We like to bring you the most intriguing stories we can about exceptional women athletes. This story about Tonya Todd is about as intriguing as they get, and I imagine, pretty damn motivating.
Check this out, imagine your trainer tells you to enter two totally unrelated contests that take place on the same day and are run simultaneously. That's right; at the same time. I know, sounds crazy but just stick with me here... The goal is to get ready for a Strongwoman contest that requires both endurance and strength while also prepping for a physique contest. You need to be lean, tight, hard, feminine, beautifully coiffed, carb-depleted, energized, strong, and focused. . . all at the same time! And did I say strong?
Yeah, right! Any girl in her right mind would start shopping for a new trainer pretty quickly.
But not Tonya Todd! She wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity. In 2007 she prepped for, and entered, both the Arnold Strongman Arm Wrestling and NPC Figure event. On contest day she literally had to run up and down the convention center halls at the Arnold Expo between her amateur figure one piece division and her timed arm wrestling contest in another hall. She had to then sprint back to make It in time for her Figure two-piece and back again to the arm wrestling venue! Tonya actually managed to compete in two contests on the same day and at the same time!
On a daily basis, people manage to shock the hell out of me, and Tonya is no exception. This fireball is 39 years old (40 in October), mother of two boys-- a 20 year old and a 21 year old-- and grandmother of three! Her family is very supportive. As a matter of fact, they compete together! Tonya's son Josh, (20) her husband Michael Todd (sound familiar? Think of the Perfect Pullup.com infomercial) and Tonya are the first family ever to be the undefeated National Arm Wrestling Championship Title holders!
I thought it might be fun to share this amazing woman with our phenomenal female fitness community!! So here's what she had to say...
RXM: I gotta tell ya - there's a slight intimidation factor when it comes to approaching you. You are an incredibly fit woman, who also happens to be an accomplished professional arm wrestler. How do you commonly feel people react when they find out that you arm-wrestle....professionally?
TT: Well, first of all, when people see me, they have no idea that I arm wrestle...professionally or at all. Since I'm 5'3" and generally weigh between 115 and 120 lbs. I wouldn't say I stand out too much. But once people know, their immediate attention turns directly to my biceps.
I'm kind of on a mission: I'd like to change the perspective of women who compete in arm wrestling. One of my goals is to educate people regarding the common misconception that the female arm wrestlers are these monster barfly women....that's just simply not true. At the World Level, many of the women are just like me - less than 132lbs. The men get a lot more attention and sponsorship opportunities. They say it's because the women are not as marketable, but that's not true! Many of these women are beautiful!
![m_7e278f97cc92514857fc5ae29f4c6f6b[1]](http://www.rxmuscle.com/images/stories/women/TonyaTodd/m_7e278f97cc92514857fc5ae29f4c6f6b[1].jpg)
RXM: Hmm...Sounds familiar. How did you become involved in arm wrestling?
TT: My husband. We met in 2000 and I started going to his competitions with him. He convinced me to give it a try. So I just jumped right in and I actually won the National Title at my very first competition.
RXM: You won a National title for very first competition?
TT: Yeah.. I'm very competitive! After that, I was hooked.
RXM: I don't know very much about arm wrestling as a sport. What can you teach us about it?
TT: First let me say this: it is definitely not as popular of a sport here in the United States as it is in other parts of the world. As a matter of fact, in other parts of the world, such as Sweden, it is actually taught in schools just like football and basketball are sports here in the American schools. So yeah.... most people here don't know very much about it.
RXM: Are arm wrestling competitions split into different weight classes?
TT: Well, yes and no. When I compete with Team USA, I compete in either the 110 lbs. and under class, or the 110-121lb class so I am competing with other women about my size. (kind of like boxing) However, at some of the bigger shows like the Arnold Classic the weight classes are split in to just two groups: 0-143 lbs. and 143 lbs+, so then I'm going up against women who outweigh me by 20 lbs. or more.
RXM: So is it safe to assume that weight doesn't play as big of a factor as it seems like it would?
TT: Although arm wrestling is a power sport, technique is more important than body weight. It is a very technical sport. For instance, I am what is referred to as a "fast hitter." In other words, I start fast and my opponent doesn't have time to do anything but react. This gives me an advantage and I get in to her head at the start. Also, there are several different techniques in regard to hand grip and body stance. You know, it only takes 14 pounds of pressure to get a spiral break in your arm.
