IFBB Pro, Mother of two, and essential worker, Daphney Carter, knows the importance fitness plays in our everyday lives. Currently, a registered nurse manager of a COVID-19 Unit, Daphney sees the way our body’s work from all angles. A lifetime athlete, Daphney says that fitness has helped her to relieve stress, practice discipline, maintain a pleasing physique and create the healthy lifestyle needed to ensure a long, glorious life with her daughters.
FWM: Daphney, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to conduct this interview with me. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
DC: My name is Daphney Germain Carter. I reside in Miami, FL. I am a mother of two beautiful girls ages 6 and 8, a registered nurse manager currently of a COVID unit and a IFBB Pro Women Physique competitor
FWM: What led you to the fitness lifestyle?
DC: I have always been athletic, from elementary school to my college years. Prior to becoming pregnant with my first child, fitness was always incorporated somehow in my daily routine, whether it was walking outdoors, working out alongside a video or lifting weights in a gym with a personal trainer. Being active helped me to deal with minor life stressors. However, it wasn’t until after the birth of my second child that I become more committed and for a lack of better words, more addicted to weight lifting again. Besides the aesthetics of weight lifting, I continued to pursue this because I also wanted to remain healthy to care for my girls.
FWM: As an avid follower of bodybuilding as a sport, I have always admired the great champions Lenda Murray and Iris Kyle. What inspired you to become a bodybuilder?
DC: First, I have to say I admire Ms. Lenda Murray. She is certainly a role model for me both on and off the stage. I appreciate her commitment to the sport and her representation of and for women in the sport. I believe women’s bodybuilding does not receive the due recognition that it should, but icons like Ms. Murray are establishing platforms where we can be seen and heard. For example, Ms. Murray and Alina Popa have recently started an online talk show “Femme Flex Friday,” and it highlights women, bodybuilding, and fitness. This is so important to us because women in the sport are just as dedicated and work just as hard as their male counterparts.
But as to what inspired me to become a bodybuilder, there wasn’t anyone person really, it just happened. I was approached by a prep coach to consider the sport based on my fitness journey and what I was sharing on Instagram. I gave it a try and fell in love with the process. And what I fell in love with wasn’t just the building aspect of it, but it provided me a newfound strength and confidence that I needed, especially at that particular time since I was going through a transition in my life. What I will say now is that I am inspired by every female bodybuilder who is committed to the process because it takes a lot of dedication for a little bit of recognition to do what we do.
FWM: What keeps you motivated?
DC: That’s easy, my children. I don’t believe there is a greater responsibility than being a role model for our children. My hope is that in being a professional bodybuilder that my girls can see that they are capable of achieving anything with the right attitude, hard work and discipline. I tell people they are my biggest supporters. Even on my worst days they remind me that I can do it.
FWM: When did you receive your IFBB card?
DC: I received my IFBB pro card at Team Universe in Teaneck, New Jersey July 5, 2019. I placed First in 40 and over; First place in 35 and over and overall in 40 and over and Third place in open.
FWM: What is your favorite body part to train?
DC: I’m asked that often and my answer is I do not have a favorite body part to train. I very much just enjoy watching the changes that my body is experiencing. My goal is to maintain a symmetrical and aesthetic pleasing presentation and focus on the areas that judges provide me feedback to improve on.
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
DC: They can follow me on Instagram @ifbb_pro_ devolution04
Photos courtesy of Jim Manion @aroundthenpc_jm and Daphney Carter.
