Interview With Genieve Sanchez-Yorman
Transformation of the Month - October 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Genieve Sanchez-Yorman went from 24% body fat to 15% body fat! Even though she had been active most of her life, she still felt 'fit but fat'; her diet was not as clean as it should be. She realized that she could never out-train a bad diet. So, she went on a quest to achieve a much better physique. She did what she set out to do and she explains to us how she achieved her goals, and what challenges she had to overcome during her journey.
"...my greatest advice to others is that you cannot out-train a bad diet. So many people come up to me and ask me what's my workouts and how many hours I spend in the gym. The truth is; exercise only makes up for 30% of a fit, athletic body, the other 70% is all DIET! It all starts in the kitchen!"
WP: Congratulations on winning our Transformation of the Month. I am so proud of you! How does it feel to be considered for such a title?
It is really such an honor and I am thrilled and thankful that I had the courage to sit down and write my story of transformation and submit to your fine magazine.
WP: Can you tell our readers a little about what who you are, what you are made of, and where you came from?
I am a strong willed and determined woman; bottom line. I am made of faith, hard work, love and discipline. I am 29, married, no kids and live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I grew up on a ranch and competed in rodeo throughout my youth; when I got to high school, I took to sports, especially basketball. I went on to play basketball at a Division I college and continued my active lifestyle throughout graduate school. I have masters in landscape architecture and currently work as a designer in a landscape and planning firm in Albuquerque. I have recently achieved a great goal of competing in a fitness competition and as a result, I have experienced one of the greatest transformations of my life.
WP: During your transformation, did you decide to go with a personal trainer, self knowledge, or a gym?
I did hire a personal trainer to help me prepare for my first figure show. Although I was somewhat familiar with my way around the weight room and cardio machines, I was in desperate need to break through my plateau that I had reached by only doing distance running and ignoring the weight room. I knew a trainer could help me analyze my weak points and get me to where I needed to be. Nutrition was critical for me. Already being an athlete, I knew I would be able to hang with the work-outs; it was the diet that would be my ultimate challenge. I really did my homework and researched fitness and clean eating habits and soon realized that my lacking nutrition was the culprit of me looking (and being) fit, but fat.
WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?
Well, of course, my husband was always supportive and so were my closest friends. I do remember telling a few people (this was at the beginning of my training) that I was going to diet and train for my first figure show and their looks and reactions seemed to reflect their doubts on such a large goal. Those are the people that I would particularly like to thank; their doubts helped drive me forward during the most difficult of training and dieting moments.
WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform?
My greatest motivation to pursue a leaner physique was the desire to make my body look like it belonged to the athlete I am. One day at a bookstore, I picked up a fitness magazine and stared at the fitness model on the cover for literally 15 minutes, telling myself over and over, “I want my body to look like that!” At that moment, I decided to stop talking about and wishing for a better body and instead go get it. I signed up for a fitness competition, knowing that sporting a bikini on stage in front of hundreds of people would force me to change my diet and try new workouts. This decision was the beginning of my long, hard and rewarding journey.
WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?
The biggest challenge was, by far, the diet after the fitness show after I had reached my goal. It had been this ultimate experience that I was working towards for 6 months and, then, it was like it’s over; “What do I do now?” Of course, I just ate anything I wanted for a few days after the show but, when it was time to get back to my good eating habits. It took me a while to remember how to eat clean and in moderation. I was so used to the competition prep diet that was obviously very strict, with the occasional cheat meals, that I forgot how to just eat clean and enjoy all clean foods in moderation. I seriously had to go back and read my clean-eating books to just refresh my memory on the importance of variety clean foods, which includes fruit and dairy!
WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time? If so, which ones did you take?
Yes! I took a high quality multi-vitamin, Whey Protein Powder, Glutamine powder for muscle recovery and amino acids. The greatest supplement is gold old rest for maximum recovery and muscle gains!
WP: What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you.
During my training for the fitness show, it was all about shocking my body constantly, because it adapts to routines so quickly. For cardio, it was varying my workout durations from 30 to 60 minutes. The shorter the duration of the cardio session equals higher intensity, and vise versa, with the longer duration being focused on moderate intensity. I hit spin classes to really target in on toning my lower body; as that is my trouble area. I would do 5-6 days of cardio, making sure to switch cardio machines or workout type each day to keep my body guessing. As for weight lifting, I would focus my weight day with specific muscle groups, aiming to gain lean muscle on my body. I typically would do super sets and high reps to keep my heart rate going and to help lean out my body for the show. I would add plyometrics movements in-between sets to help spike my heart rate and really get my fat burner going. As I got closer to the show, I incorporated sprints and boot camp style workouts to help burn those stubborn last pounds.
WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused?
Wow, where do I start, really! My transformation has been a catalyst for many positive aspects in my life. I have always been a strong willed person, but this transformation has opened my eyes and made me a true believer in the will-to-succeed. I sometimes look at my pictures and cannot believe that’s me. I hope I don’t sound overconfident or boastful, but when I look at my pictures, I still sometimes cannot believe that fit glowing woman is me. It is one of the most humbling and overwhelming feelings of success I have ever felt.
WP: Do you believe that people can ‘spot reduce’?
Yes and no. I do believe you can focus on a muscle and work that area to great extents to tone with visible results. But, your hard efforts will never truly be revealed unless you are following a clean eating diet that keeps your body fat low enough to see that hard earned sculpted muscle underneath.
WP: You said you hit a plateau. How did you overcome it?
My standstill came before I decided to train for the fitness show. In fact, my stand still was one of my greatest motivators to challenge myself to compete in figure. I had always been athletic. Being a basketball, volleyball and rodeo athlete I was always in decent shape. I even dropped 20 pounds in the years after graduate school by staying active with basketball, picking up distance running, and making small, healthy changes to my diet. I trained for several distance (10K and half-marathon) runs, logging 25-30 miles a week for more than a year; and believe it or not, my “before” photos were taken during that period! I rarely lifted weights or did any strength training, and looking back, I realize my nutrition was lacking. The combination of all of this resulted in a huge plateau! I was a classic example of being FIT but FAT, a classic example of the fact that you simply cannot out-train a bad diet. The frustration I felt after my “before” photos were taken forced me to take a closer look at my situation and helped me to reach for, and ultimately achieve, a bigger goal.
WP: What did you do differently to overcome the ‘stand still’?
I trained for six months and traded in my average diet for a clean eating regimen. I read any literature I could get my hands on for insight into nutrition and fitness. Under the guidance of my trainer, I began to incorporate weight lifting and plyometrics into my workouts and soon realized how much it shocked my muscles to change and rearrange the furniture (so to speak).
WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?
I would say it started right after I graduated from my undergraduate school. I slowly dropped 20 lbs. through small diet changes and just running my butt off. I noticed my results were slowing down and I was just still frustrated that I working so hard but still looked “average”. I wanted my body to look tighter and fit than what I was seeing in the mirror. It was at this point that I realized I had hit a giant plateau and pretty much was busting my butt for minimal results. I knew it would take a major change in my diet and workout (i.e. Weightlifting) to push my body over that plateau and without any further ado I decided to stop wishing I had that really fit athletic body and decided to go get it. I had learned about the sport of fitness, bikini and figure through the pages of a fitness magazine and I knew if I signed up for a show, it would force me to make changes and stick to them! It’s all about accountability!
WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?
Sure! I am currently 9 weeks from my from the Fitness Nationals show in Las Vegas, so I am focusing on leaning out and maintaining my hard earned muscle. I hit the cardio 6 days a week in the morning before my first meal, so I am blasting fat after fasting overnight. My cardio duration varies between 20 -60 minutes with variations of intensity levels. I lift weights 4-5 days a week, with each workout focusing on specific muscles (i.e. Monday - back & chest, Tuesday - glutes and hamstrings, Wednesday - biceps & shoulders, Thursday - glutes and quadriceps, Friday - triceps & abs). Currently, all my sets are 100’s, which aids in muscle confusion to the highest level. The benefit of 100’s is that you get muscle growth and it burns fat at the same time. It’s a total body shock. I also incorporate plyometrics and track workouts to my pre-contest cardio training for fast fat burning. I make sure to take one day of rest from cardio and weightlifting.
WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?
A typical low carbohydrate day of my current pre-contest diet looks like this:
Meal 1: Post-workout protein shake with 1/4 cup of oatmeal
Meal 2: 1/4 cup of oatmeal with 5 egg whites and green chilies
Meal 3: 3-4 oz. of chicken breast with 2 cups of spinach
Meal 4: Whey protein powder mixed with 2 tbs. natural peanut butter
Meal 5: 3 oz. chicken (or Tilapia) with broccoli and red bell peppers
WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation?
Since my transformation I have competed in two fitness shows and am in training for my first national fitness show coming up in November. I was selected by your fine magazine to have my transformation story featured on your website October issue and will be featured in your magazine in the Winter issue. I have been told by many that I am inspiring and that I have made others re-evaluate their fitness and diet habits in means to make those changes that they have put-off for so long. Hearing those stories is perhaps one of my greatest accomplishments.
WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?
