I’m Rachel Fabrizio, Project Manager at Dot performance (digital solutions for businesses) in the day and WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model as my side hustle, born in London and currently living in the Isle of Man. I’ve always had a background interest in fitness, more running, cardio and pole fitness, then in 2012 my now-husband Gianni introduced me to weights training and I was hooked with the benefits, not only physically transforming my shape but also building my confidence in getting physically and mentally stronger.  Aged 28, I was a late starter to many, and for the last almost 10 years, I’ve thrown myself into the fitness model competing world, more specifically with The WBFF. In 2013, I focused my attention on fitness shoots (coached by my husband) and was amazed at what could be achieved with the right programming in diet and training. It helped my mindset on so many levels, learning dedication and commitment, which I had never experienced before. Mind over body, learning however much your head and body feel like stopping, the mind has the power to keep pushing on. This has helped me in many other areas of my life not just in terms of competing.

Having supported my husband at the WBFF shows in the US and London, I always thought it was well out of my reach and never thought I would be able to step on stage myself due to nerves, and if I’m honest it totally terrified me. However, I soon realized that I couldn’t stop thinking about it and accepted that this was a challenge I needed to face, for me.

In 2014, I started my challenge and competed as an Amateur Diva Fitness Model at the WBFF’s European ProAm in London (coached by TeamJCM). At 30 years old, I stepped on stage for the first time and placed top 10 in my first show, which was a huge show at the time. It was supposed to be a one-off challenge. I am now 37 years old, have competed 5 times, became a WBFF Pro in my fourth show in 2018. Since becoming Pro, I joined Alicia Gowans (3 x WBFF World Champion) and her coaching team Ally’s Angels and at the Pro level, I have performed at the WBFF LA Pro show where I placed top 5 and finally their virtual show in November just last year, where I won as WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model. Originally, I had planned to compete at the European ProAm which later became The Worlds and then Covid hit us all so Virtual it was.

There really is no other feeling like stepping on the WBFF stage after working so hard with the training and diet. The whole experience and friends you meet along the way are incredible. Plus all the support from friends and family at home. Fitness has made me stronger as a person both mentally and physically, what started as an initial challenge has become such a huge part of my life.

Age:
37

City, State/Province:
The Isle of Man.

Country:
The United Kingdom.

Trainer philosophy:
Find something that is enjoyable and keep it simple, the goal is always to find a way that is not only attainable but also maintainable.

Training Plan:
I invest in my own coach, Alicia Gowans (3x WBFF World Champ), and with her team of Ally’s Angels. My programs for training and nutrition are always tailored to me and rotate depending on which phase I am in, in terms of competition and development areas.

Supplement Plan:
Simple and essential – Omega 3, Multivit with Magnesium and Zinc, and high-grade probiotics.

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?
Ideally, all-natural and the focus is to avoid sweeteners as much as possible due to the irritability they can cause for gut health.

Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
I believe it’s more of a health issue as ultimately we all want to be healthy and we need to be healthy first and foremost. However, they do go hand in hand, as when we start to look at our fitness or add a fitness routine into our lives, we will also improve our health. Of course, they work alongside each other, however, we can be healthy and unfit, whereas it’s more unlikely we will be fit and unhealthy.

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: 30
• Health level: 70

What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
It’s well-founded and continues to be top class and style in terms of models, photography, and editorial.

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
Wow, there would be lots, however, if just the one it would be “What was your vision when you started and how has that vision changed, if at all, to today”.

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?
Oh my goodness, it really would be a dream to have this opportunity, and even just thinking about it has me feeling goosebumps all over. This would be the ultimate challenge and focus for me in my fitness career.

Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
Although I’m not sponsored as such I am part of the ATP Science Tribe which I count as invaluable. In essence, they deliver world-class information, education, and products so that everyone can live life on their terms. Their products are world-class and use natural ingredients and extracts with each one backed by scientific evidence and clinical testing. What I love most about them is their ethos and belief in three foundation principles – Research, Educate, and Create.