RXM: What??!! 14 pounds? That's it? Arms must snap like twigs all over the place!
TT: Like with any sport, athletes will get injured. Yes. The spiral break in the humerus bone is a fairly common injury for arm wrestlers. It generally happens about 2 inches above the elbow and it always requires surgery. This actually happened to one of my opponents in 2003. When it happens, you both hear it and it sounds like a twig breaking. Due to the adrenaline and the excitement, we didn't know until after the contest whose arm it was. Lucky for me...we figured out it was hers after I pinned her.
RXM: I noticed from your pictures that you compete with both your left and your right hand? Are the contests divided in to left and right hand categories?
TT: Yes. And I do compete with both.
RXM: Wow...okay.. so you've definitely got the arm wrestling wired. Let's talk figure.... What was your first figure competition?
TT: In 2003, I competed in the NPC Arkansas Classic. A friend of mine convinced me to do it 4 days out and I said "...what the heck!"
RXM: Are you kidding me? Four days out? What can you do in four days? How did you do?
TT: I took 3rd place. Then in 2004 I did it again and took 2nd. Then I did it once more in 2005 and I won. This qualified me for Nationals.
RXM: Stop it! You prepped for four days and third? Who helped you with your contest prep?
TT: Well, then it was Roger Semsch. But now it's my husband. We have a 4000 square foot home and 2000 square feet of it is a Results Personal Fitness Gym. So we have everything we need to train right and get the job done from home.
RXM: Does Michael also help you with your diet?
TT: Yes. I trust him with everything. Plus, he's a great training partner and supporter. Since we both compete and he stays in shape year round for his jobs and endorsement contracts, he keeps me motivated; we keep each other motivated. I haven't had a single cheat since December 31, 2008. Not even one little morsel of chocolate! We keep each other in check. We both have goals.
I went to Chicago Nationals in 2006. (By the way, they have the BEST pizza in Chicago!!! ) But it's time for me to re-qualify for the Nationals again.
RXM: Speaking of cheats...what is your favorite cheat food?
TT: I am a peanut butter fiend! I love peanut butter and cheese pizza.
RXM: Another peanut butter junkie! Are you planning to re-qualify for Nationals?
TT: I'm hoping to compete in the Ronnie Coleman Classic this year in April. I will also be traveling to Nova Scotia in the very beginning of April for another sponsored arm wrestling competition. So, once again I am prepping for two contests. My arm wrestling is sponsored and therefore paid for, so I will travel whenever I can!
RXM: Have you competed outside the country to compete?
TT: Yes! I have been to England, Italy, and Canada.
RXM: I read that you are also a school teacher, is that correct?
TT: Yes. I currently teach 9th grade pre-advanced placement Language Arts. But I am working on my Masters so that I can pursue either teaching at the college level, or be a high school Library Media Specialist.
RXM: how do your students react when they find out you arm wrestle professionally?
TT: Oh - I never has any behavioral issues from my students! (hahaha) Not only do I command respect, but they all know my husband and they don't want any part of his 6'3" 250 lb. frame.
RXM: Do you find that you have an influence in the lives of your students as far as encouraging them to live a healthy and 
fit lifestyle?
TT: Oh definitely!!! I will help anyone who is willing to help themselves. Both the kids and their parents come to me for guidance on how to create a healthier lifestyle. It's a very positive influence that I feel honored to be able to offer. I tell them, number one, make sure that this is a decision that you are making for yourself and only yourself. You can't live this lifestyle for anyone else! Plus, if you make yourself happy, you will spread that happiness to others around you.
RXM: Is there anything that you'd like to say to your fans?
TT: I think if there is anything I can emphasize to anyone, it is this: Every loss is still a success. When you experience losing, you will always learn something and you will always grow.
RXM: How can your fans find you or contact you to show their support? Do you have a website?
TT: I do not have my own website, but I can be found on Facebook and MySpace.
RXM: Any shout outs you'd like to give?
TT: Thank you to my husband and my family. Also my arm wrestling family 0 because that's truly what they are. Teresa Hartle from MetRx has been awesome to me. And one more...Mr. James Pate from Central USA Distributing in Little Rock, Arkansas, thank you for all you do for me!
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