Interview With NPC Figure Competitor
Dorothea ( Dee ) Peters

In 2007 I entered my 1st NPC figure competition and wow what an amazing feeling, to have all my hard work viewed and appreciated by so many, that on stage feeling, I knew I’d defiantly do other shows.

EC: Where do you reside and train at?

Dee: I live in San Jose CA. I try to change up my training routine as much as possible, I often work out with Ultra Fit trainer Curtis Felix in Santa Clara but have a couple gym memberships, Bally’s, 24 hr and I also will hit a local high school or De Anza college to do bleachers.

EC: San Jose, Ca. is a great city! I used to live there, and was born in San Jose Hospital. Small world!! What is your competitive history?

Dee: I have always been super competitive but only recently had the opportunity to compete at the level Im at now:

EC: Can you tell us what magazines or websites we might have seen you in.

Dee: Bodybuiding.com and hardfitness.com usually have great coverage of competition photos. Most recently I was in a music video for a new up and coming artist. The song is called “Beautiful” and the artist is Deez Beatz he’s with independent record label Slam N Jams Entertainment. Keep n eye for it.

EC: I checked that music video out, it was awesome! Do you have a trainer or do you do it on your own?

Dee: I consult many different people when I train, on or off season. My network consists of former NFL Safety Curtis Felix from Ultra Fit, Sarah Malone an IFBB Figure PRO (she has helped me tremendously with posing and stage presence, I wouldn’t be here without her). I also have a network of female and male athletes and competitors that I consult.

EC: What is your training philosophy?

Dee: "Train for change." I didn't like that my thighs jiggled when I walked so I increased the amount of time on the stair climber. I hated how my arms got tiered when I did my hair. So I started using free weights to tone my arms. It sounds silly, but it’s simple, train for what you want to change. One should set realistic goals and work toward achieving them. Embrace yourself, your life and your body. No quick fix, no gimmicks, work hard at what you want and you’ll get change.

EC: That is the truth, "Train for Change" Can you give us a run down of what your current training workouts look like?

Dee: My current training regiment is early morning 45-60 min cardio before breakfast, afternoon 60 min weight session and after dinner do a second 45-60 min cardio session

EC: Is this training routine something that our readers can use to build muscle and lose body fat or is this something that is more suited for an advanced athlete?

Dee: Anyone can benefit from a work out like this especially to lose fat, incorporating twice a day cardio sessions, you will definitely see results.

EC: Could you share with us your philosophy on nutrition?

Dee: I often see billboards depicting moms with their arms crossed with captions like "my kitchen my rules". I love that! In my house rules of eating healthy totally apply. Simply stated, If I make a healthy meal for my family to eat they will eat healthy, if I order pizza or go through a drive through that's what they will eat.

EC: I second that, I love to cook for my family so I will be posting a sign in my kitchen that say's "My Kitchen My Rules" What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

Dee: I have a little thing for chocolate and peanut butter. When I'm craving something I try to substitute it with a rice cake, a tablespoon of natural peanut butter or something else. I have also found that if I’m craving something I just make it and have my family eat it. It sounds a bit neurotic, but it works and the best part is I’ve become a better cook because of it. I hear my sweet potato pancakes are awesome!

EC: How important are supplements in your bodybuilding program and which supplements do you use year round?

Dee: Supplements are extremely important. When I first started training I put in hard work and effort, but I didn’t see a lot of results, adding supplements completely changed my body. I continuously use multi-vitamins, amino acids, protein, and glutamine throughout the year to maintain and build.

EC: People would be amazed what adding supplements to your bodybuilding arsenal would do for their health and fitness. What supplements do you feel are essential when preparing for a fitness competition?

Dee: Multi-vitamins, BCAA’s, Oryx Goat whey protein, glutamine, Lipo6X and L-carnatine are all my important ones. Muscle-4Life-Nutrition.com. is a great resource. It has a wide variety of supplements at great prices with lots of awesome weekly specials.

The website also has a variety of cookies, snack options and protein bars that I’m unable to find anywhere else. There are also fun fitness quizzes you can take to test your knowledge, and my favorite is the You Tube Fitness Clips, I use these to get motivated before I head to the gym.

