Interview With Michelle Nazaroff
Personal Trainer of the Month - April 2010
Interviewed by: Angie Courduff
Michelle is a C.H.E.K Holistic Lifestyle Coach L1, master personal trainer, motivational speaker and whole food nutrition expert. Her mission in life is to inspire and teach her clients how to become a living testament of health and vitality and to ensure they achieve their health and fitness goals no matter what hurdles we must overcome along the way.
In addition to all of this, she is also a competitior! Is there anything she can't do!? We feel if she can change her physique like she has, we don't think she will have no problem teaching you how! Michelle is outstanding! We were impressed with her the very first time we talked with her! We could have picked her as our Competitor of the Month, our Transformation of the Month, and our Personal Trainer of the Month but, we could only pick one!
“After the show, I started researching training and nutrition principles. I had been a dedicated athlete most of my life, and I already knew I needed the right information to make it to the top. I set myself a goal in this sport: to win a World Titles within 5 years.”
WP: Hi Michelle! Thank you for taking the time for this interview! Tell our readers about yourself!
MN: I live on a gorgeous 10 acre farm in Baldivis, Western Australia, with my husband, David Nazaroff, 2 year old daughter, Sierra Skye, and our two Great Danes, Flex and Lucy, and newest additions, baby calf Melvin and Jo Jo, our baby Angora goat.
I train at The Club Gym in Port Kennedy with my great friend and work mate, Jeh Newby; I also train once a week with my coach Julian Hamilton at the amazing Pure Fitness in Canning vale.
I am a strong believer in health and wellness in body, mind and spirit. I am passionate about innovative training techniques, organic whole food nutrition, correct supplementation and recovery all year round. Bodybuilding and Figure contest preparation is a specialty of mine, and I aim to present every athlete in a state of optimum health with strength, grace and vitality. I also focus a lot on post-competition programs as I know the best bodies are built in the off-season.
WP: You have quite an extensive competition history. When did you first become interested in competing in figure? How did you prepare for your first show?
MN: In 2000, I was looking for another solo sport that I could excel in because my competitive horse riding career was cut short due to injury. I went to watch a body building show where I saw and met my future husband, David Nazaroff. I was in awe of what I saw that night, and I knew this was the new sport for me. I could see instantly this was more than a physical sport, it was also a mental sport which well suited me.
After the show, I started researching training and nutrition principles. I had been a dedicated athlete most of my life, and I already knew I needed the right information to make it to the top. I set myself a goal in this sport: to win a World Titles within 5 years. I trained religiously for 12 months and David taught me all about whole food nutrition. Nicole Dalassandro designed my competition diet and taught me all about posing and the importance of presenting yourself properly and gracefully.
I love the discipline of this sport and I knew the more I put in the more I would get out of it. I was very lucky to work with knowledgeable people in the beginning who taught me that good whole food nutrition, intense training and a strong mind could take you a very long way.
WP: You’re fortunate to have had such great coaching from the start. Tell me about your first show!
MN: I entered my first show, the Western Australian Novice Figure Competition, in 2001 and won the Title! I was extremely excited, but not that nervous. I had prepared well for 12 months and I was happy with the development of muscle I had at the time. I had been practicing my posing weekly with Nicole; she threw all kinds of scenarios at me and we even practiced pose downs. I was ready! I am a very competitive person and I take what I do seriously. The day of the show had been planned out and it ran perfectly. To win that show and how it felt to present my body in a state of peak health and vitality is something I will never forget.
After that show, I went on to compete in the Australian Titles in Melbourne and won the Australian Novice Figure Title, as well!
WP: You had such an amazing start to your competitive Figure career and were taking the figure world by storm! Then, you experienced a life-altering occurrence in 2004. Can you tell me what happened?
MN: I was born with mild aortic stenosis, which is an abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve. If left unchecked, it can lead to heart failure. In December 2003, after completing my third year of competitive natural bodybuilding, I went for my yearly routine checkup with my cardiologist. I had been feeling fatigued for a few months but thought it was due to my intense training schedule. After my tests, I received a phone call indicating something was seriously wrong and to see my cardiologist right away.
My cardiologist broke the news that my heart was severely enlarged and I would require urgent open heart surgery to have my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical version. He also said I would no longer be able to train or even compete and that starting a family would be extremely risky because of the medication I would require for the rest of my life. I thought this could not come at a worse time! I was halfway towards my five year goal of winning a World Figure Title! I was also about to get married in two months and had a wonderful honeymoon planned!
During the month-long wait for my surgery, I became very depressed and withdrawn. I would watch television mindlessly each night until one night an infomercial caught my eye. On it, Tony Robbins spoke of people harnessing the power of decision to turn any dream into reality.
I was so inspired, I immediately ordered Tony Robbins’ ‘7 Day Get The Edge’ Program. Through the program, I learned to make my thoughts positive and began focusing on finding another solution to my surgery. I also learned that the way I spoke to myself was the key to this positive outlook.
