NATURALMAG - New IPL APEX VI Athletic Masters, Evening Gown Masters & Evening Gown Open Pro Lanet Spence
“Every division was tough. I have so much respect for all the competitors who stepped onto the IPL APEX VI stage.”
BEN YOSEF: What an incredible competition season you had last year on the IPL stage, ending with a big bang at APEX VI! First off, how are you feeling about your 2022 IPL contest season?
LANET SPENCE: I’m so jazzed about 2022. I feel like it’s JUST THE BEGINNING for our team. I do not travel or compete alone. I love to bring others along. The coach in me is just as passionate as the competitor in me. I’m grateful for the IPL! So much diversity in the different divisions! It’s challenging and FUN!
BEN: And I am grateful for you and honored to have you and your team in the league and part of the IPL community! So, let’s talk about your Amateur division success at APEX. You snagged wins in Athletic Masters 50+, 40+, earned your Masters Pro Card and the Overall title there. Of course, you had previously earned Pro status earlier in the season for the Open class. And even competed as an Open Pro, where you earned your first IPL Pro title. So, competing in Amateur Masters at APEX…were you just totally comfortable knowing that you had already had such huge success in the division? Did you just know that Masters Pro Card was yours? [laughs] What was it like for you in Amateur Masters Athletic at APEX?
"The gymnast in me loves to be barefoot on stage. I just can’t get enough of that."
LANET: As we prepared for our time on stage at APEX, we had many conversations about how we arrived. We earned it. We knew that we would be on stage with the best of the best in the league. We worked hard so that we could be ready to have a good time, and we were excited to meet all of the others who had worked hard all year long to be in that competition. We really considered it an elite event. Every division was tough. I have so much respect for all the competitors who stepped onto the IPL APEX VI stage.
Someday, when I’m not able to be on stage anymore, I want people to remember me as respectful, helpful and fun. Honestly, most of the time I don’t know who my competition is until I’m standing side stage lined up with them. I am still honored to be part of an incredible group of athletes. Regarding the Athletic Amateur division…the gymnast in me loves to be barefoot on stage. I just can’t get enough of that. I’m grateful that I get to be there.
BEN: And you totally look like a natural on stage in this division! Like it was made for you! In Evening Gown you would earn yet another Pro Qualification. This time in the Open Class. What was it like for you in the Amateur Evening Gown classes? And do you find it challenging at all to transition between the Athletic and Evening Gown divisions? Or is it pretty smooth for you?
"Evening Gown is so beautiful to me. I feel like a princess. To be honest, I had never considered it. I had to be TALKED INTO IT. And guess what? I love it!"
LANET: Evening Gown is so beautiful to me. I feel like a princess. To be honest, I had never considered it. I had to be TALKED INTO IT. And guess what? I love it! The biggest challenge? THE SHOES! [laughs] We practice A LOT! And we watch other Champions!
BEN: AWESOME! I am curious, who talked you into entering the Evening Gown division? And how did that go down? [laughs]
LANET: My best friend and teammate Rhonda is a pageant winner. I made her promise she’d show me how to walk like a girl in heels. Then I still tried to back out at the last minute. [laughs] She said NOPE! Always surround yourself with people who pull you forward. This sport has realty taught me to live life with no regrets.
BEN: Love it! You are absolutely killing it in this division as well! I find it completely fascinating that someone like yourself, who looks so incredibly polished in the division, tried to back out! [laughs] It seems like this division was also made for you! So for the next interview, we talk about your Pro APEX wins!
LANET: Thank you, Ben! I am looking forward to it! NMI
About the interviewer:
Ben Yosef
Ben is the Publisher of NATURALMAG and the President & Founder of the International Physique League.
NATURALMAG – New IPL APEX VI Athletic Masters, Evening Gown Masters & Evening Gown Open Pro Lanet Spence
“Every division was tough. I have so much respect for all the competitors who stepped onto the IPL APEX VI stage.”
