finding time to complete her cardio and weights. She designs nutrition and training programs for many competitors on her team and is a mother of two beautiful children. Kristi is the most dedicated person I know. She's a gorgeous person inside and out.

How Did Bodybuilding.com Help You Reach Your Goals?

Buying products from Bodybuilding.com helped me lots when I'm too busy to pick them up from a store in my area. It's nice that they deliver products right to your door.

Joining BodySpace allowed me to interact on multiple BodyGroups and gain friendships from other inspiring athletes/competitors. I enjoy looking at other members' workouts and reading articles from Jamie Eason. Bodybuilding.com plays a major roll in keeping me on track with my fitness goals.

Accomplishments:

  • Featured Athlete: NPC Oregon Site
  • Rookie of the Year 2012: Team iPhysique
  • Bodybuilding.com 2013 Spokesmodel Search Semi-Finalist

Thanks: I would like to give a huge thanks to photographers, David Abooty and Michelle Douglas.