Breaking
Status Fitness Magazine
Ad
Ad
Ad
Author

Anh Lee

Browsing
Photographers

SEAN NELSON

By
 
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?

It’s the experiences that stand out to me the most. Travelling to different cities and countries is exciting. Being in a position to meet and befriend people is really special. I have made a lot of friends along the way. The experiences I have been through have been absolutely life-changing. I never take anything for granted.

AMONG YOUR WORKS, WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE? WHY?

I won’t name a specific shoot but my entire experience shooting in Anchorage, Alaska was incredible. I had a few amazing locations but the one that stood out the most was shooting around the train tracks overlooking the snow-capped mountain range. I admire the models who braved the cold in their bikinis. I can’t wait to go back!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO GET YOUR IMAGES IN STATUS FITNESS MAGAZINE?

It would be a tremendous honor to be in a magazine I have heard great things about. I am very thankful for being asked to be part of Status Fitness Magazine.

MODEL TESTIMONIALS:

“Sean and I started working together two years ago and have since become great friends. He is such a talented photographer and always a pleasure to work with. His artistic eye and willingness to experiment always result in many striking shots, which makes it tough to choose just a few! He is laidback, positive, and humorous and always makes sure his models feel comfortable and respected. Sean is now my go-to photographer and I can’t wait to see the beautiful work we create together in the future.” ~ Vanessa Serros

“My name is Ashley Lakomowski. I’ve been in the fitness industry for about 4 years now. I’ve worked with quite a few fitness photographers and Sean is one of my favorites! We’ve shot together a handful of times. Sean makes me feel comfortable, beautiful and is just a natural at what he does. Extremely talented, he has an amazing eye and is great with directing the shoot. I’m always looking forward to seeing him and creating some badass photos together.” ~ Ashley Lakomowski

“Shooting with Sean Nelson is always a fun adventure! You can feel his genuine excitement when you nail a pose and he captures it just right. The first time I worked with Sean, our shoot was under 30 minutes and the quality of the work was so spot on, I knew we would work together again!” ~ Breena Martinez

“Sean Nelson was referred to me by another model who raved about his work and I knew I had to work with him after I saw her pictures!  He is one of the best photographers I have ever worked with because not only is he extremely talented, but he also made me feel very comfortable with his easy-going personality, professionalism, and humor.  He even had me fill out a questionnaire before the shoot to ensure he understood and was prepared to achieve what I wanted. During our shoot, he was great at directing me to highlight features in my physique that I did not even know I had!  Even though I have done countless photoshoots, I was completely in awe when I got my pictures back. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to showcase their physiques in a beautifully artistic way or just looking for some of the best pictures they will ever have taken! Thank you so much, Sean.” ~ Yen Nguyen

Sean Nelson

Keep Reading
By
Photographers

SIMON NEEDHAM

By

My background in agency advertising began in London when I and my university friend James Sommerville founded the award-winning, $30M+/year grossing agency ATTIK. During my time, as Chief Creative Officer at ATTIK, I led the agency to have world-wide prominence with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Leeds, London & Sydney. As a director and photographer, I’m able to pull from my rich history of brand development, advertising, and graphic design to further elevate my work.

It’s a privilege to have Status Magazine write about me. It gives my work credibility and encourages me to keep pushing!

As a photographer, I capture movement and energy flawlessly, letting my subjects speak to the lens in the raw language of action and emotion. As a director, I additionally bring out a softer and more agile side; easily shooting comedy and dialogue or sleek and sexy car visuals is just part of my expertise.

I’m now offering my photography skills to NGOs in need of professional quality images and have already worked extensively with One Heart Worldwide, GG Conservation, Development Media international, California Wildlife Center, Care for Wild, and Fundacion Natura Bolivia”.

Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
As a photographer, I love that every project is different, and often there are new challenges and problems to solve. I take great pleasure in constantly trying to create new and different content. When I work with athletes, I love to capture them at their finest moments, which sometimes defy belief once you see the image, I’m always blown away by the athleticism of these guys. I have been lucky that so far most people put their trust in me to try new and creative things. Every shoot I do, I seem to have a new favorite shot, I don’t linger too much on what I have done but wonder how I could do it better next time.

Simon Needham

Keep Reading
By
Photographers

TAYLOR CIFUENTES

By

I am a helicopter door gunner with the US Air Force. Our mission is to search and rescue. I’ve been doing it for 16 years now. I have always been passionate about photography but it wasn’t till one and a half years ago that I got a bonus when I signed my last reenlistment and decided to get the camera equipment. I’ve always wanted to see if I was any good at it. After trying many different styles, from aviation (for obvious reasons), rock climbing, concert, street, and lifestyle. Last June, I had the chance to join a photographer mentoring group with Mr. Brett Seeley who I really admire for his use of multiple lights and of course fitness Photography.

Age:
39

City:
Las Vegas, NV.

