ome consider themselves strong physically, then there’s others that have strength mentally, but it’s very rare to meet someone that embodies so naturally their physical, emotional and mental strength. They compliment each other so well, that when you meet this person you automatically understand their story. With that being said, we did an interview with Victoria who is also known as Coach Vic. See how she got started in the strength training sport, and what she’s up to now.
Many women tend to shy away from Powerlifting and strength training in general as they’re under the impression it will cause them to instantly bulk-up. Instead, these women feel their time would be better spent on cardio machines, while occasionally making use of those neatly color-coordinated 2.5-5lb dumbbells. If you could give these women any advice, what would you tell them?
V: Work smarter, not harder! Not only is there a fear that heavy lifting will create a masculine figure, but I also believe women fear the unknown. It’s “easy” to sit on a bike or run. It is not intuitive to lift weights. It can be intimidating and scary feeling like we don’t know what we are doing. If you are new to strength training, I recommend going to classes (maybe try out class pass) or get a personal trainer for a while. That way, movements and exercises can become familiar, and you can become more confident with weight training!
For the general fitness enthusiast, female or male, do you think basing the majority of their training routine on the principles of Powerlifting and/or strength training would be beneficial?
V: I would describe strength training as doing movements that are focused on building muscle mass (help prevent decrease of natural muscle mass deterioration that comes with age!!), stronger bones (decreased risk of fractures!), stronger joints (example…reduce arthritis symptoms), weight control…and even balance reducing injuries.
Powerlifting focuses on the ability to continue progressing in the three big lifts of Benching, Squatting, and deadlifting. How much can you lift for 1 rep?
V: I don’t think powerlifting is necessarily for everyone – it’s a sport and has a specific goal.
However, strength training is important for EVERYONE whether young or old, competitive, or not.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest misconceptions in regard to strength training today?
V: One of the biggest misconceptions is MORE is better. More reps, more sweat, more burn, more time spent. No days off, no excuses, etc. This is not true, at all. Quality of movement is better. Rest is imperative for your body to recover and grow. I think Instagram and Bro-culture feeds into this thinking.
What does strength mean to you, and why is being strong so important?
V: I believe strength in the gym has a carryover effect to life outside of the gym. Being able to have the discipline to train, focus on yourself, and care about your body, also is a reflection to your work ethic. If you see a strong person in the gym, you can guess they are organized and have the perseverance to be consistent.
My Instagram handle is @stronglilvic. It doesn’t stem from strength gains. It stems from wanting to highlight strong daily actions… I can do hard things. I changed my handle after my divorce. I CAN DO this. I may be little, small, and alone… but little by little, I am financially strong. I am emotionally strong. I am physically strong.
How long did it take you to get to where you are now?
V: I started enjoying movement 2012, my freshman year in college. I started experimenting on my own and began racing in obstacle course races, running 5ks, trying all the different classes at boutique studios. Soon after, I got my personal training certification and since then, got all the different continuing education credits – TRX, yoga, running etc. I always want to learn and love different perspectives and school of thought. My biggest lesson – there is not only one way to a goal. The best exercise for someone is the one that they can make a habit.
What has been your greatest adventure to this date? What about that made it stand out and the experience so memorable?
V: My greatest adventure is finding myself. Cliche or not, it is true. After graduating, I moved across the country several times with my ex. I adapted my career and my lifestyle to his. Unintentionally, I did not know how to do a lot for myself.
After the split, I moved to Boston, where I knew no one… regretted the cold and decided to move back to California. My family is in NC, though.
So, I recreated my community. Restructured my goals and reinvented myself.
I hope to be able to inspire others through that journey to being comfortable in my own skin and encourage other women to explore the gym space.
Some of us, being human, tend to get into a funk and lose motivation. What has kept you motivated at your craft? What lessons from you can we learn to get ourselves back on track?
V: 1) Grow your community. You REFLECT the closest 5 people in your life. Their perspective shapes you and inspires you. If your circle drinks and parties on the weekend, every weekend. The chances of you doing the same… are also high. Your community is your accountability so be careful who you have close.
2) It doesn’t have to be perfect. A lot of us have an all or nothing approach. It’s not sustainable. There’s always going to be a wedding, a birthday, a trip, or an office party. We must make balanced choices in our eating and our activity levels.
3)Have something to work towards AND reward yourself. Make that goal measurable!
It can start small: “If I move for at least 20 min, 3x a week for a whole month, I will buy myself that lululemon sweatshirt.”
Or it can be bigger: “After I compete in a powerlifting meet, I will go on a weekend trip to Mexico!”
Let’s be honest! Everyone hates cardio. Is there a more effective way to perform cardio than the same old method of running on a treadmill?
V: I LOVE running with my dog. However, sometimes it is counterintuitive to my goals. I would say if you stuck to running, make it fun – go explore different paths and trails …have it led to a coffee shop or a view!
Beyond that, I also coach rowing. Rowing is gentle, low impact, non-weight bearing form of cardio. Its predominantly leg driven, yet a still full body workout. Easy on the knees, easy on the back!
When you’re not working on your craft, how do you chill out and unwind?
V: I have a blue heeler and I take him exploring all the beach spots and trails in San Diego. If you need a place of dog friendly coffee shops, restaurants, parks, beaches, I’m your expert! Otherwise, I also love solo traveling. My favorite place in the world is South Africa!
What are some general words of wisdom you live by?
V: Everything happens for a reason… or we create meaning out of everything that happens.
With that being said, there is value in everything that happens and everything we do. No regrets, just lessons.
