Rebecca Hahn

Rebecca is a force to be reckoned with: a determined athlete and model, busy Mom, and a heart full of generosity and care for herself and others. We’ve gotten to know Rebecca for some time and admire her dedication and the results she’s achieved.

Find out why we are really proud of Rebecca and her successes.

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

Read the Interview

Hi Rebecca, can you tell the readers where you were raised and where you currently reside?
- I was born in Minnesota, but grew up in Arizona and I have lived here my whole life. I really love Arizona. Yes the summers are brutal, but I absolutely love the sunshine. It's a great state to raise a family too. I definitely have to slip out of here and visit the ocean a few times a year though. The ocean water forces me to exhale, relax and just 'be'.
What was your motivating factor(s) for getting involved in exercising and living a healthy lifestyle?
- When I was a teenager I had to change my diet because I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia. That began my initial exploration of how powerful your diet can be in not only weight issues, but with serious medical issues. Then later in life after I had my children my health and physical fitness really became a passionate journey for me. It wasn't just about looking good anymore. It was about actually living a healthful lifestyle and modeling it and teaching that to my little babies.
Do you currently compete in any competitions? Can you give the readers your contest history and future contest plans?
- I have only competed a handful of times and I have not been competing currently. I have been more focused on other areas of fitness since my last competition.
  
  Competition has been a really great experience for me. I learned so much about what my body is capable of and just how amazing it is to see yourself transform. When I compete I am really focused and driven and I make it count. It takes an incredible amount of energy and time, so I am careful about not taking on too many competitions so I can keep my family and career balanced.
My competition career
- 2008 America's Fittest Model - Fitness Model, OVERALL Champion Winner
  
  2008 FAME, Sin City - Fitness Model, Third Place Title Winner
  
  2007 NPC Miles Productions - Figure, Class C, Second Place Title Winner
  
  2006 OCB Arizona Natural - Figure, Novice OVERALL Champion Winner
  
  2006 OCB Arizona Natural - Figure, Open Division Champion/First Place Title
  
  2006 OCB Arizona Natural - Figure, Novice Champion/First Place Title
When you are getting ready for a photo shoot, do you have a structured way you eat and train in the last weeks before it takes place? Can you elaborate on this?
- Each shoot is different and sometimes there is a need to be leaner than other times. If I need to lean out then I will adjust my nutrition and workouts to shed a little excess fat and water. How much adjustment I need to make is tailored to the shoots needs. Often, I don't need to lean out because I maintain a healthy weight. Photographers and magazines are not always looking for an extreme, cut up physique either. They are usually looking for more of a healthy toned, supple image. A marriage of athletic and feminine. That is the look I prefer to maintain and want to promote.
  