EC: What advice would you give to someone who has tried a number of weight loss programs with no success?

Dee: Start off with basic questions

1. Are the goals that you’re setting for your self realistic?

2. Do you have a diet and exercise plan?

3. Are you organized to where this plan can be implemented and achieved?

4. Are you motivated?

Planning and motivation are key. If you have tried all of the above I suggest seeking help from a trainer or coach. A good trainer or coach can definitely point you in the right direction and keep the motivation up until you can sustain it on your own.

EC: Words to live by! Where and when is your next competition?

Dee: The 2009 Sacramento Pro/Am November 7th, I wasn’t that happy with my physic at the 2008 show so I’ve made some adjustments and want another try at 1st place. I’m excited. I believe I worked hard and feel I’ve made changes in areas that in previous years lacked size. We’ll see what the judges think at the show.

EC: I am sure all your hard work will pay off. What is you favorite body part to workout?

Dee: Shoulders and Arms.

EC: Can you tell us about your family? Are you married? Do you have children?

Dee: I’m blessed to have a great family; I have 2 sisters and a brother. Both my parents refuse to get old, they are continuously active. Both look 20 yrs younger than what thy really are. I have 3 nephews, 4 nieces and 2 brothers-in-law. I have a wonderful 13 yr old daughter Monica who plays football and wrestles. I am not married, but I do have a wonderful and supportive boyfriend.

EC: Big family. If one of our readers was interested in becoming a figure competitor and already lives a healthy lifestyle, what would your advice be to her?

Dee: Set the goal and go for it! Do the necessary steps to achieve your goal. Find a trainer/figure coach to give you an understanding of “what it takes” once you have all the information on what to do. Organize your schedule and get started. What do you have to lose?

EC: If you could thank one person for helping you reach your fitness goals, who would it be?

Dee: Maybe my Father, he has instilled my core values, the passion to better myself through discipline and hard work.

EC: Who has been the most memorable person you have enjoyed working with?

Dee: The most memorable I'd have to say is my father I remember how excited he got when the Olympics came on or when a prize fight was on television. He would mention the time it took to become an athlete of that caliber the training and dedication they had. Then we would hit the black top for a little one-on-one basketball (he always kicked my butt). Little did he know that I would still carry his words with me today.

EC: That reminds me word for word of my Dad! It is very nice that you give credit to your Father, he sounds like a great man. Would you like to give a shout out to anyone?

Dee: My whole family, my mom Marina (I can always hear her screaming through the crowd during competitions). My daughter, Monica, who is my “mini-me” and inspiration. My figure coach, IFBB Pro Sarah Malone. Curtis and Elizabeth Felix for their support through all my shows, truly great friends. All my friends and family who come to the shows to support me. Thank you.

EC: Sounds like you have your whole family behind you (TEAM PETERS). What are your big plans for the future?

Dee: My big plans, I call them Goals, and I’m definitely on track to achieve them.

Finish school and receive my degree in nursing and raise my daughter to be better than her mother, by supporting her in school, cheering her on at her wrestling meets and passing her the family values I’ve honed over the years.

I will continuously look for new ways to improve my physic and overall heath pushing to reach my fullest potential. I'd love to eventually reach the ranks of IFBB Figure Pro, who I admire and respect so much. Health and Fitness will always be a part of my life.

EC: Okay we will call them goals, and great goals at that. Anything else you would like to add?

Dee: You can do anything you set your mind to. You can achieve any goal. I’m not the person I want to be yet, physically, mentally or even emotionally. So I train for change, and I work harder, and I eat better. I learn something new everyday, and by taking these steps I will reach my goals... are you reaching yours?

EC: Dee, I want to thank you for spending some time with us and wish you all the luck in the world. This interview is just a glimpse into the bodybuilding life of Dorothea ( Dee ) Peters, to learn more about Dee visit her at the following: myspace.com/dee1peters and facebook.com/deefitness. You can also leave Dee a comment below, we will make sure she gets it.