Vanessa Tib Interview by Muscle-Base

How and why did you get into Fitness Training?

I started working out after picking up a fitness magazine and becoming inspired by the female fitness models featured within. I worked out, on and off, for years only making slight changes to my body. My busy work and school schedule prevented me from fully concentrating on my training.

It wasn’t until after my graduation from nursing school in 2008, and beginning a more predictable working schedule, that I was able to buckle down and dedicate time to the gym and adapting more healthy eating patterns.

What workout routine would you suggest to female beginners?

If you are able to afford a personal trainer, then I suggest you do so. I personally have never trained with a personal trainer, but I believe they are useful and can guide you with proper exercise and use of equiptment. I also recommend people sign up to a monthly fitness magazine like M&F. You can get alot of training and nutrition tips from such mags. My training philosophy has usually been the same from the begining of my training. You must add variety to your workouts in order to progress and see results. Using free weights, and machines can allow you to do that. Only increase the weights when you have mastered your technique and form for each exercise, take your time with each rep and focus on the muscle your are training, results will come. Don’t shy away from weight training. I often hear from women that they are afraid to train with weights in fear of becoming masculine. That will not happen naturally.

What is your diet and workout routine like?

My body responds well to a lower carb-high protein diet and I follow this way of eating all year-round. Here is a sample of my daily meals.

Day 1: Chest & Triceps

Day 2: Legs

Day 3: Back & Biceps

Day 4: Shoulder & Abs

What advice would you give to people looking to achieve your aesthetic physique?

Start weight training! I have made a huge difference in my physique as a result of strenght training and eating healthy foods. If you love cardio, good for you, but don’t forget that weight training is what gets you the toned, sexy physique so many people want. Lifting weights is what takes your body to the next level.

Tell us about your journey and how you got all the way to the top as Pro Fitness Model.

I started consistently training and eating healthy back in April of 2009. I saw a significant change in my body just after six months, and I took up a friend’s suggestion to have a professional photo shoot done. After I uploaded some photos on one of my social media pages, a lot of people suggested I do fitness modeling. As a result of my professional photo shoot I was published on the cover of Natural Muscle Magazine and right after in Planet Muscle Magazine. It wasn’t until then, that I decided to give fitness modeling a shot. Since then I have been published multiple times in Planet Muscle Magazine, World Physique Magazine-swimsuit edition, Fitness Gurls magazine, had a workout article published with FitnessX Magazine, been featured in multiple fitness related commercials, and just recently on the cover of Iron Man Magazine December 2011 issue along with my friend Bodybuilder Dan Decker. It’s been a very rewarding experience that I’m enjoying very much.

Have you ever had any obstacles in your fitness journey?

Luckily for me I have not had any obstacles in my fitness journey so far. I continue to do what I love, which is weight train and eat healthy. I’m constantly seeing new results and improving my physique. I have met a lot of great people along the way and continue to push myself forward. So, It’s all good.

What are your opinions on Image / Performance enhancing drugs?

I pride myself on being a natural athlete. My personal opinion is that performance enhancing drugs are very unhealthy and are contrary to my healthy lifestyle choices. It is completely possible to achieve your desired look without drugs, it just takes a lot more work, time, and dedication. If you are serious about your goals and your health take your time and enjoy the journey and the lifestyle.

What advice would you give to female beginners looking to become a fitness model just like you in the near future?

You have to be ready to work hard. You have to get in top shape, eat healthy, prepare your meals, train hard, network with photographers and people in the industry. But, most of all you have to stay true to yourself and never do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing.

What are your future plans?

Honestly I did not think I would achieve all that I have so far. It amazes me how much one can change how they look and feel by hard training and eating healthy. I’m still working on my physique and hope to make even more positive changes. It’s an ongoing process that I plan to continue for as long as I can. Fitness modling as well, I love that I’m able to help others and show people that It can be done!

What are your long term goals?

I have had so many great opportunities in the industry so far. I hope to continue to train and keep making improvements to my physique. To continue to motivate and inspire others to start training and living a healthier lifestyle. To me that’s what it’s all about, to help yourself and at the same time help inspire others along the way as well. Long term goals would be to continue in the sport, continue to meet new people, network, built new relationships, and continue to do what I love.

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