International Transformation Of The Month: Silvana Pacheco

Why I Got Started

I started practicing sports when I was 13 years old. My sister motivated me to go to the gym for aerobics classes for the first time. Since that day, I committed myself to belly dancing, hip hop dancing, aerobics competitions, and pole dancing.

I majored in physical education and physical therapy. Over the years, physical therapy has been my principal vocation. My education also led me to working in spas across the world. In order to concentrate on work, I had to set sports aside for almost four years.

During my travels, I met a lot of nice people and saw many beautiful places. Unfortunately, however, I gained 30 pounds (14 kilograms) and weighed up to 163 pounds (74 kg).

How I Did It

When I came back home, I started working out again. My weight yo-yoed for a year. I was still unhappy with my weight, so on December 1, 2011, I decided to take part in a fitness competition in August of 2012. I promised myself to give my best on stage. I started training and dieting.

I went to the gym and talked to my personal trainer. I asked for a routine and a diet, suggesting that I wanted to compete in the bikini fitness category. He looked at me and said, "It won't be easy, it will be hard, but you have the body shape to do it. The only way to achieve this is with discipline, sacrifice, and full dedication. You won't only be losing weight, but you'll be building lean muscle, shaping your body, and melting fat."

Supplements

Diet

Training

Suggestions For Others

I had a final goal and smaller, achievable goals along the way. Visualize how you'll look and feel after you've hit your final goal. Find someone who inspires you (in my case, Amanda Latona), and think, "if she has done it, why can't I?"

Every time you go to the gym, every time you feel weak or you feel like giving up, think about your goals and everything you've already sacrificed to achieve them. Keep your mind focused and keep going!

Country-specific Details

Argentinean society is very image-conscious. However, it also has a high percentage of obese people. This reflects the current economic situation: not everyone can afford a gym or follow a proper diet.

There is not effective health information, either. On another level, competitive sports like fitness and bodybuilding receive no support from the government, and there aren't many sponsors.

Competition History

I have competed only once, at a national bikini fitness contest and South American pre-selection. I achieved 3rd place in the first selection and successfully concluded the first round of the second selection.

Thanks

I'd like to take a minute to thank my trainers Walter Antonelli and Sergio Weigum for helping me. I'd also like to thank www.ironmass.com.ar for the supplementation, the gyms New Body Ariel Oliva and Espacio O2, and of course my family, friends, and students for motivating and cheering me up.