Issue 06: From Synchronised Swimming to Model to Trainer
From Synchronised Swimming to Model to Trainer, meet Angelic Angelica Chebotar.
Deborah Mannas is conversing with Angelica Chebotar!
Hi Angelica, you have run the gamut of growing up in very disciplined Russia, an elite Synchronised Swimmer from a young age, to braving teen years of modelling and “thin” expectations to being a strong and purposeful woman who builds up other women, literally and figuratively!
Tell me about your synchronised swimming days… What was expected from you?
First of all, I should say that synchronized swimming is one of the most underrated but most difficult sports. Many people think it’s just dancing in the water, but it requires so much work. Perfect swimming skills, teamwork and discipline. I remember I used to train 6 times a week for about 4-5 hours a day. Normally, we would spend 2 hours on land with cross training exercises such as aerobics, gymnastics and stretching and the rest time is in the water.
How did growing up with sports contribute to your self-acceptance and body image?
Growing up as a professional synchronized swimmer definitely helped me to build up my character, become more confident, tough and competitive in life. I really think that professional and competitive sport make me a better version of myself.
When did you go into modelling, and what were the expectations then?
When I turned 15 I decided to start my modeling career and my very first experience was participation in a local beauty pageant. After that I signed a modeling contract and moved overseas. I remember there were very strict requirements to become an international model such as height, weight and measurements. My agent would normally check my weight and measurements every week to make sure it remained the same, otherwise I could have been easily sent back home. So therefore, modelling affected my lifestyle and my eating habits. I remember how I would constantly do a lot of crazy cardio and eat just 900 calories a day to stay thin and “beautiful”. You would always be able to find an apple or boiled egg in my handbag as my snack. That’s all I could afford at the time :–)
What made you decide to become a trainer and what did you have to do to achieve success at it, and build your clients?
At some point, I decided to quit my modeling career to become a personal trainer and it was one of my best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I realized being a model was not healthy, as I constantly used to be on a calorie deficit and my body didn’t feel right. Once I became a trainer I completely changed my lifestyle. I have freed myself from having too little calories, skinny teas, ridiculous fasts and juice cleanses. Currently, I focus on lifting weights to get stronger, instead of doing endless cardio to burn myself out. I eat a very balanced diet with a lot of protein, clean carbs and healthy fats.
Tell us how you stay fit, as a mom, a model, a physical trainer, always on the go?
It’s easy to stay fit when your goal is clear. Motivation might come and goes, but consistency will always win no matter what you do.
What’s your favourite exercise?
I wouldn’t say I have just one favorite exercise that I normally do as its important to build a balanced physique. My top 5 favorite exercises would be: Squat, Romanian Deadlift, Shoulder Press, Pull Ups and Push Ups. They are big compound movements that help me to build lean muscle and train my entire body.
What are some of your best personal ways of “self care”.
My best personal tips for “self-care” are: exercise at least 3 times a week, eat well a balanced diet, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin and of course get enough sleep for recovery. Also, I like making a lot of different facial creams, scrubs at home using natural and healthy ingredients for glowing skin instead of buying famous skin care brands.
What do you want teenage girls to know to build their self esteem?
It always important to feel your best to look your best. I would recommend for all teenage girls out there to build good lifestyle habits; regular exercises will definitely help with that. To build your confidence, you must have that desire to change and be the best version of yourself. And I believe you have everything to start it TODAY.
Follow Angelica Chebotar on
https://www.instagram.com/anhelika23/?hl=en
