Natural Sports Nutrition | Performance Meals

Pauline Mitchell

Pauline Mitchell is a fitness wonder. With movie star good looks and a healthy fitness physique that many are envious over its no wonder she won Natural Sports Nutrition’s Top 100 Performance Physique competition that ran for an entire year!

Pauline gained the number 1 spot in the first few months of the competition and never let go of it for the rest of the year! Let’s find out how Pauline manages to keep her fit and firm body, what makes her tick and her ideas about training and nutrition.

To read the interview simply click on each question and the answer will appear or disappear.

Read the Interview

Pauline congratulations on winning the top 100 physique once again. How does it feel being the champ after a year long competition?
- First of all, I want thank Natural Sports Nutrition for giving me this amazing opportunity as I feel that a lot of my efforts are paying off. Just weeks before, I had a little set back and right then I said “it is what it is” and there is something else ahead for me.
  
  Then on New Years Eve, I was named Top 100 physique. I have to say there were so many other amazing women with great physiques that entered the competition, but I never lost sight of my purpose in the competition.
Who did you feel was your toughest competition?
- I felt like Melinda and Drexel were my toughest competition because they are two beautiful women and amazing athletes. But I was very determined to make it to the top and stay there. I also had a lot of support from my friends and family throughout the competition. It was very encouraging to know that I inspired so many people.
How does a typical day of eating look like for you? Do you count calories and how many do you aim for in a day?
- I am on the smaller side and my metabolism is super fast. So I have to eat a well balanced quality meal every couple of hours. I tend to be on the higher side of calories. My caloric maintenance is 2300 and my competition caloric intake is around 2700. Whoa!!
How important is protein in your diet? We know that for men looking to gain muscle mass protein is key. From a woman's perspective do you feel it as important, and if so, do you feel that women in general don't appreciate the benefits protein can offer for a toned body?
- Protein is an essential part of your daily nutrition. It can really influence your strength. Another reason why it is so important, especially if you are a body builder or athlete, is that it builds and repairs your muscle. So it is a critical component for building muscle mass and tone. I do feel that many women know that they need some form of protein in their daily nutrition, but may not know the true benefits of what protein can offer them.
Do you believe in and take supplements? If so which do you prefer?
- Yes I do believe in supplements and take them daily. I take supplements for the purpose of sport nutrition and longevity. There are so many supplements out there, so it is important to know which ones you need depending on what you are trying to achieve. I prefer plant based supplements as I find they work best for me.
How do you structure your workouts? Do you do your training in cycles or do you stick with a basic routine that you follow consistently?
- My workouts vary. Most of the time I lift heavy because I can easily lose muscle mass, but I also incorporate integrated functional training. I have a track and field, tennis and dance background. So I incorporate movement patterns that allow me to function efficiently on a daily basis.
  
  Adding functional training in my daily workout routine is key for me. It allows me to improve on my flexibility, balance, range of motion in my joints as well as improve my strength and endurance.
What's your favourite form of cardio?
- As of right now, my favourite cardio is a combination of 3 modalities. It’s called MC2 created by FreeMotion Fitness. It’s where I utilize a specialized incline trainer, weights and Itonic Vibration. I was one of the few to get certified with this amazing knowledge and I feel very blessed to have been part of it (Check out my MC2 video)
How often do you train with weights and what kinds of rep range do you find works well?
- Because I am an extreme hard gainer, I keep my rep range low most of time and lift heavy. I stay between 8-10 reps for bulking. However, I do like to vary my workouts every 2 weeks or so. I really enjoy HIIT training as well. HIIT training had been an integral part of my collegiate career as a track star.
Being a role model for many women who may aspire for a great physique, what's the best advice you can give?
- Starting out in the right frame of mind will be of most value for someone who aspires to have a great physique. You definitely need to have your notebook or vision board handy, so that your goals about obtaining that physique you desire are intentional. Here lies the difference between success and failure.
  
  You will be more successful if you make your goals intentional. Start with short-term realistic goals. For example, set daily, weekly and monthly goals. When you feel that you are ready to take the next step, set your long term goals. Stick with a strategy that you know will help you attain your goals.
  
  I would also advice seeking the help of an educated personal trainer. A trainer will make a big difference; after all, they are there for you!
Who inspires you and why?
- I am inspired by many of my clients. Most of them come to me with the mentality that it may be too late for them or their age prohibits them from realizing their dream or true passion. So when they are at the point where they have change their lives and are on the path to optimal health and fitness, it really inspires me.
Do you have any upcoming competitions?
- I have a few local shows planned before I head down to the Emerald cup in April. My first year, I competed in the Emerald cup as a figure athlete. This year, it’s bikini! So I am really stoked.
Do you feel living in Alaska with the extreme climate and the periods of time with elongated darkness and light provides a challenge to your motivation and or training?
- Boy oh boy being from the Caribbean, it sure does. I am a person with great internal motivation, but there are times during our winter season where you definitely need a little more motivation. I constantly have to remind myself of where I want to be in my career to get through those winter months.
Are there any sports in particular that you enjoy and participate in?
- I enjoy playing tennis. I have competed here in Alaska and love it.
Favourite Food
- Thai
Favourite TV show
- Three’s company
Favourite movie
- Dirty Dancing
Your best body part
- Glutes
Body part that needs more work
- Hams for sure
UFC
- Love it!
Funniest thing you’ve seen at a gym
- The funniest thing you ever saw in the gym was.... someone sitting backwards on the lat pull down, it was funny at first, but offered to help him.
Pauline thank you so much for your time. Is there anything you would like to promote or plug before we end?
- My web site www.paulinemitchell.com is coming soon. I will have online training available and other fun stuff.
  
  Also, the source that keep me going on a daily basis is my Health Zone