  To elaborate a bit for when I do need to lean out, my typical leaning menu would be higher in clean protein, complex carbs consumed earlier in the day, a lot of veggies, all portions would be measured out. I eat in a grazing pattern throughout the day, about every 2 to 3 hours, especially in the earlier part of the day to prevent hunger. This is actually how I 'normally' eat on a daily basis all the time anyway, but while leaning out I am much more stringent on my portion sizes. And I will also temporarily eliminate fruit when I lean out, which is rough for me because I love fruit! It's nature’s candy! lol! And of course any alcohol or indulgences of any kind. I can't afford to go to extreme measures and partake in crash dieting techniques. I have young children to take care of first and foremost and I have a responsibility to take care of myself as a mother and health & wellness advocate.
Do you think there are a lot of male and female fitness models that partake in dangerous and stupid methods of last minute crash dieting or extreme water loss techniques before a shoot?
- Besides, food is great and tastes delicious and I want to enjoy life and promote living a full life....which does not include deprivation or starvation. There is nothing more unattractive than a malnourished, ill looking individual. And I can spot someone that is not eating right or enough a mile away. You can see it in the person’s skin, their eyes, hair, nails, etc. It's unfortunate that a lot of fitness models do practice crash diet techniques to stay lean. It goes against everything fitness stands for. It's frustrating when I see or hear about it. I can only hope that they will make the connection that they are portraying a dysfunctional lifestyle that is unattainable for the average individual. This is definitely not my goal in the fitness industry.
Have you made any diet and/or training mistakes? If so what were they?
- I am no Ms. Perfect! When I do make mistakes, I learn from it and am better for it. One mistake that is a standout off the top off my head is when I trained for my first figure competition; at first I was doing way too much cardio. I learned what a sufficient amount was for me so I didn't lose my hard earned muscle. Also, I learned to filter how much you listen to other people's input or direction when you are training for a competition. It's really key to have a plan and STICK TO IT!
When you have a gap between photo shoots do you allow yourself to sway from your diet a little? What are your favourite no-no foods?
- I model, act and host outside of fitness. So it's important for me to maintain my healthy look, which again is not overly cut up and lean. I will have my indulgences though. I have to live life too! I really love pizza and cheesecake. One thing I love that is usually considered a healthy food is granola. But it is one of those foods that I have a hard time not overdoing it with. I try not to buy or make it too often, because it challenges my self control.
What does your current diet and training program look like currently?
- My diet is a smidge higher in lean proteins, like chicken, egg whites, ground turkey and tofu. I don't usually eat dairy. I'm not saying that I never have it. But it is rare for me. I like how it tastes, but my body doesn't process it very good. I eat a lot of complex carbs, colorful fruits and veggies. I eat very very balanced. I eat roughly every 2-4 hours and I eat anywhere from 5-8 times a day. I really try to make sure I prevent hunger, mindful of my portion sizes, while listening to how my belly feels. I have been eating this way for a long time so I am pretty good about eyeballing what is the appropriate portion for me.
  
  I go through phases with my training. Right now I am practicing a lot of HIIT training. It's so time efficient for me. I like to throw in a week of heavy training about once a month and shock my body. I also casually practice yoga. I would really like to do more yoga though. It's funny because the busier I get the yoga is the first thing I will put as last on my list. But in actuality, the busier I get, then more important the yoga should become. But what I really love so much is getting out in the sunshine, in nature, either hiking or out for a good jog. It gives me such peace of mind and I do my best brainstorming when I'm jogging.
When exercising do your concentrate more on cardio or fat burning programs on gym equipment such as cross trainers etc?
- I really make an effort to practice both. But again, I love being outdoors so much jogging, sprinting, doing stadium drills and hiking. Believe it or not, I am the mom with the kids at the park that is having my own little personal 'boot camp' going on. My kids will be playing with their friends and I will be out there doing my agility drills, pushups, pop squats, etc. I usually look pretty silly, lol. I have no shame though and more often than not, I will have an onlooker ask how I know what to do and want to know how to get in shape! That feels pretty cool!
What are your favourite body parts to train?
- My favorite body parts to train are first my glutes, abs & legs.
What are your least favourite body parts to train?
- My least favorite part to train is my shoulders. I have an injury in one of my shoulders and in my neck and it can be really painful. I have been known to overdo it and seriously pay for it the next few day afterwards.
Do you have any role models in the fitness industry?
- My role models change from time to time. As my focus evolves, so will who is inspiring me. I am inspired by Fran Dennis because she is a fellow mommy that is fit and beautiful. She seems to be really family focused first and I admire that quality. I am also inspired by Amber Liz. I had a great experience working at a model conference with her. She is obviously gorgeous and fit. But I was more inspired by her spirit and her willingness to take a moment to connect with me. Beautiful, fit and a soulful person...yes I call that inspiring.
What is your favourite type of music to listen to while training?
- I always wear headphones. They are a great tool for me. I can get really motivated by lyrics and tempos. Plus I like to break out in a little dance here and there when I work out. It's true, lol, I will totally get my groove on. I listen to a variety of music like Britany Spears-Circus, Dierks Bentley-Feel That Fire, LMFAO- Miami, Fergie - Milkshake, Usher- Oh My God. See it's a total random blend!
Do you believe in training to muscular failure for maximum results? Why or why not?
- This method should be used based on what your goals are. It's not a technique that I think should be used all the time. However when you want to build on strength and add size this method will help you achieve those goals more timely. I have experienced developing and building size using muscular failure training for myself. The key is to vary your workouts out though. You don't want to practice the same regimen all the time because both and your brain and your muscles will get bored!
Do you think that people who achieve elite level physiques develop an almost OCD with their training and dieting? Do you believe this is good? And do you believe many develop body dysmorphia?
- These are really great questions. Yes some individuals do develop an OCD and body dysmorphia. This is absolutely a tragedy. It's so unfortunate that people would let something so healthy turn into the very thing that could ruin them. The truth is that those particular people probably have an addictive personality or have deep insecurities which is the root cause.
What are your future goals?
- I have so many goals to achieve in this lifetime. Some of my personal goals are to maintain a healthy balance of career and family. I want to make sure that I model to my children that god and family comes first above all. Without it and our health we have nothing. I believe when you have your spirituality and values passionately defined you are a whole person.
  
