The Rise of Larry Vinette - Family Man, Fitness Model and IFBB Pro

CANADIAN MADE MAN

When it comes to the fitness industry, there are many paths one can pursue other than or in addition to competing.  As well, not all who compete within the industry are planning to make a career out of it or earn the coveted IFBB Pro Card status.  Larry Vinette is not one of those competitors.  With a solid and long career within the industry as an athlete, trainer, fitness model, and actor, he is also one of the newest Canadian IFBB Pros. Larry Vinette has a passion for what he does and is a prime example that you can have it all; it just takes time, hard work, dedication, patience, balance, and a belief in one self to never give up. 

I recently had the pleasure to talk to IFBB Pro Larry Vinette about his career, family and plans for the future.  Open, honest and genuine are the words that come to mind when I think about Larry Vinette and his responses, as well as sound advice and knowledgeable.

Questions:

Q. You have been in the bodybuilding and health and fitness industry for many years. What was it that attracted you to bodybuilding and competition?

One thing that attracted me to bodybuilding is its blend of the arts and sport. At a very young age, I remember drawing on paper superhero’s and such, and I just loved that powerful look they had. I'm also from that generation that grew up watching ``The Incredible Hulk`` on television with Lou Ferrigno. The idea that you could sculpt your body to make it look a certain way was appealing to me. I decided to enter my first bodybuilding competition after a guy at the gym told me I should enter the competition he was getting ready for, since he thought I could maybe do well in my weight class. After only five weeks of preparation, I won my class, the overall title, and the best poser award. And yes, I did end up beating the guy that suggested I enter that competition.

Q. Who were your bodybuilding heroes growing up?

Arnold was of course a big influence because of the movie ``Conan The Barbarian``. Lou Ferrigno also because of ``The Incredible Hulk`` television series. As far as competitive bodybuilders that were active when I started competing, Shawn Ray was the physique I aspired to one day look like. I figured that since we're the same height, once I got my competition weight to equal his,  I'd have a physique similar to his. I think I still need more work, lol.
Other than that, I think Flex Wheelers physique should have won a Sandow. The guy looked good from every freaking angle. His symmetry and proportions were perfect. His back double bicep pose is the best there ever was.

Q. Early on in your career you had the opportunity to shoot with some of the best photographers, such as the legendary Robert Reiff. What was that experience like?

Shooting with Robert Reiff was such a great experience. This was my second photo shoot inside the Mecca of Bodybuilding, Gold’s Gym Venice. Here I was again, walking around, shirtless; all oiled up, besides some of the greats of bodybuilding, getting photographed by one the best in the business. Let’s just say I was very humbled by the experience. Robert is such a professional that he made me feel very comfortable during the shoot. We shot some gym stuff, some studio stuff and some beach stuff. It was also the first time I shot alongside a fitness girl. I did a total of three photo shoots with Robert Reiff, all of them a fantastic experience.

Q. As well, around this same time you had the pleasure to meet and work with the late Robert Kennedy. What was your relationship like with him? What are your thoughts on Robert Kennedy's influence among Canadian bodybuilders.

Robert Kennedy really did a lot for me. He got me under contract, got me on the cover of the very first issue of REPS! Magazine, got me on the cover of his Encyclopedia Of Bodybuilding, and I got to do my own Q and A in REPS! Magazine. I’ll always have fond memories of me and Bob doing a three day photo shoot in Las Vegas with ace photographer Terry Goodlad, Elaine Goodlad and Tosca Reno. I loved hearing Bob tell his stories about Arnold, Dave Draper and such. My very first magazine subscription was for Musclemag Intl. They had a section written by Garry Barlett called ``Canadian Corner`` that gave us news on what was happening on the Canadian bodybuilding scene. Bob always made sure that we Canadians got some exposure. I shed some tears when hearing about his passing. He was such a great human being with such a good heart. He saw something in me, and that gave me a lot of confidence. I wish he would’ve been there to see me get my Pro card. I’m sure he would’ve been very proud.

