Fitness Amateur Of The Week: Victoria Lifts Hard And Heavy!

How did your fitness journey begin?

My parents used to say that I learned to run before I could walk. I grew up in a family that put physical activity at the forefront and got me a gym membership at age 13. When I was young, I admired my brother for his hard work and passion for hockey. As a result of my brother's excellence, he became my role model. Unconsciously, I wanted to imitate him and I started going to the gym.

My other interests at that time were gymnastics, circus, road biking, and running. I was a cheerleader for eight years and have been to the world championships twice. I loved being a cheerleader because of the team spirit and good relationships. However, the sport didn't help me get into shape because it was more artistic than hardcore.

At age 15, I started going to the gym consistently and read more on training and fitness and quickly become a fan of the industry.

As a teen, I was confused about my future. I had many options and didn't know how to make a choice. But I knew that whatever I decided to do, I had to be successful. Later on, I realized that going to the gym and working beyond my limits made me happy.

I decided to be a professional trainer and look like the girls I saw in magazines. To accomplish my dream, I had much work to do physically and mentally. I had to make big changes to my training and diet and work hard in school to enter a health program at the university.

I started with nothing. I was studying business and hadn't taken a science class since the beginning of high school. Five months later, I won my first national fitness contest with Serious About Fitness against 27 beautiful competitors. I also won my second contest with the International Drug Free Athletics Federation.

I started at 140 pounds with 24 percent body fat. Now I weigh 123 pounds with 10 percent body fat. I spent my summer studying, completed four science courses, and am studying nutrition at the university. I look forward to getting my pro card at the World Bodybuilding Fitness and Fashion (WBFF) in April 2014. I'm living my dream every day and enjoy my new lifestyle.

"Consistency is the key. Take it slowly by improving your habits every day."

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

Having control of what happens drives me. It's different than being part of a cheerleading team when I couldn't control anything. Now I'm the master of my journey. If I put all my heart into my work, it will pay off in the end. I can achieve anything with a strong mind. The human brain is powerful. If I believe I can do something, I will do it. That's all I need to know to stay motivated. I see myself on top.

What/Who motivated you to be a fitness guru?

People who like, comment, and post about my progress on Instragram and Facebook keep me pushing on a bad day. I also have a great family that helps a lot. My mother is like my manager. She's always behind me and pushes me to work harder. She inspires me because she's in great shape too.

Where did you go for inspiration?

When I need a little kick, I go to Bodybuilding.com and read articles about fitness models. Then I remember that I have the power to be who I want.

What are your future fitness plans?

I want to spend my life in the fitness field. I'm studying nutrition and will earn a major in sports nutrition. For now, I'm preparing for WBFF Worlds in April to get my pro card. I might not get it the first time at 20 years old, but I will give it my best.

What is the most important fitness tip?

Consistency is the key. Take it slowly by improving your habits every day. If you're a girl and want to get in shape, stop thinking that lifting heavy will make you bulky because it won't. Instead, it will make you look fabulous.

Who is your favorite competitor?

I like Jaime Eason because she's a great competitor and a successful businesswoman.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I learned almost everything I know from Bodybuilding.com articles. I buy my supplements from the site because it has the best prices.

Victoria's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"One Step Closer" by Linkin Park
"Running Across The Track" by Billy Talent
"Fat Lip" by Sum 41
"Berzerk" by Eminem
"Babel" by Mumford & Sons

Competition History

2013 APQ Regionals - Top 5
2013 Serious About Fitness - 1st Place
2013 International Drug Free Athletics - 1st Place

Thanks

To my amazing coaches émilie Provencher and Alain Gosselin.