THE FITNESS COMMUNITY IS AMAZING AND PUTS IN AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF DEDICATION AND HARD WORK. IT IS AN HONOR BEING ABLE TO SHOWCASE THAT IN MY IMAGES.

What does it mean to you to get your images in Status Fitness Magazine?
It would mean A LOT. It would be a recognition that I am on the right track. I love when people see my images and they don’t just like the art but also get inspire by the amazing athletes. Status Magazine will definitely be the next level for me.

Jagoda Kocan

Keep Reading
By
Models

AMANDA DEAR

By

I was born in Montreal and lived there until I was 2 years old, my parent moved us to Kelowna BC and that’s where I grew up. I graduated in 1998 and started working at TD Bank as a Customer Service Representative at 19 years old. I moved into a Manager Customer Service Position a couple of years later and that is how I met my husband Kevin because he also worked at TD Bank in Vancouver. We were at a mutual conference and met at a workshop and from there we dated and got engaged 7 months later married 10 months after that. I got pregnant with our first son within 3 months of being married. We moved to Langley in 2008 and had our second son and have lived here ever since. I worked part-time for a few years after having our children but had to cut back my hours when we lost Kevin’s mom to Lung Cancer in 2015, she helped watch our boys so I could work. I left TD Bank in 2018 as Kevin’s businesses are growing and require him to travel a couple of times a month. We have always wanted to be the ones raising our children so it was time for me to just stay home with them full time. This has allowed me to really focus on my passion for fitness, it allows me to work out every day and does all our meal prep.

I really got into fitness when my youngest was 2 years old, it was time for me to start taking care of myself. I have been working out in the gym for the past 8 years doing various types of training. My husband and I started training with my coach 5 years ago as lifestyle clients. In 2017 my competing journey began. I had my first fitness competition in March 2018 and won my class in open and won overall in bikini masters. Then I did a natural regional show won my open class and master bikini to qualify for Natural Pro Qualifier the following week in Toronto where I won my Pro in masters bikini. At the end of September, I concluded my first Pro season after competing in 3 Canadian Pro shows.

Training Plan:
I train weights 3 days on 1 day off and repeat. Cardio 6 days a week 30-40 minutes a day. I train glutes/lower body 3 times a week and shoulders/upper 2-3. The plan changes every 4 weeks.

Nutritional Plan:
My nutrition is based on Macros and I eat 5 x per day. In my off-season, my proteins are 125g, carbs 100-120g, and fats of 40g. My plan allows me to be flexible to stay within my macros and I get to enjoy a treat meal every week. My plan gets revised based on where I am in prep or off-season every 4 weeks or as needed.

Supplements:
I mostly take Vitamins (C, D, Omegas, L-Carnitine, Greens, Collagen, BCAA’s, Glutamine)

What are your thoughts on Status Fitness Magazine?
Status Fitness is separated from other magazines because it provides opportunities for men and women of all ages. Also by having the model searches in different cites and the master’s categories allows fitness models to be able to showcase what they have in person instead of just in photos.

Congratulation on becoming a “Status Symbol”. What does this mean to you?
It would mean so much to me to be a “Status Symbol” because I feel with where I am in my life now and what I have accomplished in a short period of time while having a family, I could really encourage women to get in shape and show that if you follow your dreams anything can happen at any age or stage of life.

Status Fitness Magazine cover is considered the most prestigious in the fitness industry. What would it mean to you to grace the cover?
I would be honored and beyond excited to grace the cover of Status Magazine. I love showcasing my hard work and what better place to be than on the cover of Status Magazine.

How important is “Team” on your fitness journey?
Being part of a fitness team to me means working hard in and out of the gym. I am always there to encourage my teammates or just other people around me that have fitness goals and dreams. I want to ensure that my weekly check-ins for my coach are always on time which helps me hold myself accountable.

I have worked with my nutrition/training coach for almost 5 years, her name is Tamara Knight. She has impacted my fitness journey by always being supportive of my goals. I started as a lifestyle client and then evolved into competing. I was her first IFBB Pro ever. She stood by my side all the way and always made sure that my diet and training on point. My posing coach is Kenny Wallach and all my posing training is via FaceTime. He always had lots of faith in me and would always make the right tweaks as needed to perfect my posing.

If you could ask Status Editor-In-Chief one question, What would that be?
As the editor of Status Fitness Magazine what are the qualities you are looking for in a cover model and what advice would you give to excel in this industry?

Status Fitness Magazine runs many model searches in Canada and throughout the world. What would it mean to be on stage at the Status Fitness Magazine’s Arnold Model Search?
This would be an opportunity of a lifetime not only to attend the Arnold Classic as I have never been but, to be part of the largest model search in the industry. I would be honored to represent Status Magazine as part of the team.

The Status Model Search at the prestigious VanPro show was incredible. What was your experience like?
Participating in the Model Search at Vanpro was a great way to break up my “Competition Day”. It was more relaxed and entertaining to show off my personality and just have fun with it.  Meeting all the Staff and competitors was a highlight and I met many people that I still keep in contact with.

