Life is a Stage for Oksana Grishina: An Exclusive Interview
Oksana Grishina is one of t
he most hard-working and electrifying fitness athletes competing today. She is known for her one-of-a-kind routines that blend character work and showmanship with the traditional fitness flair. Her unique process starts with designing all aspects of her routine, from theme and costumes to choreography, to create a unique performance unto itself. You may not be surprised that Oksana is also a working actress, and the two worlds overlap more often than not. I chatted briefly about her experiences in fitness and acting.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I am a professional Fitness competitor, Fitness Trainer, and Fitness Model. I am originally from Kaliningrad, Russia, but I now live in Los Angeles, California, in the USA. I grew up in a military family, moving all the time. I was an athlete from an early age, training and competing as a rhythmic gymnast for many years, complemented by dance training. I earned University degrees in physical education, and worked as a dancer and choreographer. When my gymnastics career ended, and I was looking for my next passion, I found the world of Fitness, and Fitness found me.
Q: The obvious: how did you get into fitness?
A: When I was younger, I always hated muscles, but I always had the
m. I spent 12 years as a rhythmic gymnast, and fought to be the best, but muscles were not good for my sport, and it was not my destiny. I realized my muscles were a part of me that I could not lose. I started working out and met people who liked muscle and appreciated me for how I looked. I have the body and genetics for it. It is good for me and makes me happy. I am around people like me, and I love to use my knowledge and experience to help others.
Q: How many shows have you done? How do you approach contest prep?
A: I competed as an amateur for three years and, since 2007, as a pro, have competed over 20 times. For me, my prep is a process of creativity and growth. I love Fitness because it gives me two things to focus on: my performance and my body. I love the creative process that goes into my performances, and I find it interesting and challenging to create something new. I also like to improve my body every time, and do my best, even if just for myself. I like progress in anything I do.
Q: How does being on stage for a contest make you feel?
A: Being on stage is an exciting and amazing feeling. I love to see the people in front of me, and I love to make, and feel, a connection with them.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a bodybuilder? Least favorite?
A: As a Fitness competitor, I don’t think of myself as a bodybuilder, but I do workout in much the same way, and I love to see changes in my body. Physique sports are great because, unlike most other sports, you can get better as you get older. With every year of workouts, my body is better developed and more refined. I don’t really like that this is such a selfish sport. You live your life spending most of your time focused on just yourself.
Q: What is the backstage atmosphere like at a show?
A: Almost all the Fitness competitors have a background in sports, so we know what it's like to be part of a team. We understand and support each other, even though w
e compete on stage. This is a tough sport, and it’s important to have this support, and support each other. Backstage is my favorite place to be at a show. It’s helpful to be there with my Fitness sisters, rather than in the hotel room, alone, and stuck in my own head.
Q: Was there one event or circumstance in your life that changed you as a person?
A: Every competition changes me as a person. I get strength, experience, and knowledge about life and myself. I hope it will never stop.
Q: What is your favorite cheat food? What is your favorite supplement?
A: Honestly, I don’t cheat because I enjoy the lifestyle I’ve chosen and the food that comes with it. Of course, I love sushi and, as a Russian, dream about caviar. My favorite supplement is SAN Nutrition Chocolate Protein. It’s delicious!!
Q: How do you approach your physical appearance (cover up, show it off, dress up, dress down)? What do you feel are the advantages and disadvantages of having a physique like yours?
A: I’m actually a very shy and modest person, and I like my privacy. I don’t like to take my clothes off in public, and don’t even really like to be in a bikini at the beach. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but that's how I feel.
Except at contest time, I never feel like I’m in my best shape. It’s a hard sport because you work so long to create a stage physique that is really impossible to maintain all year long. You end up feeling like your body is usually less than what you want it to be.
Q: Do you see yourself as a role model for those living a fit lifestyle?
A: I can’t say what other people see in me, but I’m happy to hear from fans that I inspire them. That is a pleasure for anyone to hear. When people tell me that they look at my pictures or watch my video before working out, I’m surprised and happy.
Q: Who are your role models?
A: I meet new and interesting people in different industries every day. They all inspire me and motivate me in some way.
Q: I saw that you act at Playhouse West. What has your acting experience been like? Has acting influenced your routines?
A: When I began studying at Playhouse West, I started from nothing and my English was bad. I felt like a beginner in every class. But acting is about trying, and the more you act, the more experience you get. I’m so happy and proud that I have made it to the advanced class! I’m around good actors – all very talented – and my teachers are happy to have me there, and they believe in me. It’s great!
When you feel like you’ve made progress, it’s an amazing feeling. You learn about yourself, and this is important to do. Most people don’t see themselves in extreme situations every day. How you react and behave. I like it because I keep learning about myself. As in sport, I am never satisfied as an actor. There is always more to learn and experience. For my Fitness career, it really helps with my mental preparation for the stage. You know what questions to ask yourself. Why go on stage? What do you want to show people, so that they will understand you? This all comes from my acting training, and helps me to be the real me on stage, not afraid or embarrassed to show my soul as it really is. I have no fear.
Q: What are your goals as an actor?
A: My dream is to be a working actress, but it’s a very competitive business, so I plan to keep working on my acting, to learn, and have fun. Of course, my current goal is to leave a lasting mark on the world of Fitness through my performances. I plan to keep working hard to improve myself in every way, to keep learning, and to reach my goals and live my dreams.
Q: Where have your competition travels brought you? Where is your favorite place to travel?
A: I’ve competed all over Russia and the US, and in Spain. Sadly, when traveling for competition, I never have time to enjoy where I am. Maybe I’m too hard on myself, but I a
m focused only on my program and my work. After competition I can allow myself some time to relax and, if I’m still in that place, I’ll take some time to see it with new eyes. For competition, my favorite place is Las Vegas, for the Olympia! For fun, Hawaii is my paradise!
Q: How has competing affected your relationships?
A: I’m lucky that my friends and family understand what I’m doing and are very supportive. Even with my family so far away, I feel their support always, and know they are with me in spirit.
Q: What do you think is the perception is of women in the fitness industry, versus the reality?
A: I can’t speak about other people’s perceptions, but I wish that more people would know more about our industry, and us as competitors. Most people know nothing about Bodybuilding and Fitness as a sport. I wish we had a broader audience, and we must promote the sport better.
Q: What do you think the future holds for the sport?
A: I don’t know. The sport needs to get more exposure to grow and thrive.
Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
A: I always have many people to thank. First, I want to thank my fans who have followed me and believed in me for all this time. They support me with their constant faith in me. I’m blessed to have so many fans, and I truly appreciate it, and truly love them all.
I am thankful to my friends and family who let me do what I love to do, and support me fully. I am grateful to my sponsors: SAN Nutrition, Six Pack Bags, X-Pole, and my suit designer Maggie Keaveny, who support me, and help to make my crazy creative dreams come true. Of course, there are many other people who have supported me in ways, big and small, over the years... too many to name.
Finally, thank you to the IFBB, who gave me the chance to become who I am now.
Thank you to RxGirl for the interview!! It's always a pleasure to share my experiences.
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