These two things transformed me. I searched the internet for days for alternatives to valve replacements or new techniques. After four days, I found a Melbourne doctor who had been performing a new surgery called the Ross Procedure, where the aortic valve is replaced with my own pulmonary valve and a human donor pulmonary valve is inserted into the pulmonary position. I contacted the Melbourne doctor and discussed my prognosis.
He told me the Ross procedure would be better suited for a young female of child bearing years, especially since I was an athlete in my prime. While it came with a few more surgical risks, the outcome of the Ross procedure post-surgery would be far better for me than a mechanical valve. I would be able to return to full training, have a family and only need to take one aspirin a day.
Before my surgery, I continued to listen to Tony Robbins’ CDs. I practiced many of the lessons, the main one being the resetting of my goals. I took these goals and a photo of me winning an Australian Figure Title and put them next to my hospital bed. I asked my mum to ensure these were the first things I would see when I woke up in intensive care.
WP: What a scary situation to be faced with, yet you stayed so positive! Did your focus or thoughts on life change after your surgery?
MN: Yes, my thoughts on life changed dramatically after the surgery. It was such a traumatic experience, and I had never been sick before and was not used to feeling so unwell. It changed my husband’s thoughts as well; we both decided to treat our bodies like temples and focus on building the strongest, healthiest bodies imaginable. We did not realize how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. So, we slowed our lives down, made more time for loved ones and our focus became living the healthiest life possible. Hopefully, we’ll inspire a few others along the way and be the best role model for our child.
WP: You didn’t take much time off from competition though; you competed the following year! And placed first! How did that show differ from shows previous to your surgery?
MN: My surgery was in the beginning of 2004 and I competed again in July 2005. I started rebuilding as soon as I could move my upper body. I was not even able to open a bottle of water! But, by listening to my body and having a specific plan from the doctors this soon changed. This is also when I became passionate about whole food nutrition as I needed to feed my body the best quality food possible to ensure my healing and growth. My ability to compete the next year is a clear testament that whole food nutrition works better than any drug on the planet. My training principle also changed as I included more recovery into my regime and included Pilates and yoga. This did wonders for me.
WP: You have not slowed down at all and 2009 was an exceptionally busy year for you! Tell us about your experience at the World Fitness Federation’s International Universe Competition in Petersburg, Germany!
MN: 2009 was a great year for me as it was my return to the stage after having my little girl, Sierra Skye. I was nervous about competing again; I was unsure whether I would be as good as I had previously been, and I was a little rusty! These feelings quickly subsided as I went back into my well-planned preparation. I competed in a number of shows in 2009 and won them all! What an amazing feeling! Then, I had the opportunity to represent my country in Germany at the WFF Universe Titles alongside conditioned competitors from all over the world. The competition was fierce, and that is just how I like it! At the beginning of the show, we were put into our classes by the head judge. This was completely new for me and I was moved a number of times before I came out to my line up. This was great because the judges thought I was in good enough condition to be in the Super Bodies Class, the highest accolade for a Figure Competitor! I couldn’t believe I placed 2nd as these girls were sensational!
WP: That is incredible. To what do you attribute your competition success?
MN: I attribute my success to my passion, drive and determination. I am consistent with what I do and I have clear goals and the plan to support my success. My husband and I live the health and fitness lifestyle all year round because health is our number one priority. The development of our physiques and the condition we bring to the stage is just a byproduct.
WP: You have an amazingly healthy outlook on life. Can you tell me what competitions you have lined up for 2010?
MN: 2010 is also a big year for me. I am stepping up from the WFF to the NABBA class. I want to improve each year, and to do this I believe I need to compete against the best girls in the business. So, the Western Australian NABBA Titles in May will be my first show and then I’m on to the Southern Hemisphere Show in Queensland. This year, I have a team of figure competitors and I am so excited to see how they present! We want to show the world that this is a healthy sport when done correctly.
WP: What advice would you give to someone interested in competing for the first time?
MN: Compete for the right reasons. Don’t do it to beat someone, do it as a personal journey and to improve your health and fitness. You should only be competing with yourself and striving to better yourself both physically and mentally every day, not just on-season. Be methodical with what you do and have a clear plan. Get a knowledgeable coach who practices what they preach to guide you through the whole process.
WP: Great advice! What do you love most about competing in figure?
MN: I love seeing the female body in peak physical condition. I think women with muscle and definition look strong and healthy and it shows they have amazing mental strength and character. I also love the performance and the glamour; it is not every day you get be to all done up!
WP: Has your training has changed much over the years?
MN: My training has always been heavy and intense with focus on great form. I am consistent with my workouts, and I never perform the same routine to ensure my body is always guessing. The best thing I do is ensuring I have the nutritional support to sustain my workouts year round.
WP: What is the hardest part of training for you?
