Name: Venetia Gloux
Age: 26
Gym you train at and location: Physique Warehouse, East Molesy, Surrey
Q.1 Why did you start training and did you have any goals of competing to begin with?:
I was quite active as a child and danced for 15 years, as a classical dancer. Growing up it was my dream to be a professional ballet dancer. Sadly in that profession young girls are told they must be stick thin. I was never naturally skinny so body image issues got the better of me and I suffered from anorexia and bulimia for 8 years. Being very ill and feeling very low and dropping to 5 stone I decided to make changes in my life. I started going to the gym and doing only cardio. Gradually I got more involved in weights and started to realise I needed food to train. Food then became a fuel for my body instead of the enemy. I had no intention of ever competing. My main aim was to be happy and to learn to like the person I was.
Q.2 What is your current training schedule like? How does it differ between pre-contest and off season? Do you do much cardio work?
In the off season I train 4 or 5 times a week. Normal split would be Mon- Chest, Tues- Back, Wed- legs, Thurs- Shoulders, Fri- arms. I do 3 sessions of cardio also. For the weeks that I feel I have not recovered enough I’ll add in biceps with back and triceps with shoulders and then train only the 4 days.
Pre-contest I train 6 days, the only difference is that I split quads and hams and cardio increases to 6 days morning and after training.
Q.3 How long have you been competing?
I have been competing for 3 years.
Q.4 What are your main competitive achievements?
To come 1st place in all my shows and to have won the British overalls in only my second ever show.
Q.5 What are your current competitive goals?
I am currently taking a break from competing. I hope to make a few changes to my training and off season diet. Then I’d like to come back in a couple of years and compete as a heavyweight in the World Championships.
I love performing posing routines on stage which involves some of my classical training. It is all an art and I love to combine muscular posing with graceful moves. This really motivates me during contest prep and I always hope that the audience enjoys watching my one minute of fame!
Q.6 Why do you feel you have been able to make continuous gains over the years?
I always make sure that every few months I switch training routines to shock my body. I have found that after a diet this is the best time to make gains. So I believe that it is necessary to keep on dieting even if you don’t compete. When you are in contest shape you can always see what you then need to work on.
Another method I use to shock my body is an intense 6 weeks of powerlifting. I will only train 3 days a week with big heavy compound movements. As soon as I notice my body has stopped making gains with this I switch it back round to more isolation exercises.
Q.7 What supplements do you use?
Off season I use a protein and carb shake for recovery after training. Pre-contest I switch to pure whey.
Q.8 How much do you feel supplements and sports nutrition help your training?
Supplements are vital. Personally I find it hard to always eat solid meals. So shakes and bars are handy and satisfy my sweet tooth.
Q.9 What is it that motivates you through a hard session?
I train with my Fiance Louis and he always pushes me to do better.
I’d like to say thanks to a few people:
Louis, thank you so much for your support and encouragement. It is not always easy being around someone who is dieting (especially a female!). So thank you for your patience and love.
Thank you to Paul Scarborough. He has prepped me for every one of my shows. I would not have come this far without his knowledge, advice and encouragement.
Also thank you to Don McDuff and all the Physique Warehouse team. Wicked Gym and great support.
