Our 53 Days with the 2013 Miss America Contestants Facebook feature continues! Each week we will feature one contestant on our website. This week's featured contestant: Miss Illinois Megan Ervin.
Platform Information Statement: My Personal Platform is titled the “The Heptathlon of Healthy Habits,” which is a program based on seven pillars of healthy living. These pillars include fitness, nutrition, distracted driving, recycling, community service, spirituality, and reading and education. A grant from State Farm allows me to promote the distracted driving pillar. I created my own community based fitness, athletic and dance programs for children over 5 years ago. Helping to mold the health and wellness of those around me has been my focus and passion throughout the majority of my life!
How are you preparing for the Lifestyle & Fitness competition? What is your typical workout routine? Do you have a favorite method or workout you stick to and why?
My routine includes a lot of cardiovascular exercise combined with light weight training, Pilates, and dancing. My degree from Western Illinois University is in “Exercise Science”, so I put a large amount of thought and preparation into planning my day to day fitness routine. My body type is an athletic build that accumulates muscle very quickly. I choose Pilates and a strength training program called “Cros-Lates” to develop a more stream line feminine physique. “Cross-Lates” is my self-created exercise method that I began about four years ago. I also make sure to get an hour of cardio in each day. My body tends to look and feel the best when I am regularly doing what I love, and that is running! I make sure to rest my body once a week and this usually occurs on Sunday.
What is your advice to other women on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle? How do you stay motivated?
Doing anything is better than nothing! On days where you absolutely have no motivation to workout, my advice is always to begin by simply telling yourself “I’m just going to do 15-20 minutes and at least I will have done something.”…This usually will turn into more once you are in the moment and working out! Another great tip is to sneak in little “tone ups” wherever you can. I usually do pushups and abs work each night whether I am in a hotel or in my bedroom!
What do you look for in a swimsuit and how do you stay confident on stage? Do you have any tips to other women for how to keep confident in swimwear?
I look for a swimsuit that will flatter my body type, but also express my style and personality. My personal style is based around a “simple elegance” ideal and I always look for a suit that has great coverage. Catalina has provided me with options that include all of what I look for, while also incorporating stylish designs. The Catalina suits are absolutely beautiful and are created to give you a wonderful fit. The number one confidence booster on stage for me is the sound of the cheers and support from my family and friends. Once I hear their outrageous sounds of support, I am ready to rock!
What is the one guilty indulgence you cannot live without? I LOVE Cold Stone or Dairy Queen ice cream and enjoy the occasional indulgence …but only if it contains a lot of caramel!!
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