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Published on Sunday, 25 November 2012 10:24
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Written by Toni Perdikakis
Spotlight On IFBB Womens Physique Pro: Toni Perdikakis
Category you compete in: Women’s Physique
Date of birth: May 2, 1983
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Career: Personal Trainer
Competition history:
2010 Jay Cutler Classic (Boston, MA), Figure, 3rd Place
2010 Team Universe (New York, NY), Figure, 16th Place
2011 Eastern USA (New York, NY), Figure, 3rd Place
2011 NPC Nationals (Miami, FL), Figure, 16th Place
2012 Greater Gulf States (New Orleans, LA), Women’s Physique, 1st Place
2012 NPC Team Universe (New York, New York), Women’s Physique, 6th Place
2012 USA’s (Las Vegas, NV), Women’s Physique, 2nd Place (Achieved Pro Status)
2012 Valenti Gold Cup (Sarasota, FL), IFBB Pro Women’s Physique Pro, 12th Place
Next competition: April 2013 IFBB Pro Grand Prix (Culver City, California)
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Motivation and confidence is 90% of your battle. No matter what your goals are, whether they be on the stage or in the gym, you have to believe in yourself and be your own #1 cheerleader. In this sport, negative self talk will get you nowhere.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
I am one of those people that really didn’t have the genetics. My own family and my boyfriend at the time, would always tell me not to get my hopes up to go pro. It takes a lot for me to get in shape, but with hard work, ANYTHING is possible. I went pro in my seventh show ever. Was it quick? YUP! Did I work my fucking ass off (literally)? OF COURSE! Was it worth it?? YEAH BUDDDYYYYY!!!!
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
I really have learned to take it one day at a time. Sometimes when I am overly stressed, I take it one meal, one workout, one cardio at a time. Think of all of yo
ur “steps in the right direction” as building blocks. As long as you are putting one foot in front of the other, and improving that’s all that matters. Sometimes, we women, like to compare ourselves to each other. We need to focus on ourselves. Improve our own lives and make each day better than the previous.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
I actually was hospitalized three times for eating disorders from 12 to 21. I had to learn to love and accept myself for who I am. I learned to have my own back. No need to criticize even the worst of decisions or mistakes; everything is a learning experience. It has made me the badass I am today! LOL!
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
I am one of those people who actually has a problem with rest! I am still learning to take rest days and make sure that I am getting adequate rest for my muscles to recover and grow. RAWR!
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
5. Never give up. Always finish what you started, whether its your workout, your cardio, or your entire prep. Do what you set out to do!
4. Rest, Rest, Rest, Rest! (and then teach me how to rest) Give your body the recovery time it deserves. You will avoid injury, burnout, and sickness.
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You cannot control everything (I am still trying to practice this one). If there’s something stressing you out that you have no control over, let it go. It is someone else’s problem.
2. Do one thing every day that makes you feel sexy and free. Whether its taking the time to put mascara on, singing in your car at the top of your lungs, or my personal favorite, making your coffee naked, its good for your soul. Live a little. ;o)
1. Rid your life of all negative and draining people. They will do nothing but rub off on you or make you feel bad about yourself. Surround yourself with the best of the best; people like you with similar goals and positive attitudes. I avoid negative nellies like I avoid driving by Coldstone one week out.
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
I am an MHP Sponsored athlete, and my favorite protein is……(drum rolllllll) PROBOLIC BANANA!!! It is a slower release protein so it keeps me fuller longer, and I either mix the banana with some strawberries and a little coconut oil for an island delight or go hardcore with all natural peanut butter. When I am really living on the edge, I make a Banana Split Protein Shake with strawberries, ½ scoop chocolate, ½ scoop banana, and some walnuts. Bomchikabowwowwww.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of 
life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer."
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
My “momager” who stays on top of my shit all the time and although it gets annoying when she barges into my house when I am making my coffee in the nude, this woman has taught me everything. She is the glue that keeps my family together and I hope I can be half as strong as her when I have my own family. Plus, she is a complete beast in the gym (when I train her, she says “Man I love weights!).
My dad for teaching me to never give up. After being in a coma from a traumatic brain injury, this guy was back to work and the gym within a year. True inspiration.
My brother, sister-in-law, and niece Casey (she is a bichon) for keeping me grounded when I go too far off into lala land.
My lil baby Elli for being my little positive meatball. This little girl/Pug/Shihtzu reminds me everyday how awesome life is.
MHP and P28 for being awesome sponsors!
Kim Oddo for being the most amazing trainer, coach, and friend, I could ever ask for!! Such an honor to be an Angel!
Dave Palumbo and the RX MUSCLE team for keeping us up to date on all of the latest news and contest coverage.
