1) Who is Robyn Nicole? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska! I now live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I do physical therapy at UNM Hospital, primarily with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other Neuro related trauma. Outside of the gym, I like to spend time with family, travel, eat, and anything outdoors.
2) How many years have you been training?
I have been competing in weightlifting for 2.5 years.
Growing up I did gymnastics and swimming competitively.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
I’ve had injuries like a meniscus tear, torn shoulder, and when I was 20 my lung collapsed and found a blood clot which has changed the way I breath and condition with physical activity ever since. But my biggest setback so far has been last spring when I fractured my L4 and was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. For awhile I felt like I couldn’t do anything I loved...there was a lot of rest, and I spent a lot of time being frustrated while trying to find a PT I felt comfortable with to help me rehab. I finally found the PT I am still with, Dr. Charlsey McDonald with Elite Ortho Therapy & Sports Medicine. She basically told what I could and couldn't do, and my coaches have helped tweak my programming around her suggestions since.
The hardest part was well, everything. Not just the gym was impacted, but my career, as well as life outside of work/gym was impacted also. Some things I was cleared for rather quick, but other things took longer, like not being able to back squat for almost a year was difficult, and every time I took a step forward I'd take 5 steps back. After a few months when I could get back to training, it was hard feeling like I was starting over from the bottom. But being patient and being around my team even though I couldn't train some days made all the difference. It's all about who you surround yourself with. My coaches and sponsor United Lifters have helped me a lot with staying positive and looking at the bigger picture.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
I used to lift 5 days a week, but since my back injury, I’ve been unable to obtain proper recovery with 5 days. I now do 4 days a week of weightlifting, and try and get in 1 recovery day which is either swimming, yoga, or a conditioning class to get moving.
For diet, I have been working with nutrition coach Lauren Rutan since last summer. We fluctuate between macros/flexible dieting during off season or when I'm further out from a competition. About 8 weeks out from a competition, we switch to a strict diet to begin cutting to make weight.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
Learning to overcome adversity has been huge for me. I remember the day I was sitting in my doctors office looking at my xray/MRI, instantly became super negative, and started running through all the competitions in my head that I wouldn't be able to do. The day I stopped focusing on the injury itself and more on the big picture, was the day I became a better athlete and recovery began. Obviously I'd rather have not been injured, but I also don't think I would have requalified for the American Open had I not had that setback to help me grow as a person, and as a competitor.
Before my injury, qualifying for Nationals felt so far away...years away even. I truly think my injury is what gave me the strength to come out stronger, which resulted in qualifying for Nationals a few months ago at the American Open. Bombing a national meet was the day I realized how bad I wanted to win. Being hurt taught me how hard you truly have to work for something you want. I truly feel you have to know what it feels like to fail, to know what it takes to succeed.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
Anyone who knows me know I love donuts, old fashioned donuts to be specific. I am also a huge breakfast fan, I would eat breakfast for every meal if I could.
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
I honestly don't take too many supplements. But I'd have to say I can't live without Dymatize protein with Mighty Nut vanilla powdered peanut butter.
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
I wish I would have focused more on mobility from day 1 because I don't think I realized the importance of it in the beginning. I also wish I would have started working with my nutrition coach sooner because it would have saved me a lot of brutal weight cuts that could have been avoided.
9) Who do you look up to in the fitness industry and why?
I'd honestly have to say I look up to my whole weightlifting team, Albuquerque Strength Academy. They each inspire me in a different way, and continue to build me up. They're the ones that have dealt with me at my all time lows, and best of highs. They are all such wonderful people who inspire me to get better every day, and they all never cease to amaze me with their grit and strength themselves.
I also look up to my coaches, Grayson and Mundo. They research everything to back up their programming, go above and beyond to help me, and love what they do. I look up to their dedication as coaches every day, and of course, for putting up with me. :)
I also look up to Rebeka Koha for her absolutely incredible grind, Kathleen Winters for being so amazingly strong yet humble, and Sarah Robles for being such a wonderful role model to women and athletes around the globe.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
Be patient, everyone starts somewhere. Don't compare yourself to others, everyone is an individual. No one will ever have the perfect technique, and everyone will have off days...or even off weeks/months. Trust your coach, and trust the process.
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
My most important competition this year will be University Nationals in about 5 weeks. Last year I unknowingly was lifting on a broken back, and was pretty devastated when my chance at podium was taken away as quickly as we saw it in front of us. So I'd love to get a chance to fight back for the podium. Because I have chosen to turn down Nationals in May, I will be focusing to gear up for American Open Series 3 in September, hopefully hit that podium, and then re focus in to head back to the American Open/Nationals next year stronger than ever.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
Instagram: @rfeder
