I’m a nationally registered paramedic and has been serving my community for over 20 years in many roles. I began my emergency medical career in Virginia Beach, VA where I was also a member of the K-9 search and rescue team, as well as the dive team. I have achieved many speciality certifications and have worked in several large city emergency medical departments. I’m currently an educator focusing on the private and government sectors. I’m also a tactical medic and assistant firearms instructor for a private company, which trains civilians, police and military members in the most current firearms and tactical skill sets. I’m active with the Lupus Foundation of America and I’m an ambassador for the state of Florida.
My fitness achievements include professional status in the National Gym Association (NGA), USBF, DFAC, ANBF and NPF. My most recent titles include the 2020 Natural Sandow’s- Master Bikini and Master Fitness Model champion, the 2021 Florida Pro- Pro Fitness Model champion. 2020/2021 Miss Sunshine State Fitness Model for the Miss Bikini Swimsuit and Fitness Model Search. I am also is a certified judge for the NGA and ANBF.
Age:
42
City, State/Province:
Jacksonville, FL
Country:
United States
Occupation?
Paramedic, Pro Athlete and Model.
Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
As medical personnel, I would say weight loss is both a mix of health and fitness issues. Many people who have known or unknown medical conditions take medications that can cause weight issues. However, there is a significant number of people that have poor nutritional habits and fail to adhere to a fitness program. It would be a step in a positive direction if healthy eating and an active lifestyle were a focus for all children and young adults.
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
As someone with a chronic illness(SLE Lupus), I can tell you that you cannot take either one for granted. And I also believe they are mutually supportive.
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
With respect to different training methods is simple, find what you enjoy and make that work for you. If you enjoy your training then you will look forward to the workout and push yourself to improve, thus you will see results. As for me, bodybuilding is what I gravitate towards, but I do mix in TRX and powerlifting when I feel they are appropriate. I have found variety also keeps your workouts fresh.
Share your unique training/coaching methods?
When I work with a client for posing, I try to break everything down into simple movements that they may already be familiar with from past experience, so it makes sense to them. It may be as simple as taking someone who had some previous dance training and breaking it down into footwork that they already know. Making things easy through slight tricks and tips they can remember as they practice leads to success on stage.
Trainer philosophy:
It is simple; there is no cookie-cutter or one size fits for me. Just because one pose looks good on one person doesn’t mean it looks good on another. I work with each client as an individual and play to their strengths.
Training Plan:
My current training plan is focused on multiple shows, which means, weight training 5 days a week, with one or two body parts per day and cardio 6 days a week.
Nutritional Plan:
My nutrition plan is currently in a deficit phase as I lean down for shows. My plan includes 5 meals with a total macro count for protein, carbs and fats. I also keep an eye on my micronutrients and vitamin intake as it all works in concert.
Supplement Plan:
My supplement programs are strictly controlled and based on the W.A.D.A. standards, which are extremely strict, even categorizing supplements purchased in your local nutrition store banned substances. I do use some supplements for digestive health, vitamins and simple supplements like L-Carnitine, Creatine, Glutamine.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
I lean more towards all-natural supplements; I try to stay away from artificial sugars and flavours. Some of this has to do with making sure I know what is in each supplement and the other reason is that artificial sweeteners and flavouring can cause digestive issues in my case.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Status Fitness truly focuses on athletes from all walks of life. I love that one picture may be an IFBB Bikini Pro and the next may be a trainer or yoga instructor. I think some magazines become hyper-focused and only feature one type/style of athlete. Status Fitness is inclusive, which makes it extremely enjoyable and informative.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
I have been fortunate to have multiple coaches over my career and each has made a profound impact on me as a person and athlete. They have challenged me to go beyond what I may have thought at the time I was capable of achieving and imparting knowledge that I can in turn pass to others.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
I would like to know where Mr Jang sees bodybuilding in the next 5-10 years. Does he think that natural federations will start seeing the same popularity as non-tested federations?
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 for this opportunity?
To be considered by Status Fitness Magazine to be part of the Model Search at the Arnold Classic would be an amazing opportunity and a life goal achievement. Fitness and physique athletes the world over aspire to compete on the Arnold Classic stage and to be lucky enough to grace the stage would be surreal. I am also lucky enough to have a very good friend that made the top 10 in 2020, she loved every minute of the competition.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
I am blessed to have a few different sponsors. When I compete, I always say “WE” are competing, because, without this amazing group of people behind me, I would not have been able to accomplish all the wonderful achievements in my career.
Kitty’s Bikinis: (Kitty Hernandez) has been making my suits, dresses, and costumes for years. She makes everything custom to me and her designs always get people’s attention! She is the reason I “shine” on stage!
Ponte Vedra Vein Institute (Dr Deacon-Casey) is the only one I trust to keep my skin and face photoshoot ready. Chemo and Lupus have caused a lot of issues for me, but she has provided the glow and confidence.
Idiehls Day Spa (Madison) is a wizard with my lashes/brows and waxing, she is the only one I trust with this type of work.
Jacarra Wilson has been handling my hair and makeup for competitions, photoshoots, etc for years. She has created some beautiful looks and always knows how to pull the whole ensemble together.
Red Clover Concepts and UCPRA are organizations that I am so proud to work for and they have been amazing supporters of my competitive efforts, both emotionally and financially.
Combat Iron Apparel / Sexy Yet Savage always make sure I have the patriotic gear to wear in and out of the gym.
Future fitness goals and plans?
My future fitness goals and plans are to continue to compete and push the creativity side to bring amazing performance to the stage. I will also continue to judge shows with the goal of becoming a head judge.
Life goal?
My life goal is simple and constant, continue to live every day to the fullest as you never get a “re-do”. Check things off my bucket list, step out of my comfort zones, enjoy new things; I do not ever want to look back and say,” what if”.
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I am a total wallflower until I get to know people.
- I am obsessed with Christmas and Hallmark Christmas movies.
- I am a classic literature lover, especially Jane Austen.
- I am full of random trivia facts and historical information.
- I am a former NJCAA wrestling coach.
5 lessons you have learned?
- Do not think tomorrow is a given.
- Do things that scare you.
- Remember things are always going to change, do not let today’s problems rob you of tomorrow’s happiness.
- Do not compare yourself to others.
- Invest in yourself so that you can give to others.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Selflessness, Desire to learn/grow.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
If I could inspire one person, it would hopefully be someone who thinks they can not thrive due to an illness or injury. As a Lupus Ambassador, I share my story with others in the hope that it helps them push through, continue to stay in the fight and chase their dreams. Show them there is always hope if they can commit to moving forward.
Who inspires you? And why?
My husband is the person that inspires me the most. He has accomplished everything he has ever set his mind to, no matter if it was in sports, his military career, or the civilian world. He truly inspires me daily!
Your transformation story:
My transformation began 12 years ago with a diagnosis of SLE Lupus and given 6 months to live. At that point, I had a decision, I could accept that this disease was going to take me at 30 years old or with the help of amazing doctors I would fight. Fast forward 12 years, the fighter is still here and the disease is in a managed state. During that time, I made fitness a primary focus and set goals of competing and achieving professional status.
Favourite quotes?
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Dylan Thomas
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore.
Connect with Chance Schwartz: IG
Photos By: Greg Diesel Photography
