Around 10:30pm Saturday September 26th I received a phone call from the “Tyra Banks Show”. They wanted one of NaturalMuscle’s OLYMPUS female athletes for the show. I quickly went to work on making a matching connection. Within a little less than two hours, Liza Acanfora was selected. The OLYMPUS will be Liza’s first figure contest.

NM - First off how excited were you to be selected for the "Tyra Banks Show"?

Liza - I was SO excited to be selected for the show. For me, life is about being extraordinary, and doing extraordinary things. This event was definitely once in a lifetime, so I had to jump on the opportunity. With me being only 20 years old and just starting my competition journey, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

NM - When you interviewed with the show what did they say you would be doing?

Liza - When I was on the phone with the producers of the show, I was told they were doing a “social experiment” about weight and how people are perceived in society according to their weight.

NM - I know what they said and what they had planned for you was different. Tell us

Liza - Well, we all know that reality television is supposed to be truthful and real, but we also know that there are twists to every “reality” television show. This talk show is about telling the truth, and talking about interesting and sometimes controversial issues. Turns out that talk shows like Tyra’s have a strong need for drama and conflict, along with a mix of some truthful and some staged responses to the controversial topic. On the phone with the producers, they never talked about the events we were going to be partaking in. The other 7 people involved in the “experiment” were equally surprised in the tweaking and persuading that was done by the staff of the “Tyra Banks Show.”

NM - How crazy and exciting was it to have this opportunity before your very 1st show?

Liza - This whole training journey has been a whirlwind. Mentally, physically, and emotionally draining, but also very fulfilling and pleasing. On the way to NYC I just kept saying “what am I doing…this is crazy…what is going on!” It was really quite easy to eat clean in NYC for two reasons. The staff was very understanding of the need for healthy food. They were more than ready to get plain chicken breast and vegetables whenever needed, and there are also health stores that I was able to get protein shakes at. I got my cardio sessions in by using the hotel cardio room, and then took a short walk down to a different gym to do weight training and extra calorie burning activities.

NM - I know you are concerned that the shows producers took you out of context and plan to edit the show in a way that creates drama. What truths do you want to clear up.   

Liza - I would just like people to know that the 7 other people that were on the show with me were AMAZING. When the cameras weren’t rolling, we kept apologizing to each other and made sure that we weren’t taking anything that was being said seriously or personally. The 8 of us total worked together to make the television show very dramatic and hopefully eye opening. I have to say I am a little upset about the editing that took place, because it truly makes me look like a horrible person. I really want everyone to know that while some of the things that take place on the show are true, A lot of the arguments and controversy were staged.

The episode will surely make for good television, and I definitely do not regret going to New York City to film the show. It was an experience that I will never forget, and there are many new opportunities that are coming about from the NYC trip. I want to thank you Jerry & www.naturalmuscle.com for giving me this opportunity. Time to get back on schedule and prepare for the OLYMPUS competition.

NM – On to the contest count down. It’s a bit more than a week out. How excited are you for this?

Liza – I just can’t believe it is finally here! I am especially excited for the first time competitors division. The OLYMPUS is a fairly large show from what I hear, so it makes me a little more comfortable with the fact that Natural Muscle has formed the “first time” category, to ease my way onto the stage. I am extremely excited though, and cannot wait to be on stage!

NM – What made you decide to compete?

Liza – I have always been into trying new things, and challenging myself… I kept seeing these 2 women at one of the gyms I train at and said “WOW, I want to look like them!” I started researching and asking around, and started training for the show in the beginning of July. I quickly fell in love with the intensity of the whole process, and decided that I definitely had to compete in the OLYMPUS. 

NM– What other sport have you been involved in?

Liza – I have tried many different sports... I played softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, dancing, and even attempted to play golf with my dad. None of the sports I played growing up had me so positively addicted like training for the OLYMPUS has. I like to play tennis now, but the training that I do is my main priority.

NM – Tell us a little bit about your training? Are you working with anyone?

Liza – I started off at World Gym in Hamburg doing my own cardio and weight lifting. After a while of doing that on my own I had my cousin, Gary Larson, help me out two times a week at World Gym. We did a lot of different exercises, and I could see my muscles sculpting and becoming more evident. After I decided I wanted to compete, I needed someone that was professionally trained in changing the female body. I came across Terry Stokes and e-mailed him to inquire about what he does in his gym on Hertel ave. After exchanging e-mails for a while we set up a date for me to come in and see what happens during the high intensity fat&calorie burning workouts. The first thing Terry told me was “Now if you get dizzy or feel like your going to throw up during these workouts… its okay!” So after taking part in one of the workouts, I quickly told Terry that I was interested for sure in competing, and now I am there every day as much as possible. It gets hard with school full time, and working, but it is totally worth it. There are many people that have supported me through this, and a lot of other people have offered their personal experiences and advice about being in the competing world.

NM– What is your diet like?

Liza - My diet is simple, small portions of chicken and vegetables five times a day. All of the food is measured out in grams so there is no guessing. Terry started me off with large portions and then gradually reduced me to where I am at now. It definitely stinks to be in social environments and have the Tupperware, but it is such a powerful and exhilarating thing to do to change the human body. The hardest thing for me to do was build up the self-control to say no to temptation. It took me a LONG time to be able to tell myself “Liza, you don’t want that, you train so hard… YOU DON’T NEED THAT!” The diet is most definitely the most important part in my eyes to being a successful competitor. With the OLYMPUS being my first competition, I am learning things about myself and my body on a daily basis.

NM – Well the Liza “Freight Train” will arrive on October 17^th at the OLYMPUS. Good luck to you.