ON THE COVER
VALERIE BE
I believe everyone is unique in their very own way . We all bring something different to this world and to the people around us . When I got asked to share my story and to share what makes me unique , the first thing that came to my mind is the image of this fragile 17-year-old girl that didn ’ t have much self-confidence but decided to make a positive change to her lifestyle . I am now 22 years old , and I can confidently say I am a complete different person than my 17-year-old self .
I was 2 weeks from turning 18 , and decided I wanted to take better care of my health . I had always been very thin and not athletic at all . I had never watched my eating habits and would live off sugary foods . I didn ’ t know better , but after hearing about some of my friends starting to go to the gym , I decided to give it a try and got myself a gym membership .
Fast forward to today , I have competed in 3 fitness competitions including a Canadian National show , 2 model searches ( FMF Events ), and have made fitness a part of my lifestyle . I think it ’ s important to highlight the fact that it is a PART of my lifestyle . Fitness is not my whole lifestyle because it does not consume me . There was a time where it did , but I ’ m glad I got over it and found balance .
This is something you will rarely read in fitness magazines or anywhere in the fitness community , but the fitness industry is a very dark world . From the outside , all you may see is glamorous fitness models with their green tea , protein shakes , lululemon , and 6-pack abs . In reality , there are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that people rarely open up about : drugs , eating disorders , hormonal issues , various health problems , social anxiety , and much more . People will sacrifice their health , family , and social life to have their ideal physique or to compete in a certain show .
And let ’ s not forget about “ social media fame ” that is everywhere nowadays and will make people derive from their true self simply to get more followers , more likes , or to get a sponsorship . With promo codes and selfies everywhere , I find it hard to find REAL people in this industry . I met someone very special this year and they made me realize so many things about the fitness industry , but also about myself . I am very self-aware and pay close attention to the people around me . They are ultimately whom you will become . Real , hardworking , self-driven , respectful people are who I surround myself with . This is why Team Magnum is so close to my heart . Not only do they provide the public with the highest quality supplements on the market , but the people behind the company are exactly the type of people I want to surround myself with for the rest of my life ; genuine , hard-working , self-driven , respectful , people of integrity ... Markus Kaulius , president of Magnum , will always be a true inspiration of mine . From the way he runs his company , shares his knowledge , and treats people , he is as good as a business man as he is a friend , and a teacher . I have learned more from him in the 2 years I have been with Magnum than I could have ever imagined .
I could probably keep going on “ what makes me unique ” for another couple paragraphs , but to be honest , I still consider myself like your average girl that likes to live a fit life , but decided not to take the beaten path and work a little bit harder . I will forever be grateful that I found balance and am living a life that I love . I have a full-time job working as Content and Social Media Specialist for Popeye ’ s Supplements Quebec and Maritimes and Popeye ’ s Supplements Canada , have amazing friends , amazing sponsors ( including Popeye ’ s that has been with me since day one alongside Magnum !) that provide me with the best products on the market , love to travel , love food ( a lot !), and like to live life to the fullest !
I want to finish on something that is very close to my heart . One thing I try to live by is that if you want success , you must take the difficult path and stay away from the beaten path ( meaning the path everyone is following ). Do you , find what makes you unique , what makes you stand out and be driven , and motivated when you pursue it . And NOT only in the gym , but in every aspect of your life : work , family , relationships , etc . I have learned with time that working out is not life and should never be . Life is so much more than a good looking physique , trophies , and the gym . You have to be tenacious in EVERY aspect of your life and not let fitness consume all of it . This , to me , is the real definition of success .
16 Natural Muscle Magazine October 2016