The women’s bodybuilding division has seen a resurgence since the Ms. Olympia returned in 2020, and as a result, several new stars have emerged from the division. One of those stars is Theresa Ivancik, who has placed as high as seventh in the Ms. Olympia in her career. She won’t be in the 2023 edition in Orlando, FL on Nov. 2-5, but she will be looking to get back onstage in 2024. She also has enough on her plate to occupy her time, including her gym (Harlan’s Elite Fitness), her upcoming Beauty, Brains, Bodybuilding podcast, a t-shirt business, and more. With all of that going on, it’s hard to imagine how she found a few minutes to take part in our 10 Questions feature, but she managed to. So, we took full advantage.
Theresa Ivancik
If you weren’t a pro bodybuilder, what would your career be?
It would have to be my gym business, which I’m already doing, but I am also looking to get into acting. I’m also working on a book, which I hope to eventually take to a big screen. That is a big goal of mine. I am also preparing to start my podcast, which we’re working on the logos for. All of that and my T-shirt line would be outside of bodybuilding.
What is your first go-to meal after a contest?
I like to go for a big sodium hit. So, I like Hibachi. I like chicken and steak Hibachi so you can get the protein and carbs in at once.
Got a favorite protein shake recipe to keep the diet interesting?
I am pretty standard. I have Gaspari Nutrition protein with creatine and peanut butter occasionally, but if it’s a normal post-workout shake, it’s just Vanilla protein, creatine, and water.
You have no trouble staying busy, but what are some of your hobbies outside of training?
We ride the Harley a lot. We have a custom Harley-Davidson, and we take it out. We also like to do motivational speaking at colleges. Even though it isn’t outside of the gym, I also do a lot of coaching and contest prep. We really don’t do much outside of bodybuilding. So, it’s either riding the Harley or relaxing at home.
How do you relax at the end of a stressful day?
It may not be the most popular answer, but it’s with a big fat drink (laughs) and I sit back to relax and watch TV.
A private jet is waiting at your local airport ready to take you anywhere that you’ve never been before. Where would you want to go?
I have always said I would like to go to Dubai. I have never been there, but a gym owner out there had asked me if I would want to train there. I would like to but haven’t had the chance to go.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I would like to be able to heal people mentally, emotionally, and/or physically. I know a lot of people do the standards like flying, but a lot of people are struggline out there.
If you could go to dinner with someone you haven’t met alive or dead, who would it be?
I always wanted to meet Michael Jackson. That’s a definite one for me.
What is a talent you wish you had?
That is a tough question. I’m always trying to be successful at everything I do. So, I just would want to keep getting better at whatever I’m trying so I can continue pursuing and achieving my goals and dreams.
What is a life lesson you feel younger readers should know?
A lot of children can be bull-headed. So, I would say listen to your parents and all the adults around you because they’ve already been there. There is a good chance that by the time you’re an adult, you’ll find out they were right all along. And, when you get knocked down, get back up again.
