World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'

WP: Viko, I am getting to interview you for the beginning of 2009; right before you win your IFBB Pro Card! We know you're getting it this year! So, I am so excited! I just ask for the first interview when you do win it! Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

VM: I am 43 years old and I work at a tire store with over 25 guys! When the manager is out of the store, I am the oldest one there! I am considered the “Mom” but, not a single guy there can beat me in pushups! I have been working out for 25 years and “I LOVE IT!” I am a Certified Personal Trainer, but stopped doing that 5 years ago. But, kept my certification going. Anyone who has tried taking those tests know what I mean! Ha!!

WP: 25 guys? I need a job like that! As for the certificate and the test, I know what you mean. Those tests are crazy hard. Where do you reside now?

VM: Right now, I live in COLD Olympia, WA.

WP: It has to be better then HUMIDITY Louisiana! Ha-ha! Tell me a little more about your getting into competiting.

VM: I started when I turned 30 years old. I entered the local fitness show in Florida. I won in fitness and in bodybuilding and also won in benching the most reps with ½ my weight. (93 reps with 60 lbs!) 2nd place girl only got 71 reps! From there, I got hooked to do more shows!

WP: You started later then most people and you still conquered! Are you planning to compete soon?

VM: Yes! I am in training for “Emerald Cup Fitness” in Bellevue, WA in April. I got 2nd place twice (Both girls who beat me are now IFBB Pro- Karen Patten and Michele Mayberry! Great girls to place 2nd, too!

WP: This is your year! You know and I know it! What has fitness competitions taught you?

VW: It has taught me confidence in myself!

WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

VW: I had no one to go to for help. I just watched Fitness America on TV, read fitness magazines (Like yours), did my own diet, choreographed my routine, bought off the rack a swim suit. My 1st show was hard because, I did not know what it was like backstage and for newbies, it is very intimidating!

WP: You taught yourself? Wow! I can just imagine what it's like to never go on stage and compete. World Physique is hoping to bring information to our readers that will help them with this. We will have a column on competing for beginners. What was the hardest thing to deal with when it comes to your diet?

VM: I was a sugar freak back then. It was hard to give up ice cream and candy bars.

WP: What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

VW: My main “rule of thumb” is to not let age be a factor in anything you do! Keep pursuing to be a better “you” and keep a positive outlook on things that come your way!

WP: Great rule of thumb. You inspire me and I am sure your inspire many others. What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

VW: Being flexible!! If I lose that, then my workouts change, so I make it mandatory that its my most important thing!

WP: How has your training changed over the years?

VW: When I started in 1983, (don’t laugh!), I was living in Japan with my father. I met my husband and he taught me how to work out. I was the only girl in the gym. I got caught up in the “How much can you bench and squat?” era! I lifted for pure strength back then. I started to eat like a power lifter, too! If Mark ate 8 pieces of fried chicken, I ate 6 pieces. I would almost match what he ate and I blew up from 115 to 135 in just 3 months (No, it wasn’t all muscle). I saw what I looked like and decided then that I like the look of a fitness girl. Strength and beauty, but still look like a girl! So, now it is 10-15 reps and a lot of ply metrics!

WP: What are your favorite accomplishments thus far?

VW: My favorite one is when I stopped competing for about 4 years and my 40th birthday was coming up. I wanted to be in the best shape ever by then! So, I trained for a show “Iron Man” fitness in Bellevue, WA and I won fitness and took overall figure! It was a great night!

WP: That took dedication! I know you have worked in the modeling industry. Can you tell us what photographers you have worked with?

WV: I worked with David Aboody from Canada twixpix.com and Mark Mason from Washington. I hope to work with Bill Dobbins, Alex Ardenti and George Kontaxis some day!

WP: With those great accomplishments in this industry, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

VW: Hopefully, as a IFBB Pro Fitness and won the lottery! Yeah!

WP: Ha-ha! You have a better chance to win the IFBB then the lottery! What supplements do you take?

VW: I take L-Glutamine, Multi vitamin, Calcium, Vitamin D, Fat burners (on cardio days), and Whey Protein Powder.

WP: What are your pet peeves?

VW: When I was a personal trainer, women clients that say that the reason I look the way I do is because I do not have any kids! ARGH!!! There are tons of women competing who have kids! I know of some that competing after only 4 months of giving birth because she exercised and ate healthy throughout her pregnancy! Sorry! I think I blanked out there for a moment!

WP: Yeah, I've heard women say that, too. There are a lot of great women athletes out there that compete, have kids, have a 8-5 job, takes the time to work out, and still make their husbands happy! So, there is no excuse! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

VW: Be happy and healthy! Use time management! Prioritize things! Keep stress down!

WP: How have you changed over the past years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

 VW: I do not dwell on bad situations. I have to find the fastest positive solution and move on!

 WP: What are your stats?

 VW: On contest: 115 lbs/ waist 24 in/ chest A-. Off contest: 125 lbs/ waist 25 in/ chest A+. My height: 5’3”

 WP: OMG! Ha-ha-ha! You went there! I am not even going to ask! I'm just going on to the next question! Do you have any shout outs?

 VW: Definitely! Tanji Johnson IFBB PRO! I just joined her “Save Fitness” team! She is AWESOME!

WP: Interview her for me! Ha-ha! Give me an example of your workout.

VW: 5 am- Aerobic room for 45 minutes of dancing, stretching and routine stuff, something with legs or booty plus an upper body part (Like walk lunges and arms) step mill for 30-45 min for cardio.

WP: Give me an example of your diet.

VW: Breakfast…I LOVE MY OATMEAL AND VANILLA WHEY! Yummy!
Snack-EAS drink
Lunch - Low carb tortilla and chicken breast with apple
Snack - Orange
Dinner - Green vegies and a protein
Dessert - Sugar free popsicle

WP: Is there anything you would like to share about fitness?

VW: Just to let the new girls starting out; Have fun, smile always, stand tall, and PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE walking in your competition shoes!!!!!

WP: The interview is closing now. Viko, it has really been a pleasure! Your personality alone will get you far in life. I will be watching for when you bring home that pro card this year!

VW: Tammy, thank you for having great magazines and I really appreciate your interest and encouragement as I go for my 2009 goals!