Media Man Australia - The Online Home of Greg Tingle

Interview: Tamara Vahn, body sculptor / body builder - 28th March 2007

Media Man Australia continues to interview some of the world's greatest athletes.

You've been competing in fitness routine and figure/body sculpting competitions for the past few years. What is your favorite category to compete in?

· My heart and soul is committed to fitness routines partially because I get to dance. I have an extensive dance background; and I plan to keep dancing in my life forever. In 'fitness', you have to sculpt your body just like 'figure', but combining dynamic strength and flexibility can be so much fun. The category is more demanding for sure combining these elements plus dance and poise. I seem to always choose the bigger challenges in life. I'm glutton for punishment I guess.

What does your training regime look like these days?

· My training is pretty intense during the on-season (which I'm in right now). Because I do fitness routines I have to work on a number of different fitness skills. Most times I'm working out twice a day. My program is always changing based on a variety of factors like what competitions I plan to enter, my weight, what my weaknesses are, what moves I want to try this year, etc. I have to admit, when I came to Australia I put on some extra weight because I was trying some new foods and traveling in remote places where sometimes you can't get a sandwich on whole grain bread. So now I'm trying to work that off. My program looks something like this:

Ø Weights 4 days a week
Ø Plyometrics 2 days a week
Ø Gymnastics 3 days a week
Ø Dancing 2 days a week
Ø Stretching and flexibility training almost 5 to 6 days a week
Ø Cardio 5 to 6 days a week

How did you become interested in Fitness?

· I've always been active growing up. My parents were always very fit; my mom ran long distance and my dad to this day does triathlons. I think at 60 years old, he's in better shape than me (and that will keep you going). I played a lot of competitive sports which really developed my fitness abilities and competitive spirit. No one thinks about aging when they're young. But each year now as I get older my body keeps changing. So many men and women say to me "that's just the way I am and this is just the way I'm going to look". I used to think that was true but I keep remembering what I used to be able to do and I want to do it again. I am not about to take my body for granted. Without it, I won't be able to run for the bus or bend down to tie my shoe laces when I'm older. About 10 years ago, I saw a spread in Ebony Magazine that showcased women in each decade of their life and what they have been able to accomplish. I flipped to a lady in her 80's and she was doing the splits full out, straight legged and everything. She wasn't letting her age rule her…she was ruling it. That's when I said to myself, "THIS is living…and I'm going to be like that"!

What have you done in the past that prepared you for where you are today?

· You name it…competitive dance (jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, salsa, highland, soca). I've also been teaching dance for 15 years so I know a thing or 2 about how to polish a stage routine. I've also done speed swimming, synchronized swimming, basketball, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, weight training, track. All these sports have taught me how to apply force, agility, and speed in different ways…I'm sure I'm forgetting a few too. I was always busy and immersed in sports. It's what kept me out of trouble growing up. I am a Gemini after all J

What do you get most out of performing?

· I absolutely love being on stage. It's where I feel most comfortable. There's an energy that starts to take over. I'm an entertainer. I get to put everything together for the audience - the moves, the music, the leaps and flips. There are a lot of stage performances (musicals, plays, fitness/dance competitions) that I've been to that were so boring. I don't like paying for boredom. At a fitness event, not everyone in the audience is there to see me but I am there to make sure you're movin' and groovin' in your seat when you watch me. I am a performer and I will entertain each and every time.

What were you doing in Canada before you moved to Australia?

· Trying to make that paper of course. I had a few jobs. I've been a corporate strategy and marketing consultant for the last 8 years. I also have my own personal training business. I was doing freelance dance and fitness choreography as well. Now I do personal training here in Australia for all levels of fitness, and online training programs for people back in Canada and other areas abroad. I'm also a distributor for a wonderful fruit and vegetable nutritional supplement called Juice Plus (shameless plug I know).

Being from Canada, why did you decide to move to Australia and what do you like most about this country so far?

· I'm always seeking out new changes in my life. It keeps my mind sharp. Australia is known for it's superior sports and fitness mentality and I wanted to experience it first hand. Plus I'm a sun baby. I haven't seen all of Australia yet but the coastal walks are amazing no matter where you are. Taking a photo doesn't do it justice, you need to experience it.

What are you doing with your time here in Sydney right now?

· I'm working for the Sydney University Hockey Club as a strength and conditioning coach for their Men's and Women's teams. The players are great (even though they groan sometimes when I show up on the field…they get a bit scared I'm going to make them do a hundred sprints). I enjoy working with all the players and the coaching staff. We're really starting to become close knit. We all have a great time but of course they all work very very hard.

What are your greatest challenges when it comes to your own training?

· The diet is the toughest because I really have a love affair with food. I almost became a chef at one point in my life. Injuries are also very challenging…mentally. I hate being immobile in any body area for any length of time; I don't like to sit still.

What's your star sign?

· I'm a true, powerful Gemini all the way.

You are on the go so much and an inspiration to many. How do you stay motivated and who inspires you?

· There are so many people I rely on to keep me going when I need it. My #1 source of motivation and inspiration are my mom and dad. They both have overcome so many challenges in their life, both mentally and physically…challenges I have never experienced. They really keep me staying positive. I'm also lucky to have many dear friends. 3 of which I want to call attention to. They really keep me afloat (Jonelle, Ray and Dre you are the absolute greatest). Looking at icons outside my immediate environment, I'd say Tina Turner is an inspiration for me. She has been driven and pushed over the edge so many times but she has always come back on top, done it so gracefully and not to mention doing it in a pair of 6" heels.

Do you get to relax and have fun?

· Of course I do. Granted there isn't much time once training and meal preparations are done. But I love catching up with my friends and shootin' the shit. I also try to see as many live stage performances as possible; there is such talent out there. I like independent theatre as well as commercially promoted music/dance/play shows. I also do a lot of puzzles. It's my therapy (other than the spa). It's how I relax.

What's planned for 2007?

· I get fans who email me and want to see more of me. So there are big plans for my website this year including new photos (some for purchase), hopefully some video footage, e-newsletters and more so stay tuned (www.tamaravahn.com). I'm also looking to build my training and competition business. Everything from personal training to guest speaking and motivating others. I hope to work with some of Australia's talented photographers and do some fitness modeling in Oz against some great scenic locations. I will do some fitness competitions here and I plan to go back to Canada briefly to compete at the National Fitness and Figure competition again. And who knows, maybe you'll see me at the World's. It's going to be a very exciting year. I love hearing from people of all different walks of life so I encourage people to visit my website and email questions or comments to me.

end...

Editors note: Tamara Vahn is making a huge impact in Australia. Watch this space.

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