Oksana Orobets: To stay in top form at all times, it is essential to love yourself and your body.4 photos

Oksana Orobets, the renowned Ukrainian fitness athlete, has won countless championship titles. At the recent World Championships, she once again demonstrated her exceptional skills by securing an honorable third place. “How did you get started in fitness?” “I discovered fitness at the age of 13. I found it very interesting and decided to give it a try. At that time, I was already practicing gymnastics and dancing, and fitness combined elements of both sports. I prepared a routine and competed in my first event—the Ukrainian Cup—and surprisingly won! I loved it so much that I realized fitness was where I belonged. By 16, I had truly embraced serious training.” “Where does your motivation come from?” “My motivation stems from my personal achievements. When I see the results of my hard work, I want to set even higher goals and strive for them.” “Who is your first and main coach in life?” “My mother has always been my biggest supporter and moral backbone. Her encouragement helps me greatly. My brother, Maxim Orobets—four-time World Fitness Champion and one of Ukraine’s best dancers—also inspires me greatly with his dedication and perseverance.” “What type of training routine works best for you?” “I prefer daily workouts in both the gym and the gymnastics studio—so two sessions a day in total. I also do cardio several times a week and dance almost every day. Since my schedule is quite varied, I don’t always stick to a strict routine, but the gym sessions are always consistent.” “If you had to choose only three exercises, which would they be and why?” “Pull-ups for my back—they help improve posture. Squats are essential for my legs. And bench presses—I simply love this exercise.” “What about your diet?” “I don’t like spending much time in the kitchen. I prefer simple meals; often, I just eat vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes instead of a salad.” “What supplements do you use?” “Amino acids, BCAA, creatine, protein, glutamine, and multivitamins.” “What are your achievements?” “Two-time World Junior Fitness Champion (2007, 2009), 5th place at the World Championships for adults (2010, 2011), 4th place at the World Cup for adults (2011), Absolute Ukrainian Champion (2011), two-time Ukrainian Champion (2010, 2011), four-time winner of the Ukrainian Cup (2001, 2004, 2005, 2010), and seven-time regional champion.” “What’s the biggest myth you often encounter in the fitness industry?” “It’s amusing when guys comment on photos, saying that a muscular woman isn’t feminine or that she’s turning into a man. In my opinion, it’s not women becoming men; rather, men are becoming more feminine and delicate. Health and exercise only enhance a person’s beauty, never diminish it.”