Athlete Name: Valerie Fetzer

Pro Division: Bikini

Where did you earn your Pro status?

2022 NFF Alamo Showdown Classic

Where do you plan to make your Pro debut?

NFF Tournament of Champions

Tell us a little about yourself….

I am from the Cleveland, Ohio area. I work full time for a local park district as a naturalist and nature center manager. I have two kids.

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

Although I have always been active, I started lifting consistently in 2018. I started working with a trainer from my gym. I enjoy being competitive with myself and found it pushed me to lift heavier or in more volume. Being a goal-driven, planner kind of person, I decided that competing was perfect for me. My first show was in the Fall of 2019.

Where does your motivation come from?

My motivation comes from not wanting to be average. Getting older does not have to mean doing less. Having kids or being menopausal does not mean being fit is impossible. Maintaining muscle while aging is so important for so many reasons. It’s sad to me that most people don’t realize this sooner.

What are some of your greatest achievements?

My kids (my oldest just turned 18 and is graduating this year). Obtaining my Bachelors and Masters degree. Beating stage 3 breast cancer! Obtaining my pro status in both OCB and NFF naturally!

What is your current training philosophy?

Balance is imperative. Training can easily become consuming if you let it and finding that balance — in food choices and training days and times — it will help physically, mentally and emotionally. It will help you be consistent in the long run…allowing for a sustainable lifestyle.

What are 3 tips you would give to someone trying to reach their goal physique?

There is not just one way to reach your goal — pick the one that you can be consistent with. Choose activities that are enjoyable (if it’s not fun, why do it?). Find your “why” — it will come in handy on days motivation is low.

What is your diet like? And does it differ on-season v. off-season?

I follow macros for flexibility and balance during both the on and off-season. During the off-season, I allow myself to have occasional treats (you bet, I’ll have that piece of birthday cake

🙂

When trying to cut down what type of cardio do you do and why?

I’m usually walking on the treadmill or elliptical machine. Those put my heart rate in the perfect zone.

What is your next goal?

The pro stage! I want to be competitive in both masters and open bikini. I want to qualify for a national-level stage.

What’s your Favorite Quote?

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”

Social Media:

IG: @val_fetzer