I’ve been competing now for 10 years, having turned pro 3 years ago. I started my journey in figure competitions after watching girls at my gym practise posing. I can honestly say I had NO idea what I was getting into (or really what I was doing!) when I first started, but I was hooked and I haven’t looked back since. Competing and social media seriously changed my trajectory in life. I entered my first competition while in school to become a Veterinary Technician (having already worked as a Veterinary Assistant for a few years) and was offered a part-time position with a local supplement brand after applying for athlete sponsorship. I worked part-time for them, managing social media and building up their athlete program. As soon as I graduated from my AHT program, they offered me a full-time position at their headquarters. It was honestly one of the hardest decisions to make, but I didn’t look back once. I have since worked my way up through several different Canadian brands, moving into sales and now managing the sales team for the past 3 years at Magnum Nutraceuticals. I love what I do and the constant challenges and personal growth that comes along with it.
Age:
30
City, State/Province:
South Surrey, BC
Country:
Canada
Occupation:
Magnum Nutraceuticals Sales Manager
In your opinion weight loss is more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why?
In my opinion fitness and health are synonymous! These both go hand in hand.
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
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
I feel these all have their place! I am a professional figure athlete (bodybuilding) and incorporate HIIT as well as Yoga and other cross-training methods into my training. This builds a more well-rounded and structurally sound athlete + physique!
How did your passion for fitness start? And what was the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey?
I started working out in high school, my older brother who is a professional triathlete was always a huge source of inspiration. I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn over the years is to focus on your own growth, and not compare yourself to others. Especially growing up in the age where social media started to take off, it was all so new and uncharted territory.
Supplement Plan:
Basically the entire Magnum line! Contest prep essentials – Fasted Cardio, After Burner, Carne Diem, E-brake, Hard Muscle Builder, G-Spring, Quattro, Volume, Mimic and Primer.
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 use Magnum Nutraceuticals religiously – I have worked in the industry for a long time now and trust the pharmaceutical grade quality and effectiveness!
Please describe the importance of mental health?
SO important! If your mind is not healthy, it will be very hard to have a healthy physical state. I am a firm believer in meditation (even if just for a few minutes each day) and journaling.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
I enjoy the different types of athlete features – and its Canadian focus!
Four shows in a year is a new record for me! I typically like to do max 3, and quite close together as well. Having them spread out was definitely a new level of will and determination for me. I feel very accomplished at having brought my best package to each next show, truly growing into each show. My coach Justin Harris and I did our homework with judge feedback after each show and stepped it up for the next. I competed at the Chicago Pro, Arizona Pro, Los Angeles Pro and finished with the Toronto Pro while moving from DNP to 6th place in Toronto. There were many mental barriers I had to overcome and with that comes an increased sense of self-awareness. I’ve proven to myself a new level I can operate on and it feels great!
You ended the competition season at the Toronto pro show placing an incredible 6th. Please describe your experience?
This was by far my favourite show experience so far! I felt the most comfortable on stage, bringing my absolute best package to this show. Posing has been a huge area of improvement as well and I’m very happy with my presentation. It was great to have many familiar faces competing in Canada and celebrating with my IFBB sisters afterward.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
I have had many different coaches over my lifetime, from horseback riding (I used to compete in jumpers when I was younger) to high school rugby, and various bodybuilding coaches. I feel they all have left a mark on the individual I have grown into today, and feel grateful to have had such intelligent mentors over the years.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
Magnum Nutraceuticals – this is my family, my team! I appreciate the support I have received from our staff and Markus Kaulius so much over the years.
I also work with The Crystal Suit, a stage suit maker based out of Ontario. Colleen is amazing and creates beautiful designs that I am honoured to wear on stage. I am also on the Foodie Fit team, a local food prep company owned by Robert Santen. They make seriously delicious food that makes dieting so much easier and saves me SO much time to focus on my other goals.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life?
One of my biggest goals is to continue to level up in my personal and professional life! Always a student of life, always learning.
Things people don’t know about you?
- I used to be a Veterinary Technician before my fitness career started.
- My socks never match.
- I have oddly small feet for my size.
- I can’t handle spicy food,
Most important attributes you see in a person?
Self-awareness, Authenticity, Flexibility (emotionally/mentally), Adventurous, Open-mindedness, Self-motivated, Trustworthy.
Who inspires you? And why?
I would say a big motivator in my life would be Markus Kaulius, Magnum’s owner and friend. He is an extremely positive person and intelligent entrepreneur, someone who is always pushing me to step outside of my comfort zone.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey?
Find your WHY! Whatever your goals are, make sure your WHY makes sense and is a healthy one. If it’s not, it might be time to question the path you’re on.
What did success look like for you?
Success is knowing I can inspire others.
What is your favourite quote to live by?
The greatest failure in life is to stop trying.
Connect with Rachel: IG
Photos By: David Ford
