Syleena Adams
Fitness Model, Physique Competitor, Personal Trainer
Syleena Adams is an American fitness model, personal trainer, and Physique competitor. Some of her fans refer to her as “The Beast of Beauty,” because of her strong and aesthetic looks.
Growing up, Syleena was involved in a number of activities. Such as soccer, track & field, and capoeira. However, after seriously injuring her Achilles tendon during one of her capoeira sessions, Syleena’s athletic career was cut short. She says she knew her performance in athletics would never be the same after this injury.
As a result, Syleena turned to the fitness lifestyle; seeing it as a perfect replacement for athletics. She went on to hire a professional coach, who helped her prepare for her first physique contest.
The preparations went better than Syleena expected, and as a result, she won the 1st place title at her debut show – the 2014 NPC San Diego Championships.
This is her story:
“She was strong, she believed, she worked hard, she was focused and she was happy! Everyday was a step to get there, but it doesn’t just stop there. It must continue to not maintain but get better.”
Athlete Statistics
Weight 125 - 135lbs (56.7 - 61.2kg) Height 5'3" (160cm) Calves 15'' Nationality American Profession Fitness Model, Physique Competitor, Personal Trainer Era 2010
Accomplishments
Competitions
- 2014 NPC San Diego Championships, 1st
Personal Strength Records
- 225 lbs Squat
- 60 lbs Dumbbell Incline Press
Biography
Syleena’s Athletic Background
Syleena Adams describes herself as someone who was always “super athletic,” but, her love for lifting weights started when she was 16.
Around that age, Syleena began going to the gym, sculpting a strong, and functional physique. This improved her performance in athletic disciplines and sports like track & field, and soccer.
When she turned 18, Syleena received an offer to work as a fitness instructor. Without much hesitation, Syleena accepted the offer; first receiving her certificate, later, beginning to train clients at multiple gyms.
Turn of Events
Besides working as a personal trainer, Syleena also took part in capoeira on the side, which is a Brazilian martial art. However, during one of her capoeira training sessions, Syleena ruptured her Achilles tendon, having surgery the next day.
Syleena says, from that moment on, she knew her athletic ability would never be the same again. So, in order to stay in top shape, she decided she would focus on fitness solely from that day on.
Winning her Debut Competition
After she recovered, Syleena found herself a professional fitness coach who put her on a strict weight training, and dieting program. Syleena says;“Before I knew it, I was prepping for my first show and the rest is history!”
Impressively, Syleena arrived at the show in top form, outshining her competition, and taking home 1st place.
“Experience is practice. Practice is years. Every day is something new. Over the years I’ve learned so much to bring me to this point. From high school women’s weight classes where my teacher broke down every exercise and how to do it, to getting certified and learning how to motivate 60-70 people in a group x class. These are all the baby steps, the foundation to my success.”
Training
A Different Type of Cardio
Syleena does cardio five to six times per week, whether she competes or not. Her favorite form of cardio is doing lunges for 30 minutes – Syleena says this helps her lose fat, and also keeps her legs firm and toned.
Workout Routine
Syleena’s workout regimen has changed greatly over the years. At first, she trained all body parts equally; growing and toning her entire frame.
However, now that she has an overall well-developed physique, Syleena focuses on lacking body parts. This way, she achieves a perfect balance in terms of looks, and also functionality.
Syleena’s training split;
- Monday: Shoulders
- Tuesday: Cardio, Abs, and Calves (all bodyweight exercises)
- Wednesday: Glutes and Hamstrings
- Thursday: Arms, Chest, Rotator Cuffs, Abs, and Calves (all body weight exercises)
- Friday: Glutes and Hamstrings
- Saturday: Back
- Sunday: Legs
Nutrition
Following her Own Diet Regimen
Syleena says her diet is typical of most fitness competitors. During her career, she had several coaches who each suggested a different diet, but Syleena believes her body responded the best when she followed her own dieting program.
Skin Condition and Omega-3/6 Balance
When she was 9, Syleena suffered from a skin condition called eczema. This condition persisted for several years, and then, it suddenly disappeared.
However, after several years of no symptoms, her eczema came back. Syleena went on to research about the possible causes of this condition, finding out that the main cause could be an imbalance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Syleena then tried a different diet, adding around 50 grams of omega-3 and omega-6 balanced fats. As a result, her skin cleared up completely within several weeks.
“For me, diet is the most important, and food heals. It’s different for everybody!”
Syleena Adams Meal Plan
- 1st Meal: Coffee with 1 scoop of protein, 1 whole egg 3 egg whites with mushrooms omelet, tomatoes, two pieces of cinnamon Ezekiel bread with half an avocado as a spread
- 2nd Meal: Protein Pancake: 2 egg whites, 1/4 cup oatmeal, 1 scoop protein, and 1 banana
- 3rd Meal: Chicken, broccoli, and rice with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and red wine vinegar
- 4th Meal: Chicken, broccoli, and rice with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and red wine vinegar
- 5th Meal: 4 egg whites omelet with mushrooms and seasonings
- 6th Meal:1 scoop of protein before bed, and sometimes nut butter or nuts
Daily Supplements
- Multivitamin
- Vitamin C
- Probiotics
- Digestive Enzymes
- Protein
- CLA
- L-Carnitine
- BCAAs
“Life doesn’t get better by chance, life gets better by change.”
What we can learn from Syleena Adams
Syleena Adams’ story can be a good reminder of the saying that things either ‘make you, or break you.‘ After seriously injuring her Achilles tendon, Syleena realized she could no longer be as good at athletics as before. However, she didn’t let the adversity ruin her life.
Instead, she used that obstacle as a fuel to excel in fitness; transforming her body through a healthy diet and a workout program, later, winning her debut competition.
If you ever face an obstacle so serious it completely prevents you from reaching your goal. Then, perhaps, considering replacing that goal with another one could also be an option. It’s always better than giving up altogether – just like we’ve seen in Syleena Adams’ case.
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