I would absolutely recommend other men and women to participate in the model search. It was fun and a totally different type of stage than when you’re competing. It allows you to show another side of your personality and to be playful and sexy. I totally recommend it because of the people you meet and the opportunities it could open up for you.

Vanpro was my second show as an IFBB Bikini Pro, it was such a great experience for me to compete with athletes from all over the world and in my hometown. My fitness plans currently are to have a focussed and flexible improvement season. I know where to improve and need to take the time to grow and have a fresh mindset heading into my next competing season. It’s all about making lean gains, balance, and keeping my nutrition on point so I can be ready for a photo shoot or vacation all year round.

What do you have planned for your fitness future?
My future fitness goals are to compete again by late 2020 or 2021. I would like to compete in the United States and try a Masters Show as well as open. I would also like to do a few photoshoots and continue to be a published model.

What are some of your favorite quotes?
My favorite Quotes are: Try and if you fail you try again – In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take – It’s not what we have in life but who we have in our life that matters

What are 5 things people may not know about you?

  1. I was born in Montreal and moved to BC when I was 2 years old
  2. I won my IFBB Pro card at my 3 show ever
  3. I worked at a bank for 19 years
  4. Before having my kids I had never changed a diaper
  5. My husband and I got engages after dating for 7 months and have been together ever since.

Who do you like to inspire?
The two most important people to me that I want to inspire are my 2 sons. I want to inspire them to follow their dreams and know that if they put in the effort that anything is possible and their dreams can come true. No one else can make it happen but you.

Who inspires you?
In the competing world, Angelica Teixeria inspires me because she has worked hard for everything and nothing was handed to her. I have also met her in person twice and she is just as kind and beautiful in person as she appears on Instagram. To me, that speaks volumes because she is real and a true role model. My husband also inspires me, he is such a hard worker. He runs 3 businesses, travels a lot for work, trains every day, coaches our son’s soccer, and is a wonderful husband and father. He is so organized and calm and he brings balance to our home and I admire him for that.

Being a mom is a full-time job. How do you fit your training into your busy schedule?
Currently, I am not working for anyone, I am a full-time mom and wife. I am not a trainer so I don’t train anyone but do try to motivate and inspire fellow women/moms. I do this by posting on Instagram, talking to people at the gym, or even at the grocery store. I always give tips and advice so others can meet their fitness or nutrition goals and just need a little encouragement.

I started working out about 8 years ago. My second child was almost 2 and going to pre-school so I started to make time for myself again. I worked out at Steve Nash Fitness World down the street from my house with another mom from the pre-school. After a couple of months, I started training with a trainer from the gym, started and building a little muscle, and doing a lot of HIT training. After a couple of years, I decided I wanted to really build some muscle and learn how to eat to meet my goals which brought me to my current coach Tamara Knight. I knew she was very educated when it came to training and nutrition so my husband and I both started working with her. At first, we were lifestyle clients then decided to prep for a photoshoot. We both enjoyed the process which brought me into the world of competing. I think my coach always had it the back of her mind that maybe I would compete one day so my programs were geared towards bikini physic. I prepped for my first show in March 2018, I won masters and open and the feedback from the judges was that I should be on a National Stage so I did my second regional show in the natural stream, I won masters and open again then the following week I went to Toronto then won my Pro Card in the Master’s Bikini. I have since competed at 3 Canadian IFBB Pro shows in 2019.

Keep Reading
By
Models

LINDSI SANOR

By

I have been a trainer for 11 years but really started my fitness journey after having my 4th baby (13 years ago). One day at the gym turned into the lifetime of “I wonder what I could look like if I do this consistently”. It quickly turned into how I felt! Consistently challenging myself fed my soul and made me realize how strong I am, both physically and mentally. How I look ended up being the cherry on top! I’m a mom of four, have a full-time job, run my own training business and work at a gym 2 days a week. Needless to say, I love helping people find their own magic in and out of the gym.

Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
I believe weight loss is more of a health issue. We need to make sure we are living the healthiest life we can and by doing so, I believe it also takes care of our mental health as well. We all want to look our best, but I think the minute we focus on how we FEEL, it will be a game-changer.

If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?

  • Fitness level: 50
  • Health level:  50

I believe these two go hand in hand. Taking care of yourself physically will make everything better health-wise for anyone.

Trainer philosophy:
I believe we find a deeper level of strength and confidence by doing things we’re uncertain of. Finding those things in the gym, it will only make you stronger and more confident in your everyday life.

Training Plan:
I personally work out 5-6 days a week. I add 1-3 sessions of walking or walk/run combo to help lengthen my muscles out.