Q. Tell us about the night you won your pro card. What did that feel like? 

It felt like a dream come true. It’s something that I had wished for since I first competed in 1994. It was definitely one of the best nights of my life. I collapsed on stage for a few seconds upon hearing my name as the overall winner and new IFBB Pro, as the adrenaline was so high in anxiously waiting for the result. It took a full week to finally sink in that I was now part of the IFBB Pro League, part of that inner circle of guys that proved themselves on stage as having one of the best physiques in the country.

Q. Knowing what you now know, how would you train if you were 16 all over again?

Well, I wouldn’t over train like I did at that age. I used to be in the gym for 3 hours at a time, 6-7 days a week, and sure wasn’t eating enough food and protein. I guess I would train pretty much the same as now, but would pay a lot more attention on getting enough quality calories in.

Q. Do you feel that your career has changed and/or become more successful as you have aged?

With age comes wisdom, so I make better decisions now and don’t necessarily jump on the first opportunity that comes my way. I’ve been involved in fitness now for over 20 years and been training clients and athletes for the same amount of time. I’ve won the title of Trainer Of The Year two years in a row, so my name and reputation is pretty much made as far as my coaching business is concerned. I’ve proven myself as an athlete earning my IFBB Pro status and am glad to be able to say that I walk the talk. So yes, I can say that, as I got older, I did become more successful with time.

Q. How do you balance work, life, training and having kids (Family), as well as having a personal life and/or relationships?

It’s a juggling act for sure. My first priority is my kids. They’re heavily involved in cheerleading and dancing, so me and their mom take turns going back and forth bringing them to practice and competitions all the time. Since my office is at a gym, it’s easy for me to get my workouts in. As far as my relationship goes, I’m blessed to have found a girl that is as involved into sports as I am. She is a professional MMA fighter, so she has to train as much, if not more than me for her sport. It’s a perfect match. I’m SO lucky to have her.

Q. What does family mean to you? What do your children say about what you do?

My kids mean the world to me. I am so blessed to have them. They excel in everything they do. I could not possibly ask for better kids. They make me so proud. Let’s just say that when kids at school say that their Dad is the strongest, my kids are usually right, lol.
I took on the role of ``The Canadian`` in the award winning web series ``Heroes Of The North`` because I thought it would be cool for my kids to say that their Dad plays a superhero. I think they are very proud of me, as I am of them.

Q. You have a few tattoos. Is there a special meaning or significance attached to the art?

I used to be a skateboard kid, so the first tattoo I ever got on my left shoulder was the skateboard design I was riding. I have a Japanese symbol for good luck on the ankle I broke twice in the same year. Since the tattoo, it stayed solid and hasn’t broken since. I have my daughters’ portraits on the inside of my forearms, that way they’re always in my arms. I have some Haida native Indian tattoos on my elbows because Haida art is representative of Canadian culture. Lastly, I have the phrase ``What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger`` written across my chest. It’s a strong phrase that represents bodybuilding well, and life in general.

Q. Your name has been brought up and it was said that you trained Henri Pierre this year at the 2013 CBBF Nationals in Halifax. How did you and Henri meet up and take it to the level of you becoming his trainer?

I’ve been training HP for a few of years now. I saw a great deal of potential in him from early on. He asked me if I could help him out and I did. He’s such a gifted athlete. Small waist, wide shoulders. One of the nicest physiques you’ll ever come across. He’s the only athlete that I sponsor. I knew he had the potential to turn pro one day and I wanted to be the one to help him get there. He’s very appreciative of what I do for him and he listens to what I have to say, so that is how I get paid back, which is plenty for me.

Q. Henri followed in your footsteps and won his IFBB Pro Card. How did you feel upon hearing his name announced as one of the newest IFBB Pros that night and with his win, how do you feel personally about this experience?

When I heard his name as the winner of the superheavy weight class, I was blown away with happiness. Then as the overall comparisons began and they were going toe to toe with every pose, I saw that HP had the advantage in the vast majority of poses. Me and Antoine Vaillant (who won his IFBB pro card the same day as me last year) were sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for the results. When they announced HP as the new IFBB Pro, I jumped on stage to congratulate him, all with tears in our eyes. For me to win my pro card the year before and to have one of my guys take the title the following year was just great. Words cannot describe the feeling of happiness we all had. I was a very proud trainer that evening.
I also had a master’s competitor, François Lemieux, win his class with 18 pounds of added lean mass in one year from last year’s Nationals, when he was then trained by Georges Farah.

