Interview with Valarie Way

Rising Star of the Month - July 2010





Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'



Valarie Way is a mom to a 23 month old son. She is a certified Life Coach, trainer and Nutrition and Wellness specialist. She is a BioX Nutrition sponsored athlete and Spokes model, and a fitness and bikini competitor and model. Wow! How does she keep up with everything and also have such a great physique? It takes having your mind in the right places.

"When I was competing pre-pregnancy, I was often extreme dieting and overtraining, which made me miserable. I promised myself after I had my son, if I was to compete again that I would approach it in a healthier, balanced way and I am in the best shape of my life now."

WP: Congratulations on winning our 'Rising Star of the Month'. How does it feel to be considered for such a title?

I am so honored to be World Physique magazine's "Rising Star of the Month", I am very flattered to be featured in such a fantastic publication!

WP: How long have you been in the fitness industry?

I have been an athlete almost my whole life, but my first fitness competition was in 2003. However, November 2009 was the first after taking a 3 year break from the industry to have my son.

WP: What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?

I’ve always been passionate about fitness and nutrition. I have worked in other areas such as the casino industry & advertising at supervisory and management levels, but it is not my calling.

WP: You are a Personal Trainer and Nationalist. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?

I went to University for a BA in Psychology and I am a certified Life Coach, Trainer & Nutrition & Wellness Specialist.

WP: How long have you been a personal trainer?

I started as a trainer in 2003 and have just started getting back into it after being off with my son and also working in husband’s company pre-pregnancy. With a new certification in Life Coaching under my belt, I am excited to get back to what I love doing!

WP: What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?

I have learned from my own experiences how to take a healthy & balanced approach to training and eating clean. The reason why I wanted to add Life Coaching to my practice is because the physical aspect of wellness is a very small part of it. There are often emotional roadblocks that sometimes people cannot see without a little guidance to be the best they can be.

WP: Where do you train your clients? Do you train them in a gym, at home, or where?

I am just starting my practice up again, but I will be training them at their home or at my own space in my home.

WP: How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?

1 hour.

WP: How many days do you suggest your clients to work out in a week?

Depending on the goals, I recommend 3 to 5 days a week.

WP: What helps you get up each morning?

My son’s smiling face.

WP: What motivates you?

I like to stay connected to other people in the industry as these people are the most inspiration, driven people I know. I am also motivated by own successes thus far to keep going and take it as far as I can go.

WP: I’ve seen some of your modeling shots. They are great! Do you do a lot of modeling?

Thank you! I model a little, mostly fitness style photos.

WP: Who have you worked with?

I have worked some very talented professional photographers such as Wayne Forrest, Paul Buceta, Glen Grant.

WP: What are you goals with modeling?

Modeling isn’t my main focus, but I would like to be featured in more fitness magazines and be on the cover of some of these magazines.

WP: How does your trainer differ when you are modeling and when you are not?

My training doesn’t change year round.

WP: You have done quite well in competitions. What competitions have you entered and what place did you take?

Atlantic Classic Figure Model Tall - 2nd runner up

NSABBA Bikini - 5th place (qualified for Nationals upcoming Aug 2010)

Fitness America - Bikini Classic Las Vegas Nevada -Nov 2009

FAME Fitness Model World Championships 2006 - 12TH

Atlantic Figure Classic 2006 - 4TH

FAME Maritimes Fitness Model 2006- 6th

FAME Maritimes 2005 Fitness Model - 4th

Absolute Bikini Contest - 2005 -2nd

NSABBA Bodybuilding 2003 - 7th

WP: Great resume! How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?

Since I started competing again in 2009, my routine and diet changes very little on and off -season. I stay within 5 pounds of my competition weight. As I get closer to a show, I tighten things up a little diet wise, but I do not cut out food groups and try to stay balanced & healthy.

WP: So, you are completion ready at anytime. Outstanding! What do you like and dislike about competing?

When I was competing pre-pregnancy, I was often extreme dieting and overtraining, which made me miserable. I promised myself after I had my son, if I was to compete again that I would approach it in a healthier, balanced way and I am in the best shape of my life now. I know not every diet plan or training routine works for everyone, and to each his own, but I am not fond of some of the methods that are used to get ready for competitions; it can lead to binge eating (which can in turn, lead to an eating disorder), health problems due to stringent dieting and self-esteem issues.

WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?

I am not well-versed on the judging methods for competitions, I just like to see consistency in scoring among judges and that the judges have been well prepped on what they are looking for.

WP: What federation do you compete in?

I only compete in CBBF/IFBB sanctioned events now.

WP: Are you aiming for a pro card? If so, tell me what you are planning to reach your goal.

Yes, I am pleased to be competing at the CBBF Nationals Bikini Division August 28th in Mississauga Ontario.

WP: Good luck! I am sure you will knock them dead! From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?

For Nationals, I want to come in just a shade less muscular and slightly leaner than my last couple of shows.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?