Nutritional Plan:
I’m not perfect with my eating. None of us are, but I strive for protein and veggies being my main focus every day. I eat yogurt (the only dairy I eat) and coffee. I’ll never give that up. I very very rarely eat a french fry or two and stay away from fried foods. My sugar can get a little out of hand, so I watch that closely to see if I’m eating it to stay awake or really want it.

Supplement Plan:
The only supplements I use at the moment are daily Vitamin, Vitamin D, Zinc with Calcium, and Magnesium. I don’t suggest supplements unless asked specifically about them.

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
I don’t suggest supplements unless asked specifically about them. I don’t want my clients to rely on them. When I do suggest them, I try to find something they live with as many natural ingredients as possible.

What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Status Fitness Magazine has awesome, easy-to-understand content which is huge these days, and ideas everywhere from recipes to workouts.

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
My questions for Rodney would be, how do you structure your days? I love to soak in as much information from successful people to see what I can implement in my life.

Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover.  As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity?
I am extremely excited about the special invite for the model search. I think we need role models of all ages with all backgrounds. Having 4 kids and staying extremely busy while keeping a positive outlook is something we all need to see more of.

Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
I have a few trainers I can go to with any questions I have and their input is priceless to me.  It’s important to find those people you trust with your fitness life.

Life goals?
To travel and experience some of this amazing world. Watch my kids grow and become adults, and continue to help as many people realize that being healthy and challenging themselves can be fun.

5 things people don’t know about you?

  • I love cartoons.
  • I’m a kid at heart and will always think I’m about 20 years younger than I am.
  • I hate spiders and earwigs. I will scream. If I have to take care of a spider, I will stomp on it loud so I don’t have to hear the crunch.
  • I’ve hunted big game with my dad before I had kids. It was our yearly father/daughter outing.
  • I had trouble getting pregnant and now have 4 kids.

5 lessons you have learned?

  • Listen to your heart (and gut).
  • Asking for help is a huge life changer.
  • Don’t doubt what you believe is true.
  • I can take on the world by myself but it’s smarter and more fun with friends.
  • I found out I can still look good after having kids and I don’t have to act a certain way because of age.

5 most important attributes you see in a person?

  • Enthusiasm for life.
  • Honesty.
  • Love in their heart.
  • Integrity/Confidence.
  • Eager to learn/explore.

If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
My kids. I want them to know it’s about working hard, believing in yourself, and having fun. Even when life hands you a tough round, you will get through it. It’s just a matter of time.

Your transformation story:
I was always an athlete in school. I played multiple sports and always stayed pretty busy. Once school was done, I had no direction and no idea how to stay in shape without a coach yelling at me. I would go to the gym for 1-2 months and then take 2-3 months off. Once I started having kids, it became my way of clearing my head and getting my body back of course. After having number 4, I remember being at the gym and seeing my bicep for the first time. It was that day I said to myself, I wonder what I could look like if I just stayed consistent. I worked out 3 days a week consistently then added one day, only to add 2 more shortly after that. I was working out 6 days a week and loved the challenge of going extra hard and seeing awesome changes in my strength and physique. It also brought back my competitiveness. I became a trainer so I could help others find the fun and hard in this realm so they could find the confidence in every other part of their lives. It took a long time to find my “calling” but I’m so happy I did and feel so blessed to be able to still do it.

Favorite quotes?
“You’ll never know until you try”.

“Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you”.

“You know, sometimes all it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it” – Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo.

Photos By: Beyond the Lens – Jake & Erica Smith | Allen Baxter

Keep Reading
By
Models

CRYSTAL ZENG

By

Age:
20 

Relationship status:
Single 

Occupation?
Social worker and student

Fitness category?
Wellness

The TNT Muscle promises to be an amazing show. What helped you decide to enter it? What were you looking most forward to?
After sustaining an injury while preparing for a powerlifting meet, I had decided to look into pursuing other goals. I’ve always wanted to try bodybuilding and figured that it was time to take a leap and give the sport a try. The TNT Showdown happened to be a viable option due to location and in terms of timeline. I was looking forward to meeting new people and seeing what I could achieve in terms of physique. How my body looked was never a very big focus while training for powerlifting, but it’s always been something that I thought about.

Your plans and fitness plans after the pandemic?
The plan at present is to prep for a show in the fall! I’m very excited to walk on the stage for the first time. I’m a very competitive person, so I’m looking forward to competing lots once the world re-opens.

Training Plan:
At present, I have been doing workouts at home 6 days a week. They alternate between lower and upper days, but my coach is saying that this will start to change as we enter a new block. 

Nutritional Plan:
I’ve been trying to diet flexibly within the macros that my coach has set out. It’s definitely been a struggle going from eating whatever I wanted to have to weigh and track everything I eat though.

Supplement Plan:
In terms of supplements, I don’t really take anything special. In the morning, I have multivitamins, fiber, greens with EAAs, and collagen. I also use various protein powders throughout the day.

What separates Status from other fitness magazines:
Status is one of the most popular fitness magazines in Canada! Being Canadian, it makes the magazine more appealing for sure! It makes the content feel more “real”.