Being part of their community, I have learned so much with their monthly Tribe Chats where we have the opportunity to ask all questions about health, where anything and everything you can imagine is covered, and I have been able to use this information to help myself, and my friends and family.

Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
My coaches are instrumental in my life. They help me in so many more ways than just training and nutrition. Specifically, Alicia continues with her own self-development that she then shares with all of us in the team and she has become a dear friend of mine both in and out of the world of fitness. She truly cares for us all and that really sets apart a coach, in my opinion, the level of care.

Future fitness goals and plans?
The WBFF World Championship is still on my list, to attend, compete and present the best physique I have yet created.

Life goal?
To continue to progress in my career, help encourages others to reach their goals, and create a little family of our own.

5 things people don’t know about you?

• I had work experience at Lacoste design studio when I was younger.
• I lived as an Au-Pair in Barcelona when I was 18.
• I only passed my driving test aged 32 on my 5th try.
• I competed in the GDF Suez Raid, the World’s largest corporate sporting event in the Pyrenees.
• I was a lead presenter for a short documentary for GDF Suez tv around special places in London.

5 lessons you have learned?

• Persistence pays off.
• Consistency is key.
• We will not always be motivated yet we can always be committed.
• Life is transient which means that bad times too shall pass.
• Never judge as everyone has a story you may know nothing about.

5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Authentic, Brave, Supportive, Humble, Reliable.

If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
Someone that needs it most, someone who feels they are unworthy to someone else, to inspire them to realize just how amazing they are and that they really can achieve what they want if they really want it.

Who inspires you? And why?
My husband Gianni, has helped and continues to help so many people improve their lifestyle and health. He cares for everyone and gives everyone the same amount of time and effort. He literally gives his soul, so much so he puts everyone else before himself. I am very lucky to have found him and have him in my world. I am one of the ones that he has helped and my life could look very different if I hadn’t. I am constantly inspired by him.

Your transformation story?
My lifestyle transformation has pretty much swung around a total of 180. My younger self was a timid, nervous and shy girl. I had a few shake-ups growing up which were really difficult however now I realize they have helped shape me as I am and through living through those times it has enabled me to relate to people that face challenges in their life. My early twenties were as us Brits say ‘my raving years’. I spent every weekend partying at some epic clubs and saw some incredible DJs and music acts. It was a blast no doubt but rather than nourishing my body I was filling it with toxins and hardly eating. Then thankfully in my late 20’s, upon meeting Gianni, I decided to take hold of my health and well-being and started to treat my body right, through exercise getting physically stronger, and replacing the toxins with nourishment through better food choices. I now treat my body with love rather than an escape from reality.

Favorite quotes?
“Without struggle, there is no progress”.

“Music raised me. Fitness saved me”

Photos By: Pete Williamson Photography | Dennis Cruz | Kai York | Toby Harrison

I am a French-Canadian who has always been into sports ever since I was a kid. I played soccer and hockey for a few years. I even tried baseball. I started lifting weights at the age of fourteen, but I did not take it seriously back then. I did Judo for a couple of years but switched to boxing at the age of sixteen. It was only at the age of seventeen that I took weight-lifting more seriously. Why you might ask? I met my first coach at Gym Max. His name is André Maillé, World Championships 1986- NABBA, Tall, 1^st, Overall Winner (Pro Card). I wanted to learn more about training and take myself to the next level. So, I decided to compete for the first time. Around that age I was not hanging with the right crowd, I got into many fights and got into trouble a few times. Prepping to compete helped me keep quiet and focus, away from the wrong crowd. I could not allow myself to go out since I wanted to succeed in my competition. I hit the stage for the first time at eighteen in the André Maillé Classic competition in the junior culturist category weighing 163 lbs. I came in first. It became a passion, my drive. To this day, I have competed in approximately 10-12 culturist competitions and 6 classic physique competitions.

