Inspiring Women – Alexandra Ojog

Interview with Alexandra Ojog – “Nothing is impossible, when you really want it!”

Bronze medal at the National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships 2015, 1st place at the Ultimate Smartfit Challenge 2015 (teams), 1st place at the Ultimate Smartfit Challenge 2016, Fittest Women in Romania 2017, Fittest Women in Romania 2018, 3rd place at the Romanian Throwdown 2017, 1st place at the Uzina Cup 2016 and 2017.

An impressive record for someone who entered the world of sports at the age of 31 after giving birth to a wonderful child. What motivated you not only to adopt sports as a healthy lifestyle but to dedicate yourself to it with such passion?

My passion for sports has always existed. However, I didn’t fully realize it until after my son, Ayan, was born. He became the driving force behind taking this step. From the desire to be an inspiration for my own child and to educate him in a beautiful and healthy way, my life changed. I made the decision to cultivate my passion for sports and live my life wholeheartedly.

How did you start your fitness career?

It all started with the desire to be a fit mom and to break away from the stereotype of a woman who gives birth and no longer pays attention to her physical appearance. In January 2015, I began training with multiple bodybuilding and fitness champion Andrei Alexandrescu. After nine months of preparation, I participated in the National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, where I won the bronze medal. Fitness truly changed my life!

You are a mother, and yet, this does not hinder you from carrying out your training. How do you balance being a mother and an athlete?

My life as an athlete began after giving birth to Ayan, and I started pursuing competitive sports alongside him. Everything comes naturally. I admit it’s not easy, and I make many sacrifices, but things are very clear to me: I am a mother first and then an athlete.

How did the transition from “exercising for physical and mental health” to competitive sports happen?

The transition from “exercising for physical and mental health” to competitive sports happened naturally, without any force. Being a competitive person, I set out to deepen my involvement in this field and participate in various competitions, and this transition became a subtle step.

My organized lifestyle and disciplined nutrition have also been strong factors. All these elements worked in my favor for achieving peak performance.

Where do you find “inspiration” for fitness and a healthy lifestyle, and what do you recommend to women with busy schedules?

I draw my energy and inspiration from my passion. Being passionate about this field, I always find the resources to push forward, even during the challenging moments of life.

When I feel that daily stress is causing mental discomfort, reading is one of the activities that relaxes me. Another relaxing activity for me is MMA, a sport I recently discovered.

It is important for women to dedicate a few minutes each day to themselves and ask what they want to do for their health and physical appearance. Invest in physical and mental well-being. “Steal” a few minutes (10 minutes) from each activity of the day and allocate that cumulative time to an hour of exercise, whether it’s running, crossfit, fitness, pilates, MMA, cycling, dance, etc. Find the type of exercise that suits you and practice it. Allocate three hours per week to your well-being. From my point of view, when a woman is happy, the whole family is happy.

I know you perform various types of training, including crossfit. What are the advantages of this type of exercise?

Crossfit is my main sport. It combines functional exercises that work both the body and the mind excellently. It is a sport suitable for all ages. All movements in crossfit are functional and help us in our daily lives. The exercises are adapted to each fitness level.

In addition to crossfit, I wanted to push my limits and overcome fears, so I discovered MMA – mixed martial arts. I practice this sport three times a week, with my coach being multiple champion Ciprian C?r?u?u.

Another type of training that has caught my attention is gymnastics. Gymnastics is a sport where I have my child as a partner, and this brings me great joy.

What could be better than spending time with your child while giving your body the necessary indulgence?

Tell us, in broad strokes, about the preparation period leading up to a competition.

Together with my coach and good friend Mihai Ivan, a weightlifting coach, we create a training plan that includes strength training, muscle endurance, cardio, and nutrition. At the beginning of each year, I set my goals for the competitions I want to participate in and prepare accordingly.

Which competitions are you currently training for?

I am preparing intensively for the Athens Throwdown, Varna Throwdown, and recently, I participated in the Open where I won the title of Fittest Women in Romania 2018. This is a very important title for me.

Have you trained your mind/psychology to the extent that you don’t pay attention to unhealthy foods? What do you do if a junk food item catches your eye?

Unhealthy foods are not part of my diet. I have set up a barrier and educated myself in that regard. I have learned to appreciate the value of healthy and natural food. Sports discipline your nutrition! They are closely related and intertwined. However, I recommend, and I consider it healthy for the mind, to have a “cheat day” once a week, a day when you can indulge and enjoy what your taste buds desire.

What do you recommend to those who want to adopt a healthy lifestyle?

First and foremost, find your inner peace. Everything starts from within. Organize your meals and focus on healthy eating. Make room for sports in your life. Think about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the impact that sports have on your health. It’s easy to make excuses like “I can’t!” I say otherwise: try it, and you will feel/see the difference!

Tell us two guiding principles you follow in life.

“Follow your dreams!” and “Nothing is impossible when you truly desire it!”