Interview With Dave Vignasse - WNBF Pro-Bodybuilder
Bodybuilder of the Month - August 2009
Photos by: BBPics.com
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
WP:Dave, it's great to have you here today! We're excited to be naming you, "Bodybuilder of the Month" this month and I think it's well deserved. In addition, I would like to announce that we have actually made you World Physique's Official Personal Trainer. We were so impressed with you, your company, talent, experience, and your knowledge! So, why don't you introduce yourself to our readers.
DV: Sure! I am a 43 year old WNBF Pro-Bodybuilder and Nutritionist from Chicago, IL. I have been helping people with tailored nutrition, supplements, and training plans since my graduation from college in 1988. I have clients in 10 countries and my internet based business, davevignasse.com, has been growing with each client that I help.
WP: I know I heard a lot about you before I even meet you and everyone tells me how great of a Personal Trainer you are. But, they also told me how hard you were to beat on stage! Ha-ha! How long have you been in the fitness industry?
DV: I have been in the industry since competing in the AAU teenage ‘Mr. Illinois’ in 1985.
The fitness industry, at that time, was pretty much just a collection of competitors and fans of bodybuilding, as there were no fitness or figure contests. Supplements were very obscure and unsophisticated.
WP: Yeah, I bet it was a bit different back then. What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?
DV: My friend and mentor, Brian Smith, was the ‘Teenage Mr. Illinois’ winner in 1984 and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He was my first major influence and coach.
WP: To be a Personal Trainer, you have to be certified. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?
DV: I studied Marketing Research and Nutrition science at the University of Illinois in Chicago and GSU. I graduated in 1988 with honors, and I have continued to study nutrition ever since.
In addition, I am a WNBF Pro Bodybuilder and ACE Certified Personal Trainer.
WP: What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?
DV: My education and 24 years experience applying my knowledge are what sets me apart. Nutrition is 90% of the equation when it comes to achieving and maintaining the physique that you want. Training is a small part of improving your body composition and physical health.
WP: Where do you train your clients?
DV: I train my clients via the internet at davevignasse.com and provide additional support over the telephone. I have been successful helping hundreds of clients worldwide while using both means of communication.
WP: How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?
DV: This varies from client to client. I spend 3-5 hours setting up their initial nutrition and supplement program, as well as their training protocol. Over the 9-18 week period of time that I work with most clients, we communicate several times per week, for various lengths of time per conversation.
WP: What helps you get up each morning?
DV: I enjoy helping all of my clients and each day is not only a learning experience for them, but for me also.
WP: What motivates you?
DV: My desire to do a better job each day is what motivates me. I try to listen to my clients and learn from their feedback, so that I can be an even better teacher in the future.
WP: What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective for the following?
To gain mass:
DV: I recommend hypertrophy based weight training with an emphasis on HIT style workouts, 4-5 days per week of cardio to stay lean.
WP: To lose weight:
DV: Most importantly is the proper nutrition plan designed to fit a person’s lean body mass and unique metabolism. 5-6 days per week of HIIT cardio.
WP: To cut:
DV: Most importantly is the proper nutrition plan designed to fit a person’s lean body mass and unique metabolism. 5-6 days per week of HIIT cardio. Also, an emphasis on HIT style weight training with only 30-45 seconds in between sets.
WP: Before competition:
DV: Most importantly is the proper nutrition plan designed to fit a person’s lean body mass and unique metabolism. 5-6 days per week of HIIT cardio. Also, an emphasis on HIT style weight training with only 30-45 seconds in between sets. It is especially important to employ the proper supplement regimen to reach ones peak level of conditioning.
WP: You have also been on magazine covers and in the public eye a lot. Can you tell me a bit about your modeling? What got you started?
DV: I have been a fitness model since 2004 when I first appeared in Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Magazine when I was featured in an article called, “Rising Star”.
I've also worked with Exercise for Men Only, Men’s Health and Men’s Exercise. My favorite photographer is Lisa Brewer, as she has shot 80% of my photos. Lisa also photographed my cover shot for the February 2005 issue of Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness.
WP: Yeah, Lisa is one of my favorites, too. Well, outside of my own team, that is! Ha! What are you goals in modeling?
DV: To continue to be a fitness model into my 50’s and to hopefully be a cover model, again, soon.
WP: How does your trainer differ when you are modeling and when you are not?
DV: My training does not differ for bodybuilding as opposed to fitness modeling. The goal is to still add lean mass and stay under 8% body fat all year long.
WP: What competitions have you entered and what place did you take?
DV: 2004 NANBF Natural Mr. USA -1st Place; where I earned my WNBF Pro-Card. I have competed 3 times as a WNBF Pro and have earned a higher placing in each successive show. I hope to earn a top 5 placing at the Pro World's in 2009.
WP: We will be standing behind you when you hit the World's! I believe you will take them! From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?
DV: I would like to get bigger to fill out my 6’2” athletic frame. Legs are always a priority when you are as tall as I am. Bodybuilding is a shorter man’s sport unlike basketball.
WP: Height does make it harder! Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
DV: I am deathly afraid of heights!!
WP: You?! Really?! Well, I don't feel too bad now, then! I have a bad fear of heights, too! Any shout outs?
DV: I would like to say “Hey Kimberly!” She is my friend and my #1 client. I really feel like an IFBB Pro-Card is in her reach this year.
WP: Yeah, I think she will be bringing home a win, too! Explain your workouts to me.
DV: I employ a hypertrophy workout with a HIT style, alternating from week to week. Core exercises with the right mix of machines, and lots of dumbbell training. HIT is so important to shock the muscle. 5 days per week is typical for me. Lots of forced reps are almost always included in my training.
WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?
DV: My parents, without a doubt, had the most impact on my life. They raised me to try to be kind to people, especially those that are less fortunate. I know that I am very blessed in my life.
WP: What were you like in high school?
DV: Outgoing, self-conscious, really just wanted to be liked. I was pretty athletic, and a bit on the serious side at times. I always knew that my life was being guided by God, I just needed to get out of the way...it is still a tough thing, but I am trying.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
DV: My hobbies are baseball and hockey. I love to play sports, but I am also a big fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and White Sox. I am a season ticketholder for the Hawks.
WP: Tell me about your family.
DV: I am married to Diana, a Texan living in the bitter cold of Chicago.
Our baby is Aly, our 4 year old pug/terrier. I have already mentioned what she means to me. She makes me smile even when I am having a bad day.
Diana is a very supportive and generous person. I am blessed to have the family that I have.
WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
DV: I just hope to pass on the knowledge I have acquired to other fitness enthusiasts. That is why I started my on-line business. It has been amazing, thanks to all my clients.
WP: Thank you so much for a wonderful interview. It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!
