Behind The Tan: Liza Logocheva - Center Stage Competition Jewels
BEHIND THE TAN: LIZA LOGACHEVA
Behind every competitor is a story.
In this Behind the Tan feature, Liza Logacheva shares her experiences as a competitor, coach, and athlete, offering an honest look at the lessons, challenges, and moments that have shaped her bodybuilding journey.
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WHO ARE YOU OUTSIDE OF BODYBUILDING?
Outside of bodybuilding, I am an online personal trainer and posing coach who is passionate about helping others build confidence through fitness. I believe a healthy lifestyle is about more than physical appearance; its about self-love, discipline, and personal growth. I enjoy helping women create sustainable habits that improve both their physical and mental well-being. When I’m not coaching or competing, I love staying active and spending time outdoors. Traveling is one of my biggest passions because I enjoy exploring new places and meeting new people. I also love bike riding and anything that has to do with ocean/beach. One of my favorite hobbies is collecting coffee mugs from every state I visit as a reminder of the memories I’ve made. Above all, I strive to inspire others to become the strongest and most confident version of themselves.
WHAT ORIGINALLY INSPIRED YOU TO START COMPETING?
When I was around 18 years old, I would see women at the gym with balanced, lean physiques and beautiful muscle definition, and I remember always telling myself, “One day, I want to do that.” That admiration sparked my interest in bodybuilding, although I didn’t step on stage for my first competition until I was 25. Growing up, I was a competitive dancer in Russia, so being on stage always felt natural and welcoming to me. Bodybuilding gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for fitness with my love for performing. The combination of building a physique and showcasing it through posing is what made me fall in love with the sport.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?
I think the hardest part about prep is that life continues to happen while you’re trying to stay committed to the process. You have to consistently manage your nutrition, training, cardio, posing, sleep schedule, and stress levels, regardless of what is going on around you. It is a very demanding sport, both mentally and physically, and it can also be financially expensive. At times, bodybuilding can feel selfish because so much of your time and energy is dedicated to your goals. However, every sacrifice becomes worth it when you truly love the sport and are doing it for yourself. The discipline, growth, and sense of accomplishment make the journey incredibly rewarding.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE DURING PREP?
My biggest struggle during prep was trusting the process and staying committed to the vision, especially on the days when progress felt slow. I learned that success comes from consistency, patience, and believing in the work you’re putting in, even when you can’t see the results right away. Sometimes when I feel like giving up negative thoughts are creeping right before bed, and I always tell myself tomorrow is a new day. You cannot make a decision based on how hungry or tired you are.
WHAT HAS BODYBUILDING TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
Bodybuilding has taught me that I am capable of far more than I think. Every time I feel like I’ve given 100%, I discover there’s still more effort, resilience, and determination left in me. It has also taught me to stop questioning myself so much and instead focus on learning from feedback. The judges’ feedback has helped me grow, improve, and continue becoming a better athlete this season.
WHAT DO PEOPLE OFTEN MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT COMPETITORS?
I think most people underestimate how much the small daily actions matter during prep. They might say, “One missed cardio session won’t hurt,” or “Just have the salad, it’s fine.” What they don’t realize is that prep is the result of consistently showing up every single day. Every workout, cardio session, meal, and choice adds up, and by the time show day arrives, those small decisions make all the difference.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BODYBUILDING WITH EVERYDAY LIFE?
I’m very fortunate to have a significant other who lives a healthy, active lifestyle and has competed before, so he understands exactly what I’m going through. Having that support makes a huge difference because so much of prep is mental. Time management is also key; staying organized and preparing ahead of time puts me a few steps ahead and reduces stress. Having an understanding family and a small circle of supportive friends means everything. You don’t need a lot of people in your corner; you just need a few who truly believe in you and understand your goals. With the right support system and mindset, anything is possible.
WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING DURING DIFFICULT MOMENTS?
Coffee is definitely one of my favorite things, whether it’s iced or hot, along with staying hydrated and prioritizing a good night’s sleep. I also love getting outside, soaking up some sunshine, going for a short walk, and enjoying fresh air. Those simple habits help me reset mentally and stay grounded. If I ever feel emotional, especially due to hormones or the demands of prep, I allow myself to feel those emotions instead of ignoring them. At the same time, I don’t dwell on them—I acknowledge how I’m feeling, process it, and then move forward. I also remind myself that I’m not the only one facing these challenges. Every champion, no matter the sport, has experienced hunger, discomfort, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Learning to push through those obstacles is what separates those who achieve their goals from those who give up.
ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME COMPETITORS
You already won by finishing prep! truly have fun and enjoy the experience. Go into your first show with little to no expectations and focus on learning rather than placing. My very first competition is still one of my favorite memories because I was excited, present, and simply enjoyed being on stage. Take in every moment, from prep to show day, because it goes by fast. Also, having supportive family, friends, and loved ones around you makes a huge difference. Their encouragement can help make the journey even more special and rewarding!