Name: Nicole Hopman
Age: 27
Height: 5'6"
Weight: maybe 120-130 (I don't have a scale)
Birthplace: Livonia, MI
Current Residence: Norristown, PA
Sports: Yoga, starting Indoor Rock Climbing
Family: husband, three rescued pit bull mixes, two rescued cats

Why did you become vegan?

I became vegan at age 16. I was into punk and hardcore and at that time, vegan straight edge was really popular. It was great for me, because out of all of that I was exposed to the vegan lifestyle up close and personal and found out that it was not the impossibility that it seemed to be previously. I was already a vegetarian since about age 14 and veganism just seemed like the next logical step. The reasons were primarially ethical, as I couldn't understand why anyone would support an industry that didn't care: about the consumer, about the workers, about the animals they raised and killed. When I learned about veganism, it all just clicked for me.



When and why did you become interested in fitness?

Funnily enough, I was not always athletic. I didn't like sports and fitness as a child or as a teenager. When I was about 22, my husband was looking into joining a gym and I went with him. I did a 7 day trial membership and went every day during that time. It was a blast! The second day of my trial was my first experience with yoga and it blew me away. I hadn't known anything about yoga, but it just seemed to fit with my body and the spirituality spoke to a part of me that had been searching for some time. I have had to take my yoga practice "out of the gym" to get deeper into some of those aspects, but it was that initial gym practice that set me on that path.

How would you describe your nutrition program?

I do not follow a strict nutrition plan, but perfer to eat intuitively, which is part of what is prescribed by a yogic lifestyle. I think that my body inherently knows what it needs and I try to listen to that. And hey, if what it wants is a slice of vegan cheesecake, who am I to argue? Of course, I keep that kind of thing "in check" and do eat a balanced and overall healthy diet, but, as long as it's vegan, there are no foods that are "off limits."



How would you describe your training program?

My training program varies with my schedule. Between practicing in the studio and at home, I try to practice yoga at least 6 days a week, fitting in what I can where I can. I have also very recently taken up rock climbing at a local rock gym, so sometimes my "yoga" that day is done on the wall. Even after climbing, I try to throw in a few yoga asanas to keep my body feeling it's best. I find a huge similarity between the two practices, and love applying what I learn in one to the other. "Never be afraid to fall" has proven to be easier on the mat than up on the wall, but I'm working on it!

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?

I will have the occasional protein shake as a meal, but overall, no supplements here.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?

 Where do I begin!? There are so many: that veganism means that you are sickly, or that you only eat salad, or even that all vegans are automatically healthy!

What do you think the most important aspect of fitness is?

The most important aspect of fitness is how you feel about yourself. I am more excited about being able to make progress on a difficult asana than I could ever be about being a size 0 or whatever unattainable goal I could set for appearance. For me, what I look like isn't even part of the equation. It's obviously different for people who train and compete based on what they look like, and I'm sure that their answers to this question would be different, but for me, I say feel awesome first and looking awesome will come!

What do you like best about being vegan?

The food!? Really, I love to eat. I love serving as an example to others that a lifestyle of health and compassion is obtainable. You do not have to disengage from society to do this. Make it happen in your every day life!



What do you like best about being fit?

I like to play. I have a playful yoga practice. Being fit gives me a strong jumping off point to practice those yoga asanas that will likely cause me to fall flat on my face on the first 100+ attempts, but that give me a sense of freedom and joy that little else in life can, even if it's only for a split second. Those glimpses at Samadhi (bliss) remind me of the true purpose of practice. Sometimes the best way to get out of your own head is a challenge big enough to pull you out.

What are your strengths as an athlete?

I've read that everyone has a "gift pose" or something that they come to yoga with an inate talent for. I guess I would say that I have pretty open hips, but that everything beyond that is something that I work for. My biggest strengths as an athlete are probably my perspective and my attitude!



What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?

Go for it! Don't let what's happened before weigh you down on your journey towards something more. That story is over, now it's time to find out what happens next. Listen to your body, it knows what's "too much" and what's "not enough." Find balance.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?

It's great because now there are so many options for food "replacements." Want a hamburger? We've got a vegan alternative! Want nachos? We can do that! In the mood for a milkshake? No problem! There's a lot to learn about reading packages and learning ingredients, but once you have that base to work from, you're going to love it! The first time I ever walked into a health food store, it was like clouds opened and angels sang. Look around, read a lot, ask questions, be willing to make mistakes and to learn from them. You don't learn it all overnight and other people know that. There are so many resources in the vegan community, take advantage of them! Don't close your mind to learning!

What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?

The way I feel. I've never felt better and I don't want it to ever end. I will practice yoga until I leave this body.



How has the website www.veganbodybuilding.com helped or inspired you?

There are so many excellent vegan athletes representing all different disciplines, body types, motivations, diets. It's impossible not to find people that you relate to on some level. I've learned so much about how people eat, what their routines are... lots of things that I have been able to internalize and apply to my own life. You guys rock!


Check out the 2008 Pinups for Pitbulls (www.pinupsforpitbulls.com) calendar with me and two of my rescued dogs! You can find me at www.myspace.com/nicolehopman.