Muscle Evolution Muscle_Evolution_-_December_2014 | Page 72

Crystal M.E BABE By Devlin Brown, Editor Photography by Naco Rautenbach MASON ME: In exactly 124 words (or more, or less, really... it makes no difference when you are that gorgeous) how would you describe yourself? CM: I would describe myself as fun, loving, kind, friendly, bubbly, positive, helpful, hard working, a mother, a wife and an athlete. I thrive on challenges and making the most of all opportunities that come my way. As a competitive athlete I enjoy the challenge of getting into shape before a show or shoot and maintaining that during the off season. As a mother and wife I push myself to be “present” and attentive to both my husband and my daughter... easily as difficult if not more so than getting ready for a show. Being an athlete and family-orientated woman is incredibly demanding and does take a toll, but if you love something the way I love both of these aspects of my (incredibly blessed) life, you realise that hard work and sacrifice is necessary to achieve and maintain this life. ME: What is your scariest, cutest and best personality trait? CM: • Scariest – I can get a little moody when I cut my carbs just before a competition. Have you ever seen an angry koala bear? Its pretty scary! haha • Cutest – I'm a big hugger! • Best – I would do anything for the people in my life that I love and care about. ME: Everyone talks about getting into shape. When did you first start training and why? CM: I was always sporty at school and trained but I didn't care about what I ate. I started training seriously when I met Dean (Mason) in 2005 because he was super serious about his training sessions, and I was hoping to impress him! He was working hard towards competing in his first fitness competition the following year (2006). I basically prepped and trained with him and actually really enjoyed the routine and lifestyle we were following. ME: Do you and Dean still train together, and do you think that a fitness household makes it easier or harder? CM: Yes we do train together, otherwise we wouldn't see each other! It is definitely a great way to spend some quality time together. It really does make it easier to have the same lifestyle, passion and goals in the sense that your partner understands the hard work it takes to get into shape and maintain that. That being said, there are days that both of us are a little edgy (diets are tough) and can rub each other up the wrong way. As long as you're willing to get over any disagreements or inevitable spats, I would definitely recommend that both partners work together on a fitness lifestyle. ME: Training is one thing, competing is another altogether. What motivated you to step onto stage for the first time? CM: After my daughter was born in 2008, I felt I needed a goal to get into shape. I set my goal on the next fitness show which was in 2009. It really did help having a deadline to work towards. Although I was terribly nervous to get up on stage, it encouraged me to push harder and not give up. I also had to take responsibility for what I was eating. I had to start weighing my food and counting my calories, but when I saw the results it made all the effort worthwhile. “As a competitive athlete I enjoy the challenge of getting into shape before a show or shoot and maintaining that during the off season.” 70 Muscle Evolution