In my early twenties, I worked at a grocery store. But I decided to take a night job at the gym. Throughout the next four years, I learned as much as I could. People came to me for advice and many told me I should become a personal trainer. At that time, I did not have the guts. I can admit that I was worried because self-employment was risky, nothing was guaranteed. I also was not sure how working one-on-one with clients would be. One day, I simply went for it and I do not regret it. I went and got my certification through Coach Export. But I must admit most of my knowledge comes from my years of training alone, coaches and competitions. I am incredibly grateful for my coaches in the past for they have all taught me something. I trained for years alone and even competed without a coach. This has allowed me to become very aware of what my body needs and what it can achieve. All of this has made me the athlete and personal trainer I am today.

Today, I assist others when they are competing. I help others in their prepping especially in posing (I have been known to be good in posing and routine). Unfortunately, with everything going on due to Covid-19, I have been questioning myself a little bit. What can I do to stay motivated in times like these? Booking a photoshoot seemed like a good idea. It allowed me to stay focus, remain on a diet, and train as if I were going to compete. It gave me an objective to achieve. To do my absolute best; to look my absolute best. I like the idea that I was competing with myself and not others. There is no victor or any stress related to competing against other athletes. Booking that photoshoot was the best decision I could take during these times and I will be doing another one this summer guarantee. I will prep, in the same way, I would for competition. If I can work on my fitness, work on the best version of myself and maybe in the process inspire others to do the same, that is enough of me to be content in my life.

Age:
28

City:
Cantley, Gatineau

Occupation details:
Personal trainer.

Relationship status:
Single.

Fitness goals:
Bring my physique to its best while remaining aesthetic and balanced, although my legs will never be big enough.

Training plan:
I am a firm believer in sticking to the basics. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. Press, pull and legs are my way to train. I add an extra arms session in my week because that is my weak point. My training consists of six to twelve reps with a lot of tempo. The only time I do cardio is about two months before a competition for 30 minutes low intensity in the morning. I’ll do a full-body stretch as well for another half hour. I will also do abs every other day.

My training does not change on or off-season. It remains the same. I’ll change my diet depending on where my body is at and the body physique that I want to achieve (for example if I wish to build more volume). My training did not change either for the photoshoot. It remained the same. With the experience I’ve obtained throughout the years, I can train for ten days consecutively before taking a rest day. Personally, I choose my rest day when my sleep starts to diminish. It shows that something in my life might be tiring me down and that it is time to relax. In short, the number of times I will train in a week truly depends on my sleep hygiene. Knowing oneself and being able to listen to your own body are key attributes to be able to keep my energy constant.

Thoughts on: HIIT, Power-lifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
Here are my thoughts briefly on each:

HIIT: It is highly effective in activating the metabolism. In short, it is good for weight loss.

POWER-LIFTING: I will add powerlifting to my workouts when I want to increase my muscle density.

TRX: As for TRX, with the quarantines and Covid-19 restrictions I had to learn how to use it. I include it in back workouts specifically.

YOGA: Yoga is a great way to work on mobility. It is like stretching and helping improve fluidity, mobility, and range of motion. It is useful for posing when competing or helping with gym efficiency. For example, some people lack mobility in their shoulders and that restrains them on executing the movement as it should be. To feel it properly in the right regions.

BODYBUILDING: All I have to say is this: usually people tend to say that bodybuilding is hard physically but truly it is hard psychologically. You must dedicate a lot of personal time to it.

Nutritionnal& supplements:
I start my day with green tea, a quarter lemon (if I do not have any, I may replace it with apple cider vinegar), and freshly chopped ginger. I believe this natural detox starts my day off pretty well.

I eat approximately 150g of lean meat each meal. I will eat mostly chicken breast, horse meat, and occasionally beef. My diet is also high carb since it helps my muscle appear bulkier. My first and last meal will contain more fat but not throughout the day because it tends to make me feel bloated. Having a high carb diet allows me to perform better during my training. The carbs I consume tend to be basmati rice, quinoa, oats, and occasionally sweet potatoes.

As for pre-workout, I have a cup of coffee. I rarely take pre-workout in powder. After my training is complete, I always have some oatmeal mixed with protein powder. I believe it is especially important to mix it with food because it is more consistent. Protein powder cannot replace a meal. But better to have that than to starve until your next meal. I will have this meal usually a second time when I do not have the time to eat between sessions with my clients or before bed. I will not have this meal more than twice a day. I will add BCAA or EAA when I lower my calory intake.

