This interview is with Rachel Greba the Bikini competitor. In her first show, Rachel looked incredible. In the future, with her taking jiu-jitsu classes, with plans to compete and possible compete in MMA, I may also get to interview Rachel Greba the fighter. Rachel is that rare person who can appeal to both the fitness fans and MMA fans. Whether competing or fighting, no doubt Rachel will be a success.
Q: First, Rachel, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.A: Thank you
Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A; Well I’m in college. I plan on studying International Affairs at UC next year. I’m currently at a community college. I live in Northern KY, born in Dover, OH. I’m a HUGE Steelers fan (Dad is from Pittsburgh). I’m Italian/German. Grandmother is from Italy, and my mom’s side is from Germany. I’m about 5’2”.
Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: Yeah, I would say I was. I played soccer for my high school. I was a defender. I tried tennis, volleyball, basketball. Practically everything but track or cross country.
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: My friend decided she wanted to join and I told her I would do it with her. She did it for maybe a week.
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Yeah I had great people who were teaching and helping me out. Started seeing results right off the bat.
Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: Actually it was a guy I was seeing who told me he thought I would do well and met some other people who have competed and who had connections.
Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?A: My family yes, my mom used to compete in bodybuilding. Friends supported but didn’t understand. Probably could say our relationships aren’t as good as they used to be.
Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: It was what I expected for the most part. I didn’t realize how hard dieting was going to be and how much it makes your mood change. But I was informed about everything ahead of time.
Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: Just one so far, Beverly Northern KY, I was 18. Planning on another one soon.
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Best either shoulders or quads.
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: Back and glutes
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep ?
A: I isolate all muscles when training. I do morning cardio before breakfast and post workout cardio. I currently taken up Jiujitsu which I do 2 to 3 times a week. My diet is much of a ‘diet’ off season. I don’t want to burn myself out. Maybe to others it would be. Cut calories and cut out the junk. In off season I try to stay away from dairy, sugar, bread and a few other carbs. I try to keep my portion sizes down.
Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: I guess there usually kind of speechless and positive usually. I don’t pay much attention anymore.
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?A: Usually something about the bikini class. They don’t always associate it with bodybuilding, and can’t wrap there heads around it.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: Just because you work out and lift doesn’t mean you’re going to get huge. Oh and also those who think it’s a selfish sport if you turn it around it can be a lonely sport as well.
Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: Best: Seeing how my body changes in a short amount of time. Worst: Dieting.
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Yes a few of the girls that I competed against.
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: A greasy sandwich and peanut butter fudge/ or oreos…mmmm (I’m at fat girl at heart)
Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: If you like it or not diet is everything
Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: I sure hope so, having a firm muscular body is beautiful
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A; I took up Jiu jitsu recently and defiantly plan on competing. I’m an aggressive competitor and have a passion for fighting. I have a black belt in taekwondo which I was in for 5 to 6 years.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Rachel Greba.
A: Hmm school, study, work, work out, watch movies and try to hang with friends
Q: Describe Rachel Greba in five words.
A: Determined, genuine, loyal, calm, friendly
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I enjoy reading and fighting obviously. People are surprised when they learn that about me though. I love studying and learning about different cultures. I think it makes you more well rounded and not take things you have for granted.
Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: Competing in jiu jitsu, and maybe in the future MMA. Who knows. Looking at the Monster Mash possibly.
Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?A: Thank you everyone who took the time out of there days to help me get where I’m at today with the diets and appointments. Adam who helped me the most to get there and put up with me.
Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Rachel Greba the athlete and competitor?
A: Well I don’t know how many competitions I’ll do because of time, age, and how well its going to correspond with my JJ training (jiu jitsu). But they can find me on facebook easily. Contact me through email. I’m easy going, huge competitor and always try my best.
Q: Rachel, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Keep motivated, and put yourself around others who help you stay motivated.
And thank you!