What would it mean to you to become a “Status Symbol”?
It would be surreal to become a “Status Symbol”. I’m a very ambitious person, so I feel like being a Status Symbol would just feel like such an achievement. I have this personal goal of making some sort of significant impact on people and I think becoming a symbol could help with that goal.

What would it mean to you to grace the cover of Status?
Being on the cover of a fitness magazine is something that I would have never considered possible for me. I’ve always struggled with self-confidence and body image, so to imagine being on the cover of Status seems crazy. One of the things that always held me back from competing in a bodybuilding show was the fact that I have a lot of scars down my arms and legs. Although I’ve personally come to accept them and recognize the significance that they have in my story, I know that not everyone understands and they do sometimes draw negative attention. When you think about someone on the cover of a magazine, you think of a sort of perfection. I am definitely the furthest thing from that; I’m very average looking and scars are usually not something you see on models.

Favorite Quotes:
I went through a rough period during university because I was so disappointed in myself for needing some extra support from my instructors. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, so it was hard for me to admit that I needed help. The chair of my department came to talk to me one day and told me her favorite Brene Brown quote, “No matter how much I get done, or is left UNDONE, at the end of the day I am enough.” I think about it a lot. Another one of my favorite quotes is from a book I was recommended called Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz; “The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea.”

5 things people don’t know about you:

  • I graduated from high school in grade 11 because I wanted to finish that chapter of my life as soon as possible and begin the next.
  •  My favorite shows on Netflix are The Office and Suits. I’ve probably watched both series at least 3 times within the past year.
  •  I love food with such a passion that sometimes I window shop on Skip the Dishes or go for walks by restaurants just so I can smell food.
  •  Before I started powerlifting, I used to compete in martial arts called wushu for a few years. That’s how I met my best friend.
  • As a child, my parents enrolled me into a billion extracurriculars which happened to include private magic lessons. Why? I have absolutely no idea.

If you could inspire one person, who would that be?
As mentioned before, my goal is to make some sort of significant contribution to society. I have a passion for advocacy and feel very strongly about children’s rights and justice. I’d like to think that as long as I could inspire at least one person, I would be pretty happy regardless of who it was. I work for a mental health agency in the city and get the amazing opportunity to work with a variety of youth and young adults, so I think that it would be incredible for at least one of them to have been impacted by what I do.

Who inspires you? And why?
One person I really look up to is Sheldon Kennedy. His choice to use his experiences to positively make a change for children inspires me daily. The work he does now is so important and makes such a big difference for so many kids. It takes a lot of courage to disclose the information that he did and then to further use it to advocate for those like him is absolutely incredible.

Keep Reading
By
Models

TAMMY CHAPMAN

By

I am a proud mother of two beautiful children and happily married to the man of dreams whom I met by accidentally crashing my car into him. My days are busy as a mom but my home gym helps keep my fitness goals on track and has been a lifesaver during this covid -19 pandemic. I enjoy cooking and baking and have always been a healthy eater. I love sharing my colorful nutritious meals and meal prep ideas on my social media.

I have always been athletic, looking back as far a my high school days, I was on every sports team my school offered. After having my two children, I started competing in bikini fitness, most recently placing 2nd place in my class at the CPA Northern Classic Naturals in 2019. Health and fitness have always been a passion of mine but it was kicked into high gear when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. My mother has beat cancer four times. But it was that first initial diagnosis that transformed me. I made it my mission to help her, I would lay awake at night reading and researching foods that fight cancer, foods to help boost immunity and energy, and most recently heart-healthy meals to combat heart disease. Both my mother and father have had cancer. I have made it my mission to do the best I can to provide my family with the tools we need to stay healthy and lessen our chances of developing hereditary disease through nutrition and regular physical fitness.

Age:
38

City:
Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Fitness Goals:
I am currently building muscle and plan to compete when the world returns to normal.

Training Plan?
I am currently working out four to five days a week with two upper body workouts and three lower body workouts as well as two 30-40 minute cardio sessions. I am eating a high protein diet, eating 2200 calories a day.

If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?

  • Fitness level: 40
  • Health level:  60

Is weight loss more a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
I think this depends on what fitness means to you and in what context you view it. I usually only try to lose weight when I am competing and ready for the stage so I personally would say in this context weight loss would be a fitness issue. Strict diet and increased cardio to cut weight for the stage. I would consider someone trying to lose weight because they are unhappy with their body or have troubles staying on track with healthy eating more of a health issue.

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
I personally choose supplements naturally sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. I try to stay away from aspartame and Sucralose and typically choose all-natural no artificial flavours or colours. Many studies have shown a connection between cancers and artificial sweeteners. I have a strong family history of cancer and heart disease so choosing whole, natural, nutritious foods are the route I chose for our family to help lessen our chances of developing a hereditary disease such as cancer and heart disease.

