How/when did you get started in training and living a fit lifestyle?
Growing up in Alice Springs, Sport and being active was always a part of my upbringing. My parents always encouraged me to be involved in different sports. At the age of 5, I started Taekwondo, 10 years later l was the first female junior Black Belt in my hometown at the age of 15 to achieve this.
It taught me dedication and commitment and also how to focus on training for my goals in life, it is a great skill that l still hold with me today.
When I moved to Brisbane I signed up at a gym, not long after I did a 12-week challenge and stepped into the gym properly. Once that finished I set myself up to compete in my first fitness competition. After that, I was hooked… I knew I wanted to pursue the sport further.
I researched the different federations and found the one that suited me the best l teamed up with current Coach Andre about 3 years ago and we have spent years building my body to fit the IFBB bikini criteria, He has helped me incredibly! but it’s a sport where I need to be extremely mentally and physically committed.
I know l have the passion and dedication to take it to the next level, My ultimate goal is to one day be a Professional Athlete and to live every day working and encouraging others to be the best they can possibly be in life.
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What is the most challenging thing about being a fitness model?
Self-doubt! I find this the most challenging especially when I’m getting ready for a show. It’s taken me a long time to stop comparing myself to how other fitness models look. It’s gotta be about you and how much you’ve progressed in you’re own journey.
What products and supplements do you swear by?
I don’t take a whole lot of supplements, But I have a thermogenic and L Carnitine first thing in the morning before cardio. At the moment I’m using MTS Drop Factor and Alca Pure.
A good Isolate protein powder which I mix in with my morning oats and a shake after my session. BCAAs during my workouts to help reduce muscle breakdown and increase muscle repair. And of corse all my vitamins, including ATP Science Alpha Venus and Cort RX – these two products are great for females!
What are your top 3 favorite exercises?
All exercises that hit the shoulders are my favorite.
GLUTES! Hip thrusts, Kickbacks, Glute bridges – you can never stop perfecting your peach!
Abs – I don’t train them much anymore but I love having a strong core.
Do you listen to music while you train? If so, what’s your favorite type of music you like working out to?
YES! 99% of the time I train solo so my headphones are the first thing I make sure I have in my gym bag. I’m a Trance girl so it’s pretty much the only music I listen to. Armin Van Buuren, Dash Berlin, Cosmic Gate, Above & Beyond, Gareth Emery.
Do you ever encounter stereotypes with the way you look?
No, I haven’t. In my opinion, l try to stay true to my natural self, The majority of my close friends and the industry that I work in are completely separate from my gym life.
What is your current training style, routine or split?
My training regime is always changing depending on what body parts I need to focus on. At the moment it’s:
Monday – Glutes and Hamstrings
Tuesday – Shoulders and Tris
Wednesday- Glutes and Hamstrings
Thursday- Back and Bis
Friday – Glutes & Hamstrings
Saturday – Shoulders
Sunday – Rest and Recovery
I also do 1hr of LISS cardio every morning to clear the mind.
What are your favorite clean foods and splurge foods?
This is a hard question!! My favorite clean foods would have to be oats, I have them every morning when I’m on-season and off-season. A big healthy salad and a good steak! Splurge foods… PANCAKES! I’m a real sweet tooth so it has to have maple syrup and ice cream. And anything Italian!
If you were trapped on an island, what 3 things would you bring with you?
My fur baby (Lulu)
Music
And food!
What tips do you have for a beginner at the gym?
Find a good PT/Coach to guide you through different exercises until you get the hang of things yourself.
Set your GOALS!! Not just short term but long term too.
Throw yourself in the deep end and train on your own – I know there are some gyms out there that can be quite intimidating but it’s only going to build your confidence!
Work hard, stay consistent, be patient, enjoy the journey and always remain humble.
What’s next for you?
Well, I finished my last show of the season two weeks ago. So right now me and my coach are working out what shows to put in place for me next! So stay tuned haha :)
For more Tess Bonanni
Height: 166cm / 5’5″
Weight: 57kg / 125 lbs.
Born In: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Resides: Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)
Facebook: Tess Bonanni
Instagram: @tessbonanni
Photos by: @abccreative
