Fit Mom: Cover Model & Fitness Athlete Olya Haidner Talks With Simplyshredded.com

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

As a child I was actively involved in gymnastics, skiing and ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing was my true passion, I became a professional competitor and competed for my home country, Russia. As my adult life progressed, I became a mommy to two wonderful kids. Through both of my pregnancies I gained over 50 lb each time and that made my life pretty depressing. Having a very supportive and understanding family, my mom bought me a year membership at one of the local gyms for my birthday! It was her silent encouragement for me to get my life back to normal and my body in better shape.

That is how my journey to my transformation began! I was inspired by fitness models that were training at the same facility and I only wished to have a body like theirs one day!

Photography By: Trevor Howell

Where does your motivation come from?

My kids are my greatest motivation! Being their mom is a great honour and pleasure and a hard work! They teach me in their own ways to never give up and to be my personal best!

Life is about improvement and not perfection!

What workout routine has worked best for you?

Current Routine:

Monday: Shoulders and Athletic Training

Side Raises x3 sets 8-12 reps
Front Raises x3 sets 8-12 reps
Overhead Flies x3 sets 8-12 reps
Side Cable Raises x3 sets 8-12 reps
Military Press x3 sets 8-12 reps
Squat Press x3 sets 8-12 reps
Rear Flies x3 sets 8-12 reps

Tuesday: Back/Triceps and Cycling

Seated Row x3 sets 8-12 reps
Pull Downs x3 sets 8-12 reps
Chin-ups x3 sets 8-12 reps
Pullovers x3 sets 8-12 reps
Seated Row x3 sets 8-12 reps
Dips x3 sets 8-12 reps
Tricep Pushdowns x3 sets 8-12 reps

Wednesday: Legs and Athletic Training

Hack squat (Wide Stand Rock Bottom) x3 sets 8-12 reps
Sumo Deadlifts x3 sets 8-12 reps
Rock Bottom Jump Squat x3 sets 8-12 reps
Lunges x3 sets 8-12 reps
Leg Curls x3 sets 8-12 reps
Cross fit

Thursday: Hot Yoga

Hot Yoga 60-90 minutes

Friday: Biceps/Chest and RPM Class

Barbell Curls x3 sets 8-12 reps
Alternate Hammer Curls x3 sets 8-12 reps
Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl x3 sets 8-12 reps
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl x3 sets 8-12 reps
Bench Press x3 sets 8-12 reps
Dumbbell Pullovers x3 sets 8-12 reps

If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?

Jump squats – They target your glutes, abs, calves, hamstrings and quads. They can also be a great fun cardio workout
Push-up – It hits the shoulders, chest, back and core and is also a great exercise that can be performed anywhere
Leg Raises – This hardcore exercise gives me the best ab workout and really brings out the definition

What is your diet like?

Meal 1: Oatmeal, Egg Whites and Grapefruit
Meal 2: Protein Powder, Oatmeal and Almond Butter
Meal 3: Chicken Breast, Green Beans and Quinoa
Meal 4: Fresh Salmon, Green Beans and an Apple
Meal 5: Protein Shake
Meal 6: Chicken, Cucumber, Green Beans and Spinach

When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

HIIT is by far my favorite! I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone and challenging myself. I spend less than half the time I usually do on those machines and I get much leaner in the process!

What is your supplementation like?

I stick to the basics:

Whey Protein
Multivitamins
Fish Oil

The highlight of your fitness career?

The biggest highlight, hands down, is how many people I motivate by sharing my story and showing my progress to change their eating habits, be more active, and simply take control over their health!