Nutritional & Supplements:
Whey protein and I love sipping BCAAS while working out.

Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
HIIT is my favorite form of cardio, as a stay-at-home mom utilizing my time is a must. HIIT gets the job done with time to spare. I have competed in bikini fitness competitions, recently placing 2nd in my class at the CPA Northern Classic Naturals in 2019. Bodybuilding is a great fitness goal.

Special skills?
I am a great cook, some would say a healthy meal extraordinaire. I have a passion for meal prepping and have been helping others reach their goals through meal prepping and sharing my healthy recipes online through my social media. I am also extremely clean and organized.

What do your parents mean to you? What did they teach you?
My parents mean the world to me, both my parents are warriors. My mother has battled and beat cancer four times and has never complained about the hand she was dealt. My father also a warrior has survived skin cancer and recently drove himself to the hospital while having a heart attack. Both my parents have taught me to be strong, to fight, and to keep living even when all odds are against you.

What would it mean to you to become the next Status Fitness Cover model?
It would mean so much to make it a cover model. It’s a bit of a bucket list item for me approaching 40. Also coming from a small town, it would be so inspiring to see me on a cover, to inspire others to give it a shot and follow their path no matter how small the start.

If you meet Status Editor-In-Chief, Rodney Jang, what question would you ask him?
What keeps you relevant? Your magazine has been around for a long time, what keeps it going?

Who inspires you?
My mother is my greatest inspiration. She has battled cancer four times and has beat it every time. She has been so sick that she could barely move but still rolled around and played with my children. She has been in the most pain but never told us. She never complained about the hand she was dealt health-wise and fights every day to live. She continues to stay positive and is an inspiration to so many especially me.

Who do you wish to inspire?
I wish to inspire my daughter and other women and mothers, especially those my age that it’s never too late to be fit and healthy, to set goals, and be proud.

6 things people would not know about you?

  • I am extremely clean/organized.
  • I am almost forty.
  • I met my husband in a car crash.
  • I am a crazy plant lady.
  • I attended university.
  • I hate flying.

Life goals:
I plan to take a holistic nutrition course when both my kids are in school full time. Maybe work on a meal prep business or create a cookbook.

5 lessons you have learned:

  • Never give up.
  • Health is wealth.
  • Nothing comes free.
  • The days are long but the years are short.
  • It doesn’t happen if you don’t try.

Music and artist you listen to while training:
I love to listen to 90’s hip hop and dance music while working out.

Favorite actors/ movies:
I love a good romance. Ps, I Love you and Gerald Butler are one of my favourites.

5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Authentic, Honest, Loyal, Accountable, Caring.

Favorite Quotes:
“Hard Work puts you where good luck can find you”.

“When you love what you have, you have everything you need”.

Photo By: Ali Sohr

Keep Reading
By
Transformations

LINA DICARLO

By
Are you a trainer?

Yes, I’m a personal trainer and fitness and spinning instructor.

Who is your trainer?
My trainer is Dickens Lambert – bio3fitness

MY FITNESS GOALS ARE TO TRAIN HARD AND BE THE BEST I CAN BE…

Occupation details:

Fit coach / personal trainer, fitness/spinning instructor. I teach everything from Bootcamp, aerobics, abs butt and thighs class, circuit training, swiss ball, muscle toning, strength training for seniors, pilates, and stretch classes.

Relationship status:
Mother of 2 children.

Fitness Goals:
My fitness goals are to train hard and be the best I can be, become strong, lean, and healthy and continue to compete in a competition, be an inspiration like others were to me, and model for fitness magazines, and fitness clothes and supplements.

Bio:
I live and train in Montreal, I’ve been in sports since I was 10 years old. I’ve been in gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, field hockey running clubs, track, and field. In high school, I started to compete in 400 meters, 1800 meters races, then continued racing in 5 km races. I’ve been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for 18 years. In the past year, I wanted a bigger challenge and starting to compete in muscle mania fitness Canada, so in 10 months I’ve completed 3 transformation category and fitness model and now I’m proud to continue and pursue another big goal and dream that is to be in Status Fitness Magazine, and continue going strong.

Training Plan:
My training plan consists of training 6 days a week plus meditation and a few power naps.

Between 1.5 to 2 hours a day in the gym.
4 days of weight training and stretching. ( mon Tues Thurs Friday)

Cardio training between 5-6 times a week, 30 – 45 mins, circuit training alternate between jump rope training, spinning, or circuit training on a treadmill or running outside. Plus abs workout, and the odd pilates or yoga class.

Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
I believe in different types of training and chasing it up to get good results. So besides bodybuilding and just cardio, yoga is a great compliment to this as well as adding TRX training, and also find it really affected to add some jump rope training and high-intensity training is very affected as well. I find changing up your routines in your workouts achieves greater results.