I don’t think I need to say one word, my before and after pictures scream my advocacy of exercise and nutrition to others. But, my greatest advice to others is that you cannot out-train a bad diet. So many people come up to me and ask me what's my workouts and how many hours I spend in the gym. The truth is; exercise only makes up for 30% of a fit athletic body, the other 70% is all DIET! It all starts in the kitchen!
WP: Do you also model? If so, tell me about it.
Yes, I have done some modeling this year in between training for my shows. Mainly for personal progress documentation and marketing, these photo-shoots have been a wonderful experience and a great vein for getting my foot into the door of the fitness modeling industry in terms of exposure.
WP: Who have you worked with?
Harry Grigsby III of LHGFX, Aaron Downing of AD Photography, Ray of Red Rayven Photography, and I have been approach by several other photographers interested in shooting with me, so I am very excited about that.
WP: What are you goals with modeling?
I am fairly new to this industry, so I am learning as I go, but my immediate goals are to continue networking with photographers, promotional personal and other fitness models and athletes at the various fitness shows that I attend; gaining as much knowledge on opportunities out there. Also, never underestimate the amazing power of self promotion on social networks such as Facebook, it is truly remarkable what you can do now to get your name and face out there to be discovered. My dream in the long run is the grace a cover of a fitness magazine! I know I can do it; all you have to have is the want to go out and make your dreams a reality!
WP: How does your trainer differ when you are modeling and when you are not?
Eating clean and regular workouts are the staple to any photo shoot. I don’t really change up my workouts other than increase my cardio. I would have to say it’s the diet that gets the biggest makeover if I am dawning near on a photo shoot.
WP: You stated that you compete. Can you tell me more about it?
I started competing this past May and the following are the titles that I have received since then:
Fitness New Mexico & Musclemania ‘10
- 2nd Place Figure Tall
- 3rd Place Bikini Tall
OCB Southwest Classic ‘10
- Top 5 Fitness Model
WP: How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?
I obviously am not as strict and restrictive with my diet, but I still maintain a clean eating regimen with cheat meals weekly, yum! I do allow an increase in calories to aid in muscle growth. As for my workouts, I ease off of the cardio a bit and allow myself to work on my weak points without the pressures of having to lean out.
WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?
I like the planning, the focus and constant changes I see in my body ever day when I look in the mirror. I also really enjoy pushing myself to the limits in the gym; it makes me feel unstoppable, strong and in absolute control of my destinies. The parts that are difficult about competing are the obvious; dieting and not being able to eat and drink with friends and family on special occasions. I would also have to say that I don’t like how sensitive my body is to carbs and just food in general right after a show. It takes a few weeks for my body to get back to being stabilized after introducing foods that were restricted during the pre-contest dieting.
WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?
Ha, this one easy, I would change their minds to pick me as #1 every time.
WP: Are you aiming for a pro card? If so, tell me what you are planning to reach your goal.
Absolutely! That is certainly my ultimate goal in pursuing these competitions. Right now, my first step in achieving that goal is to plan and outline my off-season, so that I can work on developing my physique, so that it can eventually compete on a pro-level. This will also give me time to do my research and determine which federation I would like to pursue and compete in, ultimately working towards winning a pro card.
WP: From your past competitions, what have you learned you need to correct, or work on, for the physique you are aiming for?
I think for me, at this early stage in my fitness career, planning and mapping out my off-season will be just as important as planning my pre-contest diets and workouts. My muscle is fairly young and will take time and consistency to reach the gains that make you a contender on the pro-circuit. My off-season will be my first step in the journey to get there.
WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?
Strengths of my physique are my height, biceps and my back. My weakness is my overall symmetry. My upper body tends to be a runner-up to my lower half in term of muscle and size; therefore my workouts are designed to help correct this by leaning out my legs and building up the mass in my upper body.
WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?
The workouts are never a problem for me, in fact, they are my therapy. If I get bored, I just change thing up to make it interesting and challenging. My greatest challenge is my consistent clean eating diet, it gets hard to sometimes, especially when others around you do not watch what they feed their bodies. I stay motivated with my diet by cooking and trying out new recipes. It is fun and really rewarding for me!
WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?
I have overcome doubt from others to some extent, as well as, doubts from myself. I have really worked to overcome the pressures of straying from my diet and clean-eating habits when I am dining and in social situations by being prepared with my snacks. I take my cooler of food with me everywhere. I probably have 5 coolers for my food, varying in all different sizes. They match my outfits. Ha-ha!
WP: Coolers that match your outfits! How cool is that? What keeps fitness interesting to you?
Knowing that I have just scratched the surface of what my physique can achieve. I never realized how much time, along with consistent weightlifting and nutrition habits, it takes to truly reach your body potential. It is a real challenge to know that my body has a lot of room for improvement, and how I aid that growth is absolutely intriguing for me.
WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
I am probably the craziest, loudest, never–sit still person I know. I love it!
WP: How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?
Mentally, I have been challenged over the years with great goals of education and professional practice, including earning my Bachelors Degree, my Masters Degree and pursuing a career in landscape architecture. Physically, I have continued to challenge myself after college sports with training for marathons, adventure races and most recently, fitness competitions. I love setting goals and reaching to surpass my expectations, there is no greater feeling!
WP: Any shout outs?
First and foremost, I want to shout out to all of my friends and family for their love and support which has been relentless and I am forever grateful! I want another huge shout out to go to my trainer, Laurie Varela, for all of her discipline, her no-nonsense training in the gym, and support; all along the way to my first competition. To Gretchen Gonzalez and Cristin Kiburtz who have given their time to mentor and guide me as I was introduced to the fitness world. Also, I would like to thank all of my sponsors for their support in my goal to get to Fitness Nationals in Las Vegas this upcoming November. My final shout out is the all the girls/guys and Iron Diva Crew competing at Nationals, you would be amazed at how talented this group of athletes and models are!
WP: What were you like in high school?
I was definitely the cool, funny girl that played lots of sports; which was really fun! I was voted class clown. My easy-going and friendly personality was fun to be around, but secretly think I always wanted to be that really pretty and popular girl that all the boys asked out. Ha-ha! Isn’t that every high school girls dream?!
WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?
Cabinets: Crystal light, peanut butter, supplements, almonds, oatmeal, a bowl of sugar-free gum, tuna, ground cinnamon, rice cakes, yams and a box of instant brown rice.
Fridge: Chicken, lean ground beef, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, fruit, and an entire crisper dedicated to all our fibrous veggie friends!
WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?
If you came into my house you would find free weights, bands, a Bosu ball and huge library of various workouts to pop in the DVD player at any given moment.
WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?
I plan to compete in Fitness America in 8 weeks, and then, go into my off-season to give my body a rest and allow it to make gains for next several seasons of fitness competitions. I intend to pursue fitness modeling by networking and continuing to educate myself with the opportunities available in the industry. As for my career, I will continue to let my creative juices flow in designing and planning urban and rural outdoor spaces for others. I am in the process of working on my website which will creatively combine my fitness, modeling and design talents for others to learn about. As for my extended future, my husband and I are looking forward to starting a family and enjoying a new chapter of our lives together.
WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?
Scheduling and organization is the key for me to be able to unwind. I tend to never be able to sit still and just relax, I always feel like I need to be doing something. Feeling productive is just as rewarding and comforting to me as just relax and hiding from stress. If tasks are done, then the stress just flows on out the door for me.
WP: I am the same way! Here is the place you can throw a plug in on anyone, any company, anything. Who do you want to plug?
I would like to ask that if in anyone has been inspired by my story and would like to help contribute to my opportunity of competing on a national’s stage for the first time, I ask that you please contact me for further information. I have a sponsorship packet that outlines my sport and fitness resume, competition expense sheet, modeling cut sheets and my transformation story that I would be happy to email or mail your for your consideration. It also highlights marketing and modeling services that could be of interest to your business. Please email me at nievie@yahoo.com or find me on Facebook (Genieve Sanchez-Yorman) for further information. I thank you for your help. This opportunity is a dream come true for me! It is proof that hard work and dedication will take you as far as you want to go. Long live the power of positive thought.
WP: Tell me about your family.
I am blessed to have wonderful parents who have loved and supported me through out every walk of my life extending from education to the fitness stage. I have an older brother who is one of my greatest heroes and influential people in my life. I met my husband 5 years ago and have been married for the past 3 years. Carl is such a champion for me and my professional career as well as my fitness and modeling endeavors. He is my rock and I am forever grateful that our path crossed.
WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?
My health and well-being have been improved drastically as I have educated myself on nutrition, and evolved my workout goals and approaches. A side from that, this transformation has opened so many doors and opportunities for me that I never even dreamed of.
WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?
I’d like to reiterate some wonderful advice that I have received from my inspiring brother that I try applying to all facets of my life and I encourage other to do the same. “Don’t just say you’re going to do something - TRULY OWN IT! I have been told that the story of transformation - best told by my “before” and “after” photos - is inspiring. All I know is that if you have the desire to work hard and challenge yourself, the rewards are many. As with many things; it’s the journey, not the destination. I continue my journey every day, finding as much enjoyment and accomplishment in the process as I do in taking the stage.
WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our ‘Transformation of the Month’. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future.
Thank you! It was my pleasure!
