I became fascinated with the bodybuilding world about 15 years ago when I lost weight and entered my first figure competition. The physical transformation I experienced was life-changing. It made me realize that anything is possible when there is a strong enough desire. The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome has been my mindset. I have learned never to change the goal, but to be flexible with the process. In other words, never give up! Staying in the present moment, having fun along the way, being coachable, and not being afraid to fail are what keep me going in this sport. I love being challenged, finding my edge and staying fit in my 40s.
Age:
47
City/Country:
Toronto, Canada
Occupation?
Personal Trainer
What is your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?
I don’t believe in an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to fitness.
Since the majority of my clients are working professionals with limited time for themselves, I do my best to focus on what will improve their quality of life while empowering them to feel good in their own skin. I also don’t believe in scales as the only measure of progress. I look at what my clients can do today that perhaps they couldn’t do before. I know I’ve done my job when they keep coming back. I want my clients to know that it’s never too late to get in amazing shape.
Training Plan:
Glutes/Legs (3 x per week), Back, Shoulders, Abs (1 x per week), Cardio/Circuit (5-7x per week)
Nutritional Plan:
Depending on the season, I typically follow a low/moderate carb diet, eating 5 clean meals per day. In the off-season, I have a bit more flexibility where I typically follow macros instead of a structured meal plan.
Supplement Plan:
BCAA’s, Pre-Workout (Creatine), Energy Shots, Electrolytes, Protein Powder, Multi-Vitamins, Fish Oil, ZMA, Probiotics. I use Isagenix products.
I especially love the meal replacement shakes post-workout and the Cleanse For Life when I need a detox or a reset. The nutritionally supporting fasting days help me to maintain a healthy weight year-round when I want to indulge a little more often.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
I typically stay away from sugar and/or artificial ingredients as much as possible. But I also believe we can have everything in moderation. I used to have a sugar addiction before I started competing. I believe sugar was preventing me from seeing results in the gym. However, I still do love a good vanilla cupcake on occasion! I just can’t keep certain foods in the house when I’m prepping for a competition.
I also love Smart Sweets and Grenade Low Carb Bars as clean treat options in my off-season. With that said, I believe it’s all about balance and replacing unhealthy, high-calorie treats with options that satisfy without sabotaging my efforts in the gym. My favourite bedtime snack is plain, non-fat Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla protein powder. It satisfies me!
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
When I first got into fitness competitions in 2011, I was fascinated by the women I would see on the cover of fitness magazines. Their physiques and dedication inspired me. When choosing models for Status Fitness Magazine, what do you look for? Also, as a former journalist, I would love to get back to writing. Do you provide editorial opportunities for personal trainers/fitness professionals? I’d love to write about fitness after 40 and how women aren’t destined to be overweight once they enter mid-life. Times have changed and we are seeing that being fit and healthy is the new status symbol after 40. I want to show other women that they too can continue to get better as they age and that there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
What are your long-term career goals as a fitness trainer, and how do you plan to continue growing in this field?
This interview comes at an interesting time in my career. What many people may not realize is that my husband and I are both weight loss experts! He is a bariatric surgeon at a busy hospital in Toronto.
We’ve always wanted to collaborate, and finally, we have an opportunity to do so. BariFit is a new app/fitness program we are developing with two other business partners. We recognized that there was a need to provide exercise guidance and support to those who have either had weight loss surgery, are considering it in the future or simply struggle to meet their health and fitness goals. We know how difficult it can be to get started. Therefore, we want to remove that barrier and make fitness accessible to everyone. We are currently just months away from launching this exciting new program.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the importance of enjoying the journey when it comes to health and fitness. When I first started competing, I was laser-focused on the outcome. If I didn’t win or place, I would feel disappointed in myself. But I eventually learned that my only competition is the person I see in the mirror. When you focus on doing your best and staying committed to your goals, you are already winning. The lessons I’ve learned from competing go far beyond the stage and the physical transformation. The rigid diet and intense workouts have helped me to develop resilience, self-discipline, grit, dedication, delayed gratification and mental toughness. I believe these are skills that transfer over into other areas of life. When you accomplish what you set out to do and feel good about yourself, you get a confidence boost. The more we get uncomfortable, the more we grow as humans. Even though I’ve done over 30 fitness competitions, I still get stage fright. I find it very uncomfortable, but this is a good thing! The more I practice, the better I get. Looking back, I’ve come a very long way since I started. Anyone who is successful at anything puts in the time and effort. You just don’t see the behind-the-scenes. This is the same in bodybuilding.
What does success look like for you?
For me, success means waking up in the morning and feeling grateful for what I already have, while getting excited about what’s to come in the future. Life is all about lessons and growth. There is no such thing as failure unless you give up. It’s all about commitment and priorities. We all have the same number of hours in the day. It’s what we choose to focus on that makes the difference.
Connect with Laura: IG
Photos By: Paul Buceta
