Larissa Reis “Entrevista USA”

What is your background? How did you get started in the fitness modeling field?

I've always considered myself to be an athlete. Ever since I was a child I have always loved being active and playing all sorts of sports. Growing up in Brasilia (the capital of Brazil), I was always surrounded by a lot of sports and a lot of athletes. It is a way of life.

I had been working out and training since I was 15 years old. I had always enjoyed eating and living a healthy lifestyle. I was working as a fitness model in a supplement store in Brazil when one day I saw a poster on the wall of Monica Brant. I thought she had such amazing energy and looked so beautiful. I think that was the day that I decided that I wanted to start competing and making this into my career. In Brazil, being a professional figure model isn't very popular. The best federation in Brazil is the NABBA. That is why I moved to America.

Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

When I am getting ready for a competition, like I am right now, my daily routine is very disciplined. As soon as I wake up I do 45 minutes of cardio. I do my cardio before I eat anything. The most difficult thing about my sport is dieting. I take my diet very seriously and try to eat every three hours. I eat only healthy and natural foods. I avoid any sodium and I only eat a small amount of carbs on certain days of the week. Most of my diet is very high in protein (chicken, salmon, steak, etc). It's extremely important to have a diet that is high in protein when you are getting ready to compete. I train 6 days per week during pre-contest preparation; that includes an additional 45 minutes of cardio before I train in the evening. Finally, when I get home from the gym, I normally am very busy with my schedule. I try to speak with my friends and family back in Brazil when I can, and I am always working on my website (www.larissa-reis.com).

What are your immediate and long-term goals?

My immediate goal is to place in the top 3 at my upcoming competition, the Dexter Jackson Classic in Jacksonville, Florida. If I place in the top three I will be able to compete for Ms. Olympia and represent Brazil. It is my dream to be the first woman to represent Brazil at Olympia.

Long-term I would like to continue competing and see where my career progresses. I love my sport and I love competing. I think I would like to compete for four more years and win many competitions!

If someone you knew asked you how to lose weight and get into shape quickly, what would you tell them?

The first thing I would tell them is that it is not easy. No one should expect to get into shape quickly without making a change in their life. That being said, anyone can get in shape if they really want to. I would first take a look at their diet and daily lifestyle. Lots of people don't really know how to eat healthy and don't do any exercise. I would tell them to start making small changes to their life and to build on progress that they see. Start doing cardio, be careful about the foods that you eat, try to set goals for yourself. Even though sometimes it may seem difficult, if you really want something then nothing is impossible.

Is there anything else you 'd like to say?

I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me and continues to support me. I would especially like to thank my friends Monica Martin and Lynn Suave. They have helped me with everything; my diet, my training, my posing... everything! I also would like everyone to feel free to visit me at my websites, www.larissa-reis.com (for members), www.larissareis.net, and Monica's website www.monicamartin.net. Remember, if you believe in yourself, you can do anything.