As for supplements goes, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium and omega-3 are essential. The basics of what you should always have in your cupboard. Especially because these are often harder to find in your nutrition. Vitamin C must be taken immediately after training. Even if you are not training, taking supplements is important because many individuals have deficiencies in their diets. For example, taking supplements of vitamin D during wintertime is important and it is known to help with seasonal depression

Special skills:
I am very attentive to the biomechanics of movement. I notice angles and postures that need correction as much on myself or with my clients.

What do your parents mean to you? What did they teach you?
Evidently, my parents mean a lot to me. They meet at a military base. I sincerely believe that I retain my sports discipline from my parents. I was always encouraged into sports and that was where my interest in training started. When I was a kid, I observed my father with admiration when he worked out with his bow flex or when he took his shake afterward. He would have a fitness magazine laying around. So, I was brought up in the world of fitness of a sort. It has always been around me and I naturally went towards training as well gradually.

What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
It offers interesting articles on fitness, bodybuilding, and MMA.

What would it mean to you to become the next Status Fitness Cover-model?
I would most certainly have an accomplishment feeling. It would feel like I have succeeded in a sort. I must be doing something right if I made it here. I think it is a step forward for me.

If you meet Status Editor-In-Chief, Rodney Jang, what question would you ask him?
I’d ask him how he got the idea to start Status Fitness. How did he end up where he is today and how it all started basically.

What was it like working with your photographer?
It was a great experience. One that I want to do again. She made me 100% comfortable and she is renowned to be able to that. Her photos are a mix of artistic and athletic, which is another thing I appreciated from this photoshoot rather than usual fitness photography. She has a great eye for detail. I really do appreciate that from her since she shares the same ability that I have in fitness and I find it to be important. This was my best experience so far. She will ask about your music preferences to put you in the mood, what body type you like or dislike, your preferences, etc. She was the key factor in the overall experience.

6 things people would not know about you?

• Usually, people would describe me as nonchalant but, I am quite open to the people that grow closer to me, friends, or clients. I care for them. Once you get to know me, I am a real jokester and adore sarcasm.
• I am more thoughtful than I appear.
• I analyze pretty much everything in general.
• I am creative during my training session with my clients. If something does not work for them or I realize they are not reaching the maximum potential in the movement, I get creative and try to find new ways that might work for them.
• I like things that are out of the ordinary.
• I am honestly a “crazy cat lady”. I love cats.

Who inspires you?
People that are not afraid of what others think. People who do not stop themselves and go after what they want.

Who do you wish to inspire?
I wish to largely inspire people who are not afraid of others. I want to encourage people, not to concerns themselves with the opinion of others. I wish on everyone to have an opinion of their own. I believe certain individuals lose their potential because they are restraining themselves on other’s opinions. They are afraid of judgment. I believe that this does not just apply to the world of fitness but in every aspect of life. I just wish to inspire people to be their true authentic selves. Know that you will never be able to please everybody in life. So just do what you love.

What is your life goal?
It is a bit cliché, but I simply want to be happy and to be able to make a living on what I love. As for now, that is being a personal trainer.

5 lessons you have learned:

• Do not give out your trust easily. Have people prove themselves to you before.
• Motivation does not last; it takes perseverance to keep going on.
• If you want to improve in life, you must get out of your comfort zone to do so.
• To have long terms goals as well as short terms goals.
• To take care of oneself. To pay attention to your health if you wish to maintain your body. You do not have to always push it to failure.

Music and artist you listen to while training?
I listen to a lot of different types of metal. For example Architects, Shinedown, Lamb of God. They just get you in a mood you know!

Favorite actors/movies?
I admire Denzel Washington. He is a great actor. I personally enjoyed watching him in Training day. He really has the capacity to draw you in the character. Russell Crowe is another actor I admire, especially in the movie Gladiator. For the same reasons.