I tend to put on muscle easy and do not have an issue staying lean year round. My lower body used to be a weakness of mine, but now, seems to be one of my greatest assets! (What I get complimented on the most). However, I have to watch that my legs do not get too muscular for my division. I like high intensity train, but sometimes I have to bring it down a notch so, I go to Hot Yoga once a week.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

I always need a goal to work towards, otherwise I feel a bit lost. I have my 3rd show his year coming up in August (Nationals) so luckily, they have kept me focused. But when I don’t have a show, I try to book a shoot, or keep in mind that I make appearances for my sponsor and stay in tip top shape.

WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?

I have a sweet tooth! Although eating as balanced as I do now, I have less cravings. I do indulge once in a while and have a piece of cake or homemade cookie. We all need to treat ourselves once in a while!

WP: Yes, moderation is the key. What keeps fitness interesting to you?

The industry evolves so much that you really have to keep up on what’s current, what’s hot right now to keep clients interested and also to keep your own muscles guessing. Although sometimes it’s fun to go back to the old school style training, too.

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

I was born with no wisdom teeth. Weird, I know. I was born three months premature so, it could be that, but according to Darwin, I am more evolved than the wisdom teeth people.

WP: I do not think I have ever heard of that before. That is pretty cool. How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?

I definitely know who I am now. I love being in my thirties and getting older! Every year, I feel lighter in spirit, more connected to others and universe. As a mother, I love seeing things brand new through my 23 month old son’s eyes. There is nothing more peaceful than childlike wonderment. And, I see things more globally now. Physically, I am in the best shape of my life! As I mentioned, I tended to over diet and over train years ago and would often not see the results I wanted to see.

WP: Any shout outs?

Yes! I want to give a shout out to my family for supporting me in my fitness endeavors and being my best cheerleaders.

WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

My mother has had the most impact on me. She is the strongest woman I know.

WP: What were you like in high school?

I took a lot of Honor courses in high school and received high marks, however I rarely studied and often skipped classes. I did enjoy Honors English class as I liked to write poetry and stories and read books. I hung out with the musicians and was a bit of a rocker chick. I started lifting weights when I was in my final year of high school.

WP: I like to see you as a rocker chick! Ha-ha. Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

I get up with my son, usually around 7-7:30 am, we have breakfast, I feed my dogs and let them out, and then take my son to the daycare (not every day). I head to the gym to train, shower there and then grab a post-workout smoothie and coffee nearby. I, then, spend the afternoon at appointments, running errands or doing a bit of work at home. I pick my son up from daycare, have supper and spend the evening playing with my son (or running after him is more like it), preparing food for the next day or catching a little TV (although I don’t watch much). I head to bed 10-10:30 pm and usually read a bit before going to sleep.

WP: Wow! What a busy day! If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

If it doesn’t taste good, I will not eat it! Greek yogurt, BioX natural protein powder, ezekial bread, oats, rice cakes, almond and peanut butter, berries, bananas, spinach, mixed raw nuts, flax seed meal, unsweetened chocolate almond milk, salmon and tuna.

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?

I have a treadmill, bike, dumbbells and barbells, bosu, stability ball, resistance bands and athletic step.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I love to read, listen to music, learning new things, writing, going to the movies or dinner, travelling.

WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?

With my recent certification in Life Coaching, as mentioned, I want to make this the pinnacle of my practice as a trainer and coach with a holistic approach to health and wellness. I also want to further my nutrition education as a practitioner, as well. I want to obtain an IFBB pro card and be visible in the industry in the hopes of inspiring others to follow a path of wellness. There is so much unnecessary illness in the world, if we just took better care of ourselves from the inside out, most of it is preventable.

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

What little time I have to myself with a 23 month old busy boy, I spend in quiet reflection, reading or attending a yoga class.

WP: You are the spoke model of BioX Nutrition. Can you tell our readers about them?

I’d like to thank BioX Nutrition for bringing me into team and believing in me as an athlete and my ability to stand behind their product. I used BioX Nutrition’s products for years before I started working with them and I am proud to stand behind a product I believe in. I even used their natural protein powder when I was pregnant! Their protein powder is the best tasting on the market and of high quality. www.nutrition-zone.com

WP: Everyone, be sure to check out this company. They are outstanding! Tell me about your family. In addition, tell me if you are married, single, dating around, etc.

I am half-Arabic (my dad is Lebanese) and come from strong family values. My son, Carson Jr. is 23 months and I have been married for 7 years (got married spontaneously in Las Vegas. That’s another story! ). I have a wonderful mother who is always there for me and supports me 100% in all of my endeavors. I have an older brother and sister whom I am very close to. I wish I could see them more often, but we visit each other as much as possible.

WP: Sounds like you have a close family. How do you feel you have improved you and your life?

I feel as though I am ever evolving in my mind, body and spirit and believe we do get better with age if we simply chose life. I feel much more balanced in my approach to training, nutrition and well, everything. I would go overboard on everything in the past but, no more.

WP: With all that evolving, God is just placing you where he wants you to be in life. It sounds like you have a great head on your shoulders and you will go so far in life. The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?

Thank you again for featuring me in World Physique Magazine! I am thrilled to be chosen as "Rising Star of the Month" and you will be seeing more of me very soon!

WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our ‘Rising Star of the Month’. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We feel you have the passion, the love, the desire, the determination, and the flame within to really be an inspiration to many. We are so happy to be featuring you. We wish you the best of luck in the future. We will see you in the fall issue!