NXT Diva Dana Brooke to compete in 2015 Arnold Sports Festival’s Fitness International competition
Though she’s training hard to get ready for the hard-hitting in-ring action of WWE NXT, Dana Brooke is also preparing for another huge competition. The NXT Diva has been announced as one of the participants in the Fitness International at the 2015 Arnold Sports Festival. Formerly the Arnold Classic, the festival is one of the most prestigious competitions in fitness and bodybuilding. Brooke is one of 14 competitors lucky enough to receive an invitation.
“My dreams are coming true,” Brooke told WWE.com. “It’s like Christmas came early for me.”
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A gymnast for 18 years, Brooke earned her IFBB pro card in fitness in 2012. After participating in Arnold Classic competitions in Europe and Brazil in 2013, she left that world behind to focus fully on becoming a WWE Diva. While training at the WWE Performance Center, the blond bombshell realized there were more than a few similarities between the two fields.
“I love to perform. With WWE, I can perform and show my skills [in the ring],” Brooke said. “Being a fitness competitor shows that I love to work out, I love to diet and train. It all ties together.”
Brooke reapplied for her pro card recently, and received the invitation to the Fitness International. Now 10 weeks out from the competition, the NXT Diva is in the midst of grueling preparation. She’s working with trainer Mike Davies of Columbus, Ohio, to plan out the perfect diet and nutrition plan. Brooke also credits WWE Performance Center coach Sara Amato and strength coach Matt Wichlinski with helping her stay in top physical condition.
“Sara does a lot of conditioning drills that increase my stamina, my heart rate, which is awesome for fat burning,” Brooke said.
In addition to being in peak physical condition, Brooke also has to show off her athletic ability in the competition.
“The one thing that I have to add in is the fitness routine,” she explained. “Finding the time to choreograph a two-minute fitness routine with strength holds, pushups and tumbling passes is something that I’m going to have to back into.”
While most WWE Superstars and Divas choose to focus solely on in-ring endeavors, Brooke has tons of support coming in from all over WWE, including WWE COO Triple H, which she is greatly appreciative of ahead of the big competition.
“I cannot feel more honored,” Brooke said. “This just shows how much WWE wants their athletes to succeed. I’m blessed. I will not let the WWE Universe down.”
The Arnold Sports Festival's Fitness International competition takes place on Friday, March 6, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. To keep up with Dana Brooke's journey to the contest, follow her on Twitter @DanaBrookeWWE.
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