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★FitStars: Essence Carson of the WNBA’s New York Liberty

EssenceCarson

Essence Carson is one fit and talented lady!

Whether you’re a basketball fan or not, Essence Carson is one cool—and fit—chick. Not only does she play the guard/forward position for the New York Liberty and truly enjoy working out and staying healthy and fit outside of the league, she’s also a celeb ambassador for HEI, a health-based non-profit that advances health equity in under-served communities. In her work, Essence helps educate communities on fitness, exercising, and creating healthier eating habits to help prevent things like diabetes and high blood pressure. Oh, and she has a music career. Talk about inspiring! We recently got to chat with Essence about her workouts, what basketball has taught her about life, her nonprofit work and when we can download her new tunes for our next workout playlist!

Interview With Essence Carson of the WNBA’s New York Liberty

  • FBG: How has being fit enriched your life and opened up new opportunities?
  • EC: Generally speaking, exercise and being fit normally leads to a happier life experience. In my case, being fit has allowed me to stay healthy and become an elite player in the WNBA. Without being fit, aside from skill, becoming an WNBA All-Star would seem like a far reach.
  • FBG: What’s your typical workout schedule and diet like?
  • EC: Since I’m in season year-round, my workouts are typically practices. During the fall and winter season, practices are normally twice a day. Within those practices is weight training where I lift to maintain muscle strength and circulation. More importantly, throughout the season I try to maintain a pretty healthy diet by eating three times a day with a more protein-based meal. However, I do love my vegetables, and their vitamins aid in the healing process of muscle injuries.
  • FBG: Can you tell us about your role as a celebrity ambassador for HEI? What do you do, and why did you decide to get involved?
  • EC: As the celebrity ambassador for HEI, I act as a spokeswoman. I use my own platform (WNBA), as well as any other media/social media, to let everyone know about what HEI’s mission is and how it can improve their own life experience. Born and raised in one of the country’s most under-served communities, I was able to see and experience health disparities that led to chronic illnesses, shortened life expectancy and unhealthy living. In turn, I now give back to these communities by helping them become aware and educated in these areas of health.
  • FBG: What has playing basketball taught you about life?
  • EC: Playing basketball has taught me that teamwork is extremely important. In HEI’s case, we need everyone to work together to create an awareness. Without many across the nation, raising levels of awareness would not and will not happen. Basketball has also taught me that no feat is too great.
  • FBG: In addition to being an athlete, you’re passionate about music. How do you find balance—and how the heck are you able to have two full-time careers?
  • EC: I’ve been balancing the two for so long that it’s second nature to me. My high school and college experience groomed my work ethic and time management so well that I don’t mind two careers.
  • FBG: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
  • EC: Reach for the moon; Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.
  • FBG: Anything else you’d like us to know?
  • EC: Album titled: “Broken Diary” will be released by year-end. First self-single: “Love Letter,” is available via iTunes under alias Pr3pe. It has a pretty cool video, too.

“Love Letter” seems like a great recovery song during intervals! Love it! Best of luck on the court and in the recording studio, Essence! —Jenn 

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