Jaylie Nicoll
Personal Trainer of the Month - February 2011
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Photos by: Greg Burns.
Jaylie Nicoll grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and was raised in a very aristocratic sense. Most of her time was spent studying gemology, philosophy, calligraphy & art, gardening, and working on science projects with her grandparents and her father. She spent a lot of time in her biological father’s machine shop in the Mechanical Engineering wing of the University of Victoria. Her time was always spent around adults, or people much older than she was. This was definitely not the typical upbringing of a child and thus, never really led to an athletic background. “This also put me in the ‘uncool’ group at school and I’ll admit that I was teased a lot.”
Not uncommon, most of her motivation now stems from wanting to prove other people wrong. She got into physique athletics because it was something she could do alone and have control over. She respects and values her body and health more than anything, and thus, why she loves this industry.
She fell in love with training and nutrition. She can’t say that she loves everything about it, but that’s when you know you’re really in love. There are times when she had to drag herself to the gym, or when she was not seeing results, or reaching a plateau, but a real love for something is finding a way around that and sticking by it through even the tough times.
Many people thinks her entire life is fitness and that is all she has to talk about, however, it’s definitely not all there is to her, it’s just something that is truly a part of her.
Jaylie just turned 22 in January and is ready to take on 2011 as she goes for her Pro Card in Bikini with the WBFF! In addition, she is Can Fit Pro Fitness Instruction, Can Fit Pro Personal Trainer Specialist, ISSA Fitness Trainer Certification & ISSA Fitness Nutrition.
WP: You have the class of a model and also be a personal trainer! What made you decide to get into this industry?
I don’t think that there was ever a defining moment where I thought, “I would like to be a fitness model/competitor.” It started with hitting the lowest of the low and there was nowhere to go but up. I was lucky enough to find an inner strength, perhaps it was from watching my loved ones go through such terrible struggles in their own lives. I have always been able to put things into perspective. I had two working legs, a good pair of lungs and a capable mind. I think it’s a misconception that I casually strolled into the gym knowing exactly how to perform a dead lift or where my latissimus dorsi was.
Quite honestly, I was too afraid, like most people, to make a fool of myself by doing something wrong, so I started with a Personal Trainer and did my cardio at home. I would read Oxygen Magazine as I did this to pass the time. There were so many amazing motivational stories of true underdogs and survivors. From April 2008 on, I would research anything I could get my hands on, soaking up knowledge like a sponge. I had/have a genuine interest for helping others get through their struggles so I became a Certified Personal Trainer shortly thereafter. As I kept reaching each new goal, I would make new ones and thus, eventually leading me head on into this wonderful industry of fitness.
WP: What is your educational background? What are your certifications?
I am actually certified as a Legal Investigator prior to becoming heavily involved in fitness. My post secondary formal education includes Law & Investigations, Police Foundations, Can Fit Pro Fitness Instruction, Can Fit Pro Personal Trainer Specialist, ISSA Fitness Trainer Certification & ISSA Fitness Nutrition. A lot of my knowledge, education, and experience have come from informal learning and training.
WP: How long have you been a personal trainer?
I am going into my 3rd year; however, it feels like 10!
WP: What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?
I think that if you ask any of my clients, they would tell you how personable and supportive I am in hopes that they can achieve their goals. My relationships with clients become quite close and I am a supportive system for many. I don’t believe in only kicking someone’s butt (excuse my wording!) for 3 hours a week and saying, “Ok, see ya!” Keeping close tabs on my clients outside of our sessions and providing them with a complete program that includes a “body-mind-spirit” theory is what makes them succeed. I know from personal experience that if my eating is off, my head isn’t in the game, or my belief in myself is not there, I won’t be able to get very far. I really do have the best clients that make my job very interesting/entertaining at all times!
WP: Where do you train your clients? Do you train them in a gym, at home, or where?
I train all of my clients out of my home studio in a personable atmosphere where they can focus on themselves and not worry about other people judging them while they do it. It’s in my basement and they all joke that I should have an elevator for when they are finished their sessions.
WP: Now, let's talk a bit about your modeling, if you don't mind. Can you tell me about it?
Yes, I am a fitness model as well. I truly admit that I was an ugly duckling growing up and made fun of a lot. On top of that and never being athletic, never in a million years did I dream I would be so heavily involved in the fitness modeling world, but I love it!
A misconception about fitness modeling is how much work is actually put into it. I don’t think that many truly know HOW much unless they are actually a fitness model or they have personally been a part of the processes.
WP: Who have you worked with?
So far, I’ve worked with amazing photographers such as Greg Burns, David Ford, Kris Josef and Prith G Photography and with very talented and trusted MUA’s, Lori Fabrizio and Caroline Nasser Arndt. I look forward to working with many more creative artists very soon!
WP: What are you goals?
This list could go on and on… I’m willing to admit I am almost never satisfied, and always wanting to do better than the last. This year, I’m looking forward to going to the Arnold for the first time, expanding my portfolio and networks, continuing to write for various fitness magazines, and competing with the WBFF in hopes of achieving Pro Bikini status.
I will be applying to become an Ontario Provincial Police Officer, however, fitness is not just a hobby, it has become my lifestyle, so I won’t be giving up anything mentioned above!
WP: How does your training differ when you are modeling and when you are not?
My training doesn’t differ very much. I may increase my cardiovascular activities, and cut out a few cheats, but it’s not a long process because I stay in shape year round. I don’t believe in off-season. There’s in-season and healthy lifestyle living.