Q. What are the top 3 biggest mistakes you see guys make in the gym?

Number one: Not having someone to guide them, like a trainer or a coach. Number two: Go on the juice too early, even if they’re not competing. Number three: Not eating enough.

Q. How does he balance gaining size with esthetics?

Genetics play a big part in esthetics, but you can always emphasize a particular body part that is lacking by bringing up the intensity or training it more often and you can also minimize the work on a muscle that responds too quickly to training.

Q. How do you split your body parts up?

It changes from time to time, but lately I’m doing arms on day one, quads and calves on day two, back on day three, hamstrings and calves on day four and chest and delts on day five. I take the weekends off to be with my kids.

Q. Do you do cardio in the off season or even during your contest prep?

I do absolutely no cardio, never. The only cardio I do is with my girlfriend in the bedroom, and it better not be a quickie.

Q. What dietary supplements do you take?

I take a good multi vitamin and mineral, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D3, omega 3, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, BCAA, glutamine, whey, waxy maize.

Q. How important and/or big is bodybuilding in Quebec? Does it differ from the rest of Canada?

I’ve never lived outside of Quebec, so I wouldn’t know how the scene is in other provinces, but bodybuilding has always had a good following here in Quebec. Quite a few pros have sprung up from here.

Q. What are your thoughts about today's physiques and the state of competitive bodybuilding?

Well, the sport is evolving and guys are getting bigger and better all the time, and with better symmetry and proportions. There is no denying in that. I like the fact that they installed the Physique category. It gives some of the smaller guys the opportunity to show their stuff on the IFBB stage. Their physiques look more ``acceptable`` to the regular public, and the women.

Q. Having established a great reputation in this industry, do you "use" your celebrity to either give back or mentor the new and up and coming competitors?

I always make myself available to answer questions from the fans and competitors. I’ve answered tons of emails from people all around the world asking about training/nutrition/supplement advice.  Knowledge is power and I enjoy sharing with others the knowledge I’ve acquired throughout the years.

Q. You not only are an athlete, but also an actor and fitness model. If you could have been in any other career, what would it have been? Why?

I love to perform in front of an audience. There’s something about doing the thing you love and having loads of people gathering around to see it, whether it be doing a routine on stage or being in front of a camera or lens. If I weren’t an athlete, I’d probably want to be the lead singer in a freaking rock band or something. I do enjoy giving seminars and will be doing more and more of those next year.

Q. What are your future contest plans?

I’m prepping for my Pro debut in Phoenix Arizona on October 18th. I’m anxious to get my feet wet on that IFBB stage. Then next year, hopefully qualify for the Mr. Olympia.

Q. Do you have any last words or thoughts that you would like to share about bodybuilding and/or the industry/sport for those who are starting their bodybuilding careers?

Bodybuilding is all about commitment, sacrifice, discipline and setting goals and achieving them. You still have to balance family and work. There is no partying every weekend and eating whatever you want whenever you want. Those who have longevity in the sport are those who enjoy the journey, the training, the food prep, the knowledge that you are doing something that most don’t have the heart to do. Those who quit are those who only care about the end result, which is to look good naked.

With a career that has spread over many years within the industry, leading by experience and example is what IFBB Pro Larry Vinette exudes.  His honesty regarding balancing family, relationships, work and competition, as well as, assisting and working with future successful competitors makes one proud and happy to know that it has all paid off for Larry Vinette when he earned his IFBB Pro Card status in 2012.  Becoming successful within the industry comes down to how dedicated and willing are you as an individual.  It may not happen right away or within the first 5 years, but it is with that commitment and drive that makes Larry Vinette a true role model of the sport.

For more on Larry Vinette, check out his website at: http://www.larryvinette.com

Larry's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/larryvinette71?fref=ts