5 most important attributes you see in a person?

• I find it to be important for a person to be open-minded.
• Somebody that has poise. To me that means somebody relax, has a head on their shoulders, and takes care of themselves.
• I like when somebody can make me comfortable. I find that to be an important attribute.
• ​I also find it important that the person is into fitness. The person does not have to be a high athlete. Simply someone that finds it important to stay active and healthy.
• ​I enjoy someone with a dark sense of humor just like me or can have one from time to time.

Favorite quotes?
« Keep your squats low and your standards high. »

Photo By: Koko King

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

• I’m a single mom to 2 boys.
• Owner of Pro Physiques gym in Gilbert AZ, the Pros Online Personal Training – coaching athletes worldwide, FEARless by Whitney Jones Fitness apparel line, and a promoter/owner of the NPC Whitney Jones Classic Fitness competition.
• 2 x Ms. Fitness Olympia – 2018 & 2019.
• Fitness International – 2018.
• 5 x IFBB Pro Champion.
• IFBB Fitness Pro.
• Fitness Routine Choreographer.

City:
Chandler, Arizona.

Trainer philosophy?
Nobody is going to force you to do anything. You have to want it and you have to be willing to accept advice, constructive criticism, and be willing to learn to achieve what you want to achieve.

Training Plan?
For Me:

• Fasted cardio 6x week, steady-state for 30 mins.
• Lift 5x week – Shoulders, Glutes/Hams, Back, Full Body Circuit, Shoulder/Back Combo.
• Routine practice or Skills training 2-3 x week.

Nutritional Plan:
Varies from off-season to prep. Off-season about 2500 calories a day, during prep, I eat more and when I’m running routine frequently some days it can go up to 3800 calories a day. My daily plan is always high, high carb and sugar work for me, so donuts and Oreos are a regular part of my meal plan. But I burn so much with the routine practice so I must eat a lot, so I don’t burn away my muscle. 

Supplement Plan:
LOTS of joint support and liquid collagen, Fish Oil, Probiotics, Digestive enzymes, BCAA’s, L-Carn, Fiberlyze, Sleep Powder.

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 do a pre-workout by Surge Supplements, which is my daily go-to. Taste great give me a bump in energy and aids in recovery. I don’t worry about artificial flavors or anything like that unless I’m close to a show and then I will cut that stuff about 1 week out.

Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
Fitness issue. People need accountability, motivation, and inspiration. Having a trainer, friends, and family who support you and help you stay accountable to just move, get active and clean up your eating is the start we all need to initiate weight loss. Once we experience some changes and improvements then it’s easier to take ownership of your own fitness goals, but you have to start somewhere and that begins will simply starting.

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

What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
You all strongly support and highlight a variety of athletes and it’s fun to learn about them. The stats as well as the fun stuff. Great coverage with so many avenues of fitness.

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
What is the most interesting interaction you’ve had with an athlete that made an impact on you?

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?
That’s pretty freaking cool. I love it.

Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
Damian Segovia is my coach and business partner. He’s been great at allowing me to navigate my own journey and stepping in when needed to give me advice, be another set of eyes, strategize show selection and jump in those last few weeks of prep so I don’t have to do any of the thinking and analyzing. He’s the only coach I’ve ever worked with.

Your transformation story?
My transformation story is about handling a “career-ending injury” and how I transformed from broken down Humpty Dumpty to something legit. In 2017, I broke my neck while practicing my routine for an upcoming show. I was doing head spins and a new stylized one-footed gainer backflip and took a few too many crashes on my head in one day practicing those two skills repetitively. I didn’t realize it at the moment and thought the excruciating pain was actually a shoulder injury, but nerve pain is funny like that. Soon I lost full function of my right arm and neck surgery was imminent. My neurosurgeon gave me a 50/50 shot that I would ever regain feeling in my right arm, but I had to try. I had a two-level neck fusion and a 12 piece metal cage that was used to put my neck back together.

