RV: It is very simple – Working out makes me happy!!! I like taking challenges in life. Tougher the goal I set, the more rewarding the feeling of accomplishing it. Working out is about overcoming tough challenges in life and pushing your body to the limit, constantly testing your character and your mind. But taking that road makes you become a better person and that is my end goal – to become the best I can be! I love competing with my mind…it is never ending /limitless battle!
M&F: What or who got you started working out?
RV: I started when I was in High School when I was 16 in a small gym in my hometown called “David & Marjan”….old school gym with posters of Arnold and Rich Gaspari …but extremely hard core training facility. The pursuit of fine tuned and shaped body/beach look accompanied with the wish or getting bigger an stronger, were the first things that got me into it.
M&F: Who influenced you to start working out seriously?
RV: I started weight lifting religiously (w/out missing a workout) the last 5yrs and my coworker Dough Gorham is the man responsible for it. A former bodybuilder who is my friend/advisor/spotter and daily workout partner at work (I workout in a company gym 2x/day) is the culprit why I am where I am today.
M&F: What’s your favorite meal when you are getting lean?
RV: Grilled / smoked salmon (lots of lemon and garlic seasoning), and venison meat.
M&F: What’s your favorite cheat meal?
RV: Hah, that’s a tough one! I like everything from berry pies to chocolate sweets. Two particular things I crave most of the time while I diet: Ajvar (Macedonian spread) + feta cheese on pita bread and Blue Bell Ice cream, have to admit that
M&F: What are your goals in the fitness industry? If you win the M&F Model Search, what would that mean and what would you do with the title?
RV: I would like to get involved in fitness modeling more actively, especially to increase awareness of the fit way of life and the benefits it creates. It is a particularly healthy way to do this – it is not a resolution or a 6 week program that people tend to go on and then gain their weight back. It is how we live every single day and there`s no reason why other people cant follow it, because being fit does make you a better, healthier and happier person on a long run. You will gain a better look, rock solid health, increase your confidence and the most important thing – you will feel pretty good about it!
