20 Questions with NPC Figure and Cover Model Nikki Warner

Nikki Warner

1) Please introduce yourself? What makes you special? Who is Nikki Warner?

I'm a full-time doctorate student pursuing pharmacy. I've been competing for 11 years and lifting since age 15. What makes me special..well, I def. know how to be sexy and have the brains to go with it..ha!

2) Please tell us a bit about your family, friends and surroundings?

My family is very active and work out regularly. My mother and brother are also bodybuilders. My brother, Brad, owns his own gym in Indiana and is a Natural Pro bodybuilder. He is the one that got me started in bodybuilding/fitness.

3) How did you start competing in figure?

I didn't want to get huge like a bodybuilder and didn't want to use steroids of any kind.

4) What is your personal policy (not what the judges want) about conditioning and muscularity when coming into a show? Soft or hard?

I like to come into a show in semi-bodybuilding lean with a touch of softness. This helps me look healthier and no sunken in cheek bones..lol

Nikki Warner

5) What is your idea of what judges want in a Figure competitor? Do you think judges are clear enough with competitors about how they want you on stage? It seems in Canada they are very clear unlike in the USA.

There is no clear idea...it's subjective and they look at the total package of each individual female. They are looking for that complete look and someone that stands out.

6) For the next shows what do you think you need to work on physique-wise/conditioning-wise? If anything!

I need to be a touch leaner in my glutes and fuller glutes!

7) What is your typical training routine in the gym (per day, include sets and reps!) How much cardio do you do before a show?

4 days of weights...running on the beach offseason.....4-5 days cardio precontest. I lift like a bodybuilder...heavy and intense!

8) What is your pre-contest diet? (per day, 1 week before the show)

Good blend of high protein, mod. fat and carbs..........of course, reduced calories come precontest. I don't change much 1 week out except for reduce sodium a bit.

Nikki Warner

9) How do you go about dropping your water before the day of the show? How much water do you drink the day of the show. Please be specific.

I don't cut my water at all...in fact I drink more...my nerves tend to make me feel dehydrated and cramped up so I drink until I don't feel thirsty. As a bodybuilder, in the past, I would cut my water but not for Figure.

10) What motivates you to train/diet and compete? Are there any competitors you looked up to?

Just being healthy, which in turn makes me feel healthy. Having a positive self outlook and self-confidence training gives me.

11) Please tell us an interesting experience you had at a show recently, be it a fun thing or something rather not so fun?

The girls labeled me as Ms. Congienality....yea, i'm extremely easy-going and love meeting new people that do what I do......this is a crazy lifestyle you know...lol!

12) What is your personal opinion about the figure, fitness, bodybuilding industry we are in? Anything you would like to see changed?

Drugs...got to go! More feminine and not crossing the line of looking like a dude.

Nikki Warner

13) What has been your hardest challenge to overcome either in your personal life or competing career?

Knowing that no matter how I place to have a great time and enjoy the experience!

14) Did you make any changes to your contest prep for your last show? Water intake, carbing up, etc...

I was leaner and bigger.....fuller glutes and shoulders.

15) What is your opinion about the 20% rule the IFBB issued to some female athletes? Why do you think they did it? Do you think competitors will follow it? Or it will get lost around somewhere?

Strange...because every competitor carries the muscle weight differently. Some women need to reduce and others need to pack it on. It's all individual and indefinable!

16)You are one of the best models I have worked with! What would you recommend other competitors that are looking into modeling. Any tips to become better and more versatile?

Just be yourself and tell yourself that you can do it......If you never give it a try then you will regret it!

17) Please tell us about how you were raised and did you have any interesting experiences while growing up?

Pretty laid back family....My family was very sports oriented and my father was very competitive and expected only the best from us.

Nikki Warner

18) Do you have an athletic background? Gymnastics, soccer, volleyball or what?

Of course...I was your typical tomboy...always playing a sport...with all guys of course, usually! Cross country, cheerleading, basketball, track, softball

19) What is a typical day in the life of Nikki Warner? From waking up to until going to bed?

You don't even want to know.....choas! I'm in the doctorate prog. here in Hawaii so it's busy times with very little sleep. I get it all done, though, and leave plenty of time for the beach and partying!!

20) What is your current occupation? Please tell us more about it, what do you specifically do in your job?

3 1/2 years and I will have a doctorate in pharmacy along with my bachelor's degree in dietetics that I received in 2003

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