It's housewives meet pumping iron," says Roxanna Wood of the new show "Steel Divas" premiering on the Lifetime network at 11 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. The reality-style show follows various national physique contestants as they prepare for competition. Wood, a "fitness bikini" competitor, has a bit part in the opening show, but an expanded role in subsequent episodes.
Wood, who now lives in Gilbert, Ariz., grew up in Williamsburg and graduated from Lafayette High School. She returns to Williamsburg every other month to work and visit family. Unable to find a gym in the area that fit her requirements, she opened her own, Max Fit24, last June. "There wasn't a gym that caters to what I do. I've hand-picked all the equipment that works best, that's exactly what you need. I wanted to put my little flair on it," says the 36-year-old married mother of two children, ages 15 and 10.
Wood wasn't always fit and she wasn't always thin. She took up body competitions just three years ago. There are three styles, she explains: bodybuilding, figure and fitness bikini. The latter is her specialty. "It's not as lean a look as figure. It's more curvy. You get to eat a little more carbs. Figure is more muscular."
Wood answered a casting call in Arizona in October and was called back the next day. "The reason they picked me was my level of fitness, being a mom and owning a business. The show is not just about fitness. It's about mind, body and soul. It's about balance in life," she says. The crew started filming in November, recording Wood competing as well as at home. "They show my everyday life, being a mum, cooking healthy food, going to the gym. They want to emphasize my independence. It's about women bringing their "A" game, the total package."
It's about time management too, says Wood. She hopes to inspire other women by showing that there's time to fit in fitness with other daily activities. "I'll be giving 'Max Fit minute' tips, showing how a minute of time can make an impact and change your life or a routine," she says.
Audience response will determine how many episodes follow and what time they'll air.