The morning of surgery, I put a countdown clock on my phone that my goal was to be back on stage at the 2018 Arnold Classic which was 276 days out. I rehabbed and worked every day post-surgery to come back as best as I could be, not knowing what to expect, but I wanted to prove to people that what others classify as a “career-ending injury” does not have to be. I didn’t know what to expect, didn’t know if I would be able to lift the same and bring a similar physique, and had no idea what skills I would even be able to do post-surgery to put together a legit fitness routine for the prestigious Arnold Classic stage. All was going well, and I was getting very excited until 4 weeks out when I suffered another mishap during routine practice. I crashed on a difficult flip which sadly injuries are common for fitness competitors and unfortunately, I heard a “pop” in my knee, and I knew what that meant. I called my ortho surgeon that afternoon and he got me in right away and the MRI showed I tore my ACL and MCL and again surgery would be needed. But I was dead set on showing up at the Arnold Classic like I planned because my goal was to get back on stage post neck surgery to show it could be done.

So, with only three weeks left at that point, I scratched my entire routine and had to come up with a one-legged routine that didn’t require too much intensity on the upper body since my neck was still weak and this was by far the most challenging thing I had ever done. I was in pain nonstop, couldn’t walk more than 10 steps without my knee giving out on me, and had to be careful with any upper body movements as to not risk a setback with my neck but I was determined. I had to think out of the box and come up with crazy unconventional skills that could make the routine look flawless and hide the fact that I was injured because I didn’t want anyone to know about my knee. Well, the perseverance and relentless mindset paid off and I made it to the Arnold Classic and actually won that show which was my first World Championship title ever. I flew home the next day and had surgery to repair my ACL/MCL and 6 months later stepped on the Olympia stage and won my first Olympia title. That’s my greatest transformation story from breaking my neck and tearing my ACL/MCL to becoming a world champion all in a matter of nine months.

Future fitness goals and plans?
Olympia 2021

Life goal?
Launch my 5^th business this summer and continue to grow my existing companies which are all fitness related and continue feeling fortunate that I am lucky enough to get to do what I love every single day.

5 things people don’t know about you?

• I have Narcolepsy – yes like the chic from the movie Deuce Bigalow, Male GigoloI.
• I keep my Christmas tree up year-round and even turn the lights on every night. My boys and I love Christmas.
• I graduated college with honors from Summa Cum Laude.
• I have broken almost every major bone in my body and have had 16 surgeries so far. Let’s be real. I’m not done yet!
• Arnold Schwarzenegger personally set up my Snapchat during a dinner with him in Brazil when I was there for the Arnold Classic.

5 lessons you have learned?

• When it comes to competing, you need to feel like you’ve won before you ever step on the stage and no matter the outcome, DO NOT let a placing validate your accomplishments or hard work.
• Change your mindset from “I Have To….to….I Get To” It’s a gamechanger. Nobody is forcing you to do anything. If you have a goal, then focus on the fact that you have the ability to go after it and take advantage. Change the negative connotation to a positive one and it changes everything.
• Be organized and plan each day but know it will never go as planned and be willing to roll with the punches and just do the best you can. Dwelling on the craziness that comes at us each day and getting mad about it is a waste of energy. It’s called being an adult and making the most of each circumstance.
• If you’re not having fun, don’t do it. Life’s too short to not enjoy things.
• Laughter every day is the key to happiness. Memes help with that.

5 most important attributes you see in a person?

• Authenticity.
• Humble.
• Humor and someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
• Hustle.
• No Excuses mentality.

If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
It’s my two boys. I want them to constantly be inspired. I work hard to set the example of what hard work and living life to its fullest looks like. I want them to dream big without limitations and be inspired to go after whatever they desire.

Who inspires you? And why?
People who overcome adversity. Who doesn’t fall into the victim mentality and find a way to rise above and find the good in even the most difficult circumstances? We can’t ever control some things that happen to us, but we can always control how we react to it and what we do in those situations to make the most out of it.

Favorite quotes?
“You’re either making progress or making excuses”.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will” – Vince Lombardi.

“People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do” – Lewis Cass.

Photos By: Sean Nelson  |  Bodyphotage