MN: For me, the hardest part of training is getting to the gym on time. In the mornings, I am so relaxed at home with my little girl and we spend time with our animals, do our cardio, etc. and I lose track of time!
WP: Well, that’s not a bad thing at all! What does your current routine look like?
MN: My current routine is 1 hour of cardio, 7 days per week. I hike, with my little girl on my back, up and down hills near our farm or, if Sierra is happy playing, I use the stationary bike. I also weight train 5 times per week, working one body part per day and including abs 3 times per week. I normally do 1 Pilates session per week and 1 Bikram yoga session. My schedule is a little intense right now, so classes will be added back in as soon as the shows are over.
WP: Inquiring minds want to know! Give me an example of your daily diet: on-season and off-season?
MN: On-season, my eating looks like this:
Meal 1: Organic rolled oats and egg white scramble, organic green apple
Meal 2: Next Generation Protein Shake, brown rice and kiwi fruit
Meal 3: Organic free range chicken, organic broccoli, asparagus, sweet potato and pineapple
Meal 4: Organic free range chicken, organic broccoli and spinach
Meal 5: Wild salmon, lean beef, organic chicken, white fish (alternate each night) organic green beans, bok choy, broccoli stir fry
Meal 6: Egg whites, red capsicum, mushrooms, spinach and onion omelet
Off-season is similar, but I add more colored vegetables, fruit and whole grains. I follow the 80/20 rule off-season. On my 20% off, I still make sure the food I am eating has the nutrients that my body needs for growth and repair, but I definitely include treats like homemade apple pie or sorbet with organic fruits. I love to cook and I also love the Eat Clean Diet Book by Tosca Reno. I use many of her recipes in the off-season.
WP: You’re going to have to send me some of your homemade recipes! You eat so healthfully year round; what is the hardest part of dieting for you?
MN: My competition prep diet is not hard for me. I look at food as fuel and from a nutrient point of view and take note of what food will give my body. As I visualize what I want to look like on stage, this keeps me on track.
WP: You are lucky! Not many women can say they’re not affected by the strictness of on-season dieting! What supplements do you take?
MN: I use Next Generation Mega Pro Protein Powder, Glutamine and BCAA’s. I love Juice Plus Whole Food fruit and vegetable concentrate capsules and I take 15mls of Chlorophyll daily. I use a good quality probiotic for gut health and digestive enzymes and I take 10 mls of Chia Oil with my protein shakes.
WP: Who are some of your idols? Who do you admire most in your business?
MN: I really admire Anthony Robbins because what I have learned from him has changed my life. Lance Armstrong shows anything is possible if you have the determination and pure grit.
In the fitness business, I admire all the people who are inspiring people to take on the health and fitness lifestyle. Tosca Reno is really doing a great job with this and I admire her. I hope to meet her one day! In Australia, I admire my figure friends Rae Cattach, Jade Sheurele, Jehanne Newby, and Lindy Olsen just to name a few, for making my life and job so much easier with their passion and friendship.
WP: Let’s talk family! Tell me about your daughter, Sierra Skye!
MN: Sierra Skye is my shining light and such a blessing. I did not think I would be able to have a baby, so we cherish her deeply. She is such a happy little girl who loves to be active, loves her morning cardio and strikes a mean front double biceps pose!
WP: Now that I have to see! Think you’ll make Sierra a big sister anytime soon?
MN: Yes, we have plans for a little sister or brother for Sierra. We are planning for 2011 and looking forward to it!
WP: Do you have any fitness aspirations outside of competing?
MN: I love judging and really want to pursue it internationally. Right now, living back on our property I also have an inkling to ride horses again!
WP: What are your future goals? Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
MN: My main goals are to continue the wonderful life I have with my family and build up our hobby farm, to compete for many years to come as I am a work in progress and nowhere near my full potential. I want to build up my online fitness and nutrition business so I can share my knowledge and passion with as many people as possible. I would love to come to America and meet some of the fitness guru’s like Paul Chek, Tosca Reno and Tom Venuto. In 10 years, I see myself with a thriving health and fitness business, judging all over the world and still in a state of health and vitality. And, I will be continuing to walk the talk and practicing what I preach!
WP: With your intense passion for health, I have no doubt you will be living a healthy lifestyle indefinitely! What do you consider to be truly important?
MN: Your health is the most important thing in your life. We have only been given one body, so we must look after it with everything we have. If you don’t have health, you cannot give quality time to or enjoy your family.
WP: Any shout outs?
MN: I would just like to thank my sponsors: Abi from Margarita who supplies me with the best workout gear in the world, and to Eddy from Next Generation Supplements who supplies me with amazing supplements that fit in my whole food world and help me get to peak condition.
And, I want to thank World Physique for being interested in me and my story and for your wonderful online website issue. Thank you!
WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you, Michelle! Thank you for sharing your amazing story and competition experiences. Best of luck in your 2010 season!
