Oksana Grishina has become a fan favorite over the years. She makes difficult moves look simple and if you dare try one of them you’d likely land on your head. It hasn’t always been roses and victory parties for Oksana. She’s had to “pay her dues” as the saying goes and she’s delivered every step of the way. She tied for 16th in her IFBB Pro debut at the 2007 Dallas Europa. Last year, she did something most never thought was possible. She finished ahead of the most decorated IFBB Fitness Pro in the history books, Adela Garcia, at the Arnold Spain competition. Oksana has established herself as one of the top contenders to this year’s Fitness International title. She joins us in her journey to back to Columbus.

Oksana Grishina – 2013 Fitness International Contender

Hello guys!! My name is Oksana Grishina. I’m from Kaliningrad, a small city in Russia. I came to the USA 6 years ago to test myself as a Pro Fitness athlete. To get my Pro card I had to win both the European Championship in 2005, and the World Amateur Overall Fitness Championship in 2006. I have been competing as an IFBB Fitness Pro since 2007, and I’m looking forward to my sixth appearance on the Arnold Classic Stage in Columbus, the 25th Anniversary Arnold Classic show!

I’m really excited as I prepare my new performance for the Arnold Classic stage. This is a very creative performance. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but I was not ready to take on this character. I am so ready now, and I’m working hard to make it perfect for the fans. I am spending many hours on gymnastics and dance training, new moves, choreography, music, makeup, and costumes, all in a concerted effort to create something to wow the judges and excite the fans. I want to give everyone something to remember and talk about, good or bad.

People always ask me what placing I expect. Guys, from my experience in fitness, each time you prep a new routine, it’s like starting from scratch, and it’s hard to know how your work will be accepted or judged. All I can say is that I am going to do my best. Any other thoughts get in the way. I choose to compete with a positive attitude. I try not to think about my placing, because it is a distraction from doing my best. I am committed to doing something creative and entertaining. If you love to compete, and you love what you’re doing, will your placing change anything? Do what you love to do with all your heart, and be happy with it. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be on stage, to create something, to entertain, and to be appreciated.

When training for a Fitness competition you must prep both your body and your performance. This can be a challenge, but I’ve found a balance that works for me. I never mix performance training and weight training on the same day. I alternate weight training and performance workout days, training 6 days a week, with two additional cardio sessions each day—including on my “day off”.

The gym is my home, and I do all of this because I love it. I focus on doing my best. I want to give the fans something that will surprise them and thrill them. I love fitness, I love to create, and I love to be on stage. So, I’m already happy.

Love,
Oksana

Oksana on the Olympia stage making difficult moves look easy.

 

Follow Oksana on twitter at @OksanaGrishina and like her Facebook page.

For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.