WP: What future projects do you have planned?
You’ll have to follow my progress to find out!
WP: Tell me about your competition history.
I decided to step up stage 11 months after I took my first step into the gym to exercise consistently. Unfortunately, I didn’t want what I was doing, and it wasn’t until I hired my first Professional Athlete Trainer, did I see a difference on stage. I’ve competed within various organizations and made my 4th competition with the WBFF for the 2010 Worlds. What an amazing organization and experience!
WP: How does your routine and life changes when you go on stage to off stage.
It allows me to just tweak certain areas and stay a lot healthier year round instead of making dramatic changes. Cardiovascular activities, rep ranges, rest times are all factors in training that may be switched to increase metabolism/fat burning further. Nutrition wise, sodium and cheat meals will be limited and the routine becomes a lot more regimented to make sure I am getting exactly the right amount of macronutrients that my body needs.
WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?
I love the atmosphere, the people and the challenge. My dislike is dands down, the tanning!
WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?
I believe I went into my first competitions thinking that politics would play no part in any of it and what a shock. That was my naïve side and since then, I am more prepared. I can’t let what five people might think of me on stage on one day affect what I can do the rest of the year or what type of marketing or inspiration I could provide off stage.
WP: From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?
I need to sleep better. Sometimes I cannot shut off my brain! This accounts for most of my physique obstacles as sleep can greatly affect every aspect. Off stage, I have never been a ‘diva’ so becoming one on stage is proving to be quite a task for me. I need to work on showcasing on stage but I am learning! It’s very hard to completely change your personality, even if you’ve changed your physique.
WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: My lower body, my determination and perfectionism. Weaknesses: I’m trying to bring out my shoulders and thicken up my abdominals, letting uncomfortable situations get to me and perfectionism.
WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?
It’s NEVER the same! There are so many ways to do many different exercises and many different opinions. I’ve always loved endless opportunity, and thus why math was never my ideal subject.
WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
I think that most people think I have some Brazilian, Italian or Portuguese background, however, I am actually half South African and Scottish/Canadian. Surprise!
WP: How have you changed over the years?
I’ve changed into someone that I respect and someone that I’d want to be a positive influence in my life. I was a very conservative, artistic, shy, non-athletic child and today, although still conservative, artistic and shy, (yes, I actually am, thong or no thong), being able to push my limits and mental ability in the gym and the kitchen has enabled me to adopt many other qualities I didn’t have before, such as discipline, responsibility, determination, respect for self, motivation, consistency, a place to call home, and a great group of positive influences.
WP: Any shout outs?
My coaches, Julie & Craig Bonnett have truly been the difference for me over the past year.
The WBFF & Team - An organization I am very proud to be a part of. Also, to anyone who has helped me come this far knows who they are and are probably thanked quite often because I am forever grateful. They know who they are.
WP: Explain your workouts to me.
I just switched things up about two weeks ago. I have a hard time gaining muscle and holding on to it. Not many people realize that it is quite a task when you are younger and lack the muscle maturity and time can be a big factor as well (hormones, etc.). I was using GVT methods which greatly helped, but I am always trying to lift as heavy as I can while still focusing on the goal of muscle growth, not strongman lifting.
Right now, I am using a five day split, with two leg days which incorporate core, back/chest, delts/core, arms.core. A lot of super setting with compound movements and core work. They are intense!
WP: What is your diet?
I eat chocolate banana protein pancakes every morning, without fail. My next meals usually are salmon patties with cucumber, a starch carb with lean protein and veggies, and then off to train. Post work out, I will have a protein shake and simple sugars which seem to work for me the best. The rest of my meals are steak, chicken, egg whites as protein sources with lots of good veggies (I actually LOVE vegetables). I’ve learnt how to cook clean and make everything taste great - it just takes time, patience, and experience, like anything else!
WP: What were you like in high school?
I am someone who could not be paid to go back and re do high school. It was truly the most difficult times of my life and I have learned a lot from it. Not many people know, but due to the fact that my family life was in pieces and I had just lost half of my immediate family, I became depressed and could no longer attend school. I got told to leave. Unfortunately, no one was there to help me, except for my mother and grandmother (my only family members left at the time), who I owe the world to. I don’t regret any of it because I honestly believe I got my drive from all of those experiences and the opportunity to help others who just needs someone (anyone) to believe in them. “What does not kill you makes you stronger.” - I live by this.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
I love to read, cook, spend time with family, especially my Mom, and just relax with someone who is special to me. Nothing too exciting, but that’s what I like to do!
WP: What supplements do you take and why?
I use a lot of vitamins. I have always been anemic and I have a hereditary thyroid condition so I have to take a medication for that. I am not always using a pre work out supplement or fat burner; however, I will occasionally if I feel I need it. I choose to use the following because I see a difference in physique, health condition such as muscle recovery, immunity to virus/cold and hair/skin/nail condition.
Multi-vitamin: Morning and mid afternoon,
Cal/Mag: At night (only because this interferes with the thyroid medication),
FUSION's Omega Oil: Morning,
Arginine: Morning,
Glutamine: Morning and post-work out,
Vitamin C: About 3000-4000mg per day. Morning, pre & post-work out,
BCAA: Prior to cardio or pre & post work out (weights). Sometimes I sip on it all day.
Whey Protein: Various meals in recipes & post-work out shake.
WP: Anything you would like to mention before we close?
“Never give up on anything you can’t go a day without thinking about.”
WP: It's been a pleasure interviewing you!