SEAM Magazine: 9X IPL Pro Champion La’net Spence Is At Home In Alaska
“Alaska is peaceful, yet rugged. Long summer days, midnight sun…what a playground!”
Natural Bikini Magazine: New Masters Bikini Model Pro La’net Spence
“I was ELATED! We are so blessed to have the ability to cross over to different divisions within the IPL…”
SEAM Magazine Cover Story: La’net Spence – Business, Fitness, Mindset
“…always believe in yourself, finish everything you start, show up confident. Most of all, play nice in the arena.”
7X IPL Pro Champion, La’net Spence Lands Cover Of SEAM Magazine
“This was a 100% surprise and a it’s true honor to be on the cover of a magazine. When I wake up, I ask God to let his light shine through me. The day that this was announced, I saw my teammates names in the corners of the cover. I was so proud!”
NATURALMAG: Ten Top Contest Prep Tips From IPL Pro Champions
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, these expert strategies will set you on the path to success and ensure you’re ready to shine on stage.
NATURALMAG – IPL Women’s Athletic Pro Champion, Lanet Spence
“Quite frankly, I was a little shocked about the sweep. You never know who’s going to be on stage with you, so you always always always bring your A-game in all areas.”
More From NATURALMAG Spring 2023 Issue
NATURALMAG Cover Story – IPL APEX VI Pro Bikini Champion Maggie Mckeaver
“It’s an honor to be number one. But at the same time, it’s hard to be number one because I feel like the judges are expecting more from me every time I compete.”
NATURALMAG – New IPL APEX VI Athletic Masters, Evening Gown Masters & Evening Gown Open Pro Lanet Spence
“Every division was tough. I have so much respect for all the competitors who stepped onto the IPL APEX VI stage.”
New IPL APEX Pro Bikini Champion Maggie Mckeaver Lands Cover of NATURALMAG!
“Thank you! This is something that I have been inspired by and desired to achieve since I joined the IPL. It’s a dream come true…It is also a blessing and an honor to represent Filipinos. Mabuhay!”
More IPL Women's Athletic
NATURALMAG – Lori Silva Impresses In Three Divisions: Angels, Athletic & Bikini
“Words can’t even begin to explain all the excitement, confidence and emotions that ran through my body…”
IPL Athlete Katy Stanton Lands The Cover Of INSPIRE Magazine!
“Seeing myself on the cover of a magazine is a bit surreal. Knowing what this magazine represents, I am truly honored.”
6X IPL Pro Champion Sunny Eclipse Lands Cover Of SEAM Magazine!
“As an athlete and during my competition prep, I’ve discovered that my physical training has been my main spiritual practice. It has been my sanctuary for my mind when chaos was stirring, as well as my playground for my mind, body and spirit. Thank you, IPL, for providing this Natural Drug-free opportunity for all the athletes.”
More IPL Evening Gown
SEAM Magazine Fashion & Modeling With IPL Pro Champion Lesley Beck
“I think just to keep doing it and continue to step out of my comfort zone. I’m a firm believer that age shouldn’t stop you from living out your dreams. It’s so much fun.”
SEAM Magazine – Maggie Mckeaver: IPL Bikini & Evening Gown Pro Champion
“Do what YOU love. Not what others told you to love.”
NATURALMAG – New IPL APEX VI Athletic Masters, Evening Gown Masters & Evening Gown Open Pro Lanet Spence
“Every division was tough. I have so much respect for all the competitors who stepped onto the IPL APEX VI stage.”
More From NATURALMAG
NATURALMAG – Cover Story – Tammy Shuff: New IPL Bikini Masters Pro
“When I heard my name, I had all the feels…humbled, honored, grateful. But most of all, excited to become an IPL Pro!”
NATURALMAG – The League’s New Reality Series! “The Real IPL”
“The Real IPL” is the league’s new fitness realty series. It premiered on Friday May 19th, 2023.
NATURALMAG – Nikki Leary – New IPL Evening Gown Open Pro
“I love dressing up and showing that I can be both sexy and Athletic…It was the most amazing feeling to earn my Pro Card!”