I’VE BEEN A PERSONAL TRAINER AND FITNESS INSTRUCTOR FOR 18 YEARS.
Nutritional & Supplements:
Eat clean, consist of protein, carbs, veggies, and good fats. Plenty of water every day. But still love my cup of coffee in moderation of course.
I use Protein gluten-free.
Muti-Vitamins.
Bcaa.
Omega 3 fish oil.
Estro-control.

I also use different pre-workouts from time to time.

Special skills?
Personal trainer / Fitness coach /modeling
Fitness instructor / Reebok spinning instructor
Bootcamp
Circuit training
Body toning
Pilates
Stretch class
Strength training for seniors

What do your parents mean to you? What did they teach you?
My parents mean a lot to me. I was brought up in church and taught me to trust in God and he will provide for our needs. I was always taught to love one another, my parents taught me good values.

I FIND CHANGING UP YOUR ROUTINES IN YOUR WORKOUTS ACHIEVE GREATER RESULTS.

What separates Status from other fitness magazines?

The thing that separates status from other magazines is, you have a fantastic set-up with such great photos of men and women that just come alive from page to page and your focus isn’t pages and pages of supplements photos. And you focus much, much more on interesting articles, from success stories, nutrition tips exercises, workouts, and recipes, and different supplements and tips. I just love status and so honoured to be part of it, it’s my dream come true.

What would it mean to you to become the next Status Fitness Cover model?
It would mean a lot to me and feel, a great accomplishment to have achieved a great goal and being an example and great inspiration to our, that anyone reaches for the stars.

If you could ask Status Editor-In-Chief, Rodney Jang one question what would that be?
How can I become an employee at your status magazine?

What was it like working with Healthy Vision Photography?
The photo shoot went really well,  it was so professional, made me feel very comfortable, and believe in myself, even more, the setting was so natural. Great communication and made me feel so special. And thanks to everyone who is making this happen for me. My dream is to be a model in the fitness industry.

6 things people would not know about you:
Integrity
Compassion
Kindness
Strong
Passionate
Caring

Who inspires you?
My coach and friend Dickens Lambert was my great inspiration who believed so much in me, when he told me about the new category transformation in the fitness Canada completion and ask if I was really to compete and share my story with the world.

THE PHOTO SHOOT WENT REALLY WELL, IT WAS SO PROFESSIONAL, MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE, AND BELIEVE IN MYSELF EVEN MORE…

Who do you wish to inspire?

I hope to inspire anyone who needs help to get healthy and in shape, including seniors and youth. And especially women who feel when they reach a certain age as early as their 40’s and feel that can’t get in shape or lose weight, cause of eating habits and hormone pills. At 56 yrs old I am the living example that I can help them through food plan exercise plan and way of life and proper mindset.

Transformation story:
After being extremely sick with an unexplainable weight gain and a bloated stomach looking 5 months pregnant and gastro every day, bend over with stomach pains and 3 trips to the emergency by ambulance with blood pressure over 200 and being undiagnosed each time lead me to go see a naturopath who took 2 different test to send them to a lab in the states for testing and to discover, I was intolerant to gluten and extremely allergic to garlic and penicillin, and also infested with parasites in my intestine. After 5 months of treatment, I was cured of parasites and this is what lead me to my transformation journey in health and fitness. In competing in Fitness Canada in October 2016 for the first time and in 12 weeks I lost over 30 pounds and 20 percent body fat. I want to encourage and inspire everyone to share their experience and follow their dream and never give up. When we change our thought we change our life. I’m happy to announce in may, 2017 I did a second transformation in Toronto and still going strong and healthier than ever. All of my health issues have been cured, due to healthy eating, proper food plan, exercise, and good sleep. My next challenge is to rock the stage in Montreal in the fitness model category. Going from 159 lbs to 120 in 10 mths. Strong is the new sexy. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I will continue to compete and my dream is to be a fitness model for status fitness one day.

Life goals:
To inspire others, remain healthy, keep training hard, meditate every day, enjoy life and love everyone, make a difference in peoples’ lives, and do work that empowers and fuels me and makes me happy.

5 lessons you have learned:
Love myself / trust in god
Be motivated
Have confidence
Have strength
Have a good mindset

ALL OF MY HEALTH ISSUES HAVE BEEN CURED, DUE TO HEALTHY EATING, PROPER FOOD PLAN, EXERCISE, AND GOOD SLEEP.

Music and artist you listen to while training:
Bon Jovi
Pitbull

Lady Gaga

Favorite actors/ movies:
Fast and the furious
Wonder woman

Favorite books and authors:
Secret the power  by Rhonda Byrne
The power of intention / change your thoughts change your life by Dr. Wayne Dyer
The power is within you / and You can heal your life.  By Louise Hay
The four agreements.  By Don Miguel Ruiz
Ask and it is Given , Learning to manifest your desire By; Esther and Jerry Hicks, the
The teaching of Abraham.  I love the inspiring video recording.