  Some of my career goals are really going to be exciting for me. I am getting ready to launch my website, which will be a huge thrill for me. I am having a lot of fun getting the last adjustments made on it. I have more magazine work that will underway for modeling, being interviewed and writing which I am ecstatic about. I am also the lead host of a new talk show based in Arizona. It's really amazing and I can't wait for it to make its debut.
  
  I'm also so passionate about being involved in an all women's boot camp that is making it's way around the United States. This will be my highlight for 2010. I really love helping, motivating and connecting with others. It drives me and inspires me to do more.
Is there anything you would like to plug?
- I am so proud to be apart of Natural Sports Nutrition. I am going to be part of a commercial campaign for NSN in 2010 which is an honour. Thank you to Mike Webb for choosing me to part of your wonderful company and revolutionary product! I really look forward to sharing the NSN campaign with the public.
  
  The Sporty Girl Fitness boot camp will be touring the US and will be both a fulfilling and exhilarating project for me to share with other women. Thank you to Basheera Ahmad for believing in me and bringing me onto her team, to share our passion for changing peoples lives.
  
  Last but not least, my new talk show! It's called Celebrity Onset and the airing date is TBA, and it should be a great time. I'll be interviewing celebrities, attending red carpet events and covering a lot of colorful characters from all over the U.S. Be sure to check out www.RebeccaHahn.net soon for the upcoming launch!
  
  Let's all make 2010 a year of reaching goals, creating new ones and keeping your inspirations and passions alive! Much love to you all!
Fast answers. What’s first thing that comes to your mind. Squats yes or no?
- YES...this is one of the best moves anybody can and should do! Don't ever eliminate this in your training regimen!
Favourite movie of all time?
- Old School
Favourite cheat meal?
- Pizza
What does it take for a woman to get below 8% body fat?
- DIET above all and then cardio. Eat highly nutritious, less volume and burn more!
Workout partner yes or no? Male or female?
- I like both alone and with a partner sometimes. If I mix it up then it doesn't get stale! Female when I am doing weights and male when I am doing cardio.
The worst pick up line a guy has ever tried on you? LOL sorry had to throw that one in there!
- I have to pick just one? lol! This one guy just flat out said to me "I want to be ON you!" That was really obnoxious. And another guy actually mailed me a wedding ring with a written proposal and told me why he would be a good husband to me. And another mailed me papers to a house he bought for me!! What ever happened to falling in love?
Do you drink alcohol once in a while? If so what’s your favourite drink?
- Yes, I am human and enjoy a good drink. I love wine and vodka.
Your favourite sport to watch?
- I really get into MMA and football. I can get into any sport though, I love action and competitiveness!

Thank you Rebecca for sharing your story so far with us all, we are excited to hear about your upcoming projects and wish you success with everything.

You can follow Rebecca online on The Performance Network here: Rebecca Hahn’s Performance Network Profile