5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Integrity
Drive
Self-confidence
Passion
Communication

Advice you can give to children who want to start training?
Love yourself, and whether it is a team sport or training in the gym, set goals for yourself and just believe in yourself and have fun in all you do.

I HOPE TO INSPIRE ANYONE WHO NEEDS HELP TO GET HEALTHY AND IN SHAPE, INCLUDING SENIORS AND YOUTH.

Favorite Quotes:
What doesn’t challenge you won’t change you
Strong is the new sexy
If you can dream it you can do it
What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger
Keep Reading
By
Transformations

NICKI BLANKENSHIP

By

JOE THIBODEAU IS CONSTANTLY PUSHING ME AND HAS HELPED TO BUILD MY CONFIDENCE.

Who is your trainer?
Joe Thibodeau

What makes him/her so special as a trainer?
I had never trained before my first session with Joe. I was nervous and had no idea what I was doing but Joe was patient and has taught me so much. He is constantly pushing me and has helped to build my confidence.

Occupation details:
Revenue Manager

Relationship status:
Single

Fitness Goals:
I’d like to continue to build muscle and lower my body fat percentage.

Complete Bio:
I am a 35 year old female and work as a revenue manager for a vacation rental company in Destin, FL. I moved here 5 years ago from Indianapolis. I graduated from IU.

Training Plan:
I do HIIT three days a week, train with Joe three days a week, lift on my own 2-3 days a week and dance 3 days a week.

Thoughts on HIIT, Power lifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, other:
I love lifting and training with Joe. It’s been amazing to see the progress that I have made over the last year and a half. I couldn’t believe the results and changes in my body composition when I added HIIT classes to my routine.

Nutritional & Supplements:
I use Magnum Heat, Magnum E-Brake, and Magnum Pre Fo. Crissy introduced me to macros and it has helped me keep my nutrition on track.

I’M INSPIRED ON A DAILY BASIS BY THE PEOPLE THAT I COME INTO CONTACT WITH AT THI BOD.

Special skills?
I have attempted to think of an answer for this question for a few days and I keep coming back to nunchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills…I can’t get Napoleon Dynamite out of my head (now my answer for #10 makes sense).

What do your parents mean to you? What did they teach you?
My parents are a huge part of my support system and have encouraged me throughout my fitness journey. They call daily to see how my workouts are going!

What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Status doesn’t just cater to competitive athletes. It is inclusive of all levels of fitness!

What would it mean to you to become the next Status Fitness Cover-model?
It would be amazing but I would wonder if they ran out of other candidates.

If you could ask Status Editor-In-Chief, Rodney Jang one question what would that be?
I would ask him what made him decide to get involved in the fitness industry and what he enjoys most about his job.

What was it like working with Warren from Healthy Vision Photography?
I was extremely nervous about the photoshoot but Warren made me feel at ease. He made it fun but was very professional. I just listened to everything he told me to do and I appreciated the guidance.

6 things people would not know about you:  
-I had a poem published when I was in elementary school.
-I had the mumps in 2007 (despite being vaccinated).
-I must have my music and TV volume on an even number.
-I do a great Cookie Monster impression.
-I have some hippie tendencies.
-I’m a bit of a clean freak.

Who inspires you?
I’m inspired on a daily basis by the people that I come into contact with at Thi Bod. Everyone has a different story and is in a different place on their journey to fitness.

Who do you wish to inspire? 
I wish to inspire anyone that is on their fitness journey and offer them the same support I have received from our Fit Fam.

I NEVER EXPECTED TO ENJOY WORKING OUT SO MUCH. I LOST THE WEIGHT I HAD GAINED BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, I FEEL GREAT!

Transformation story:
I had always been in decent shape but had put on some weight and didn’t feel good about myself. I joined the gym last year and began training with Joe. I never expected to enjoy working out so much. I took it to a new level this year and decided to participate in the photoshoot. I lost the weight I had gained but more importantly, I feel great!

Life goals:
I want to continue to grow in my career and maybe try something new! I’d like to travel as much as possible.

5 lessons you have learned: 
-Never give up.
-Set goals.
-Family and friends are the most important things in the world.
-Take care of yourself so that you can take care of others.
-A strong support group makes a huge difference.

Music and artist you listen while training:
I tend to listen to a little bit of everything from Cardi B to Disturbed.

Favorite books and authors:
I prefer to read Patricia Cornwell or James Patterson. I’m a little bit of a nerd and could read all day long.

5 most important attributes you see in a person? 
-Honesty
-Integrity
-Compassionate
-Reliability
-Scrupulous

Advice you can give to children who want to start training?
My nieces constantly tell me that I don’t HAVE to go to the gym when they ask what I’m doing and I say I have to go work out. I explain to them that they are right, I don’t HAVE to go but I WANT to go. I try to support positive body images so I make a point to let them know that I want to be strong and healthy as opposed to saying I want to lose weight.

Favorite Quotes:
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” -Winston Churchill
Keep Reading
By