I AM ALFA because I am strong both physically and mentally. I was not always that way though. In school, I was always an overachiever, but I was not athletic.
Photography by: ALI SOHRAB
I am a very passionate and hardworking person. Outside of bodybuilding, I work for my family’s construction company. No, not in the office!
I am constantly underestimated being a woman in a male dominant industry. I have to work hard, hustle and earn the respect of my peers.
I was not always that way though. In school, I was always an overachiever, but I was not athletic and did not play sports. I always had an interest in being healthy. I got my first gym membership when I was 18. I had no idea what I was doing in the gym, so I read every article about nutrition and bodybuilding. I started going to the gym a couple times a week, and built up to daily workouts and tracking macros. I enjoyed the physical challenge so much that when I graduated from university, I asked my father for a job for the summer. I loved being outside and physically active all day that I never looked for a degree related job.

I am a superintendent. My job is similar to a trainer in the way that I must push my employees to work hard physically and motivate them. It is a very rewarding feeling being able to see the products we produce and to get through a difficult work day. There is no better sense of accomplishment.
What are the qualities in you that you consider yourself to be an ALFA?
I am ALFA because I am strong both physically and mentally. I never back down from a challenge, and I always push myself and others to do and be their best.
What are the most rewarding things that Fitness has brought you?
Fitness has brought me connections, and networking from around the world through social media. It has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment in an industry that I never would have dreamed I would end up in. They say if you love what you do that you never work a day in your life. I can tell you that my days are very hard, but I love what I do.
The feeling you get when you accomplish something that you didn’t think you could do is so fulfilling. I get to experience that every day.
When was the most ALFA moment in your life?
When I convinced my dad to let me run the pump. The employee who previously ran the pump quit, and we were struggling to hire someone to replace him. I convinced my father to train me how to run the pump so that I could assist the new pump operator while they were learning. Turns out, the new guy didn’t show up and the concrete truck was on site, and waiting. I took the initiative and did the job. No one thought I would be able to drag around 200lbs concrete hoses all day, but I did it.
What’s next for you?
My goal is to be an entrepreneur. I plan to own, and operate a fitness company in the near future.
Please share few things people don’t know about you
I am a workaholic. I have had two jobs since I was 14 years old.
I have a Bachelor degree of business administration with a concentration in project management.
I love muscle cars and trucks. I am building a 76-regular cab short box F100 4x4 truck.
I’m a metalhead. I mostly listen to melodic death metal, metalcore, and groove metal.
I am Canadian of German, Irish and South American decent (people always ask.)
Please name few ALFA people you know.
My father
Cass Martin
Ashley Kaltwasser
What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about life and health.
Make small realization goals. I think when people are getting into fitness or trying to live a healthier lifestyle. They get too extreme. Make small goals, and once you are consistently hitting it, add another. For example, start with trying to drink more water. Then cutting out fast food. Exercise 3 times per week, then bump it up for 4. You are more likely to stick with it and have a better chance of changing over to a healthy lifestyle this way than trying to drastically change everything you do over night.
Any tips you can give to our reader about weight loss?
Absolutely. First, Drink lots of water. When you are hydrated, your stomach feels full and you are less likely to overeat. If you are craving sweets, you are most likely dehydrated.
Second, Eat more protein. Ideally, you should aim for 1g of protein per pound of body weight. Most people don’t even come close to this number. By eating more protein, you promote muscle recovery which increases metabolism. It also means you will proportionately eat fewer carbs and fats.
Third, Eat in a caloric deficit. Most people don’t realize how much they are actually consuming. I recommend tracking macros or following a meal plan (at least for a little while.) this will ensure that you are actually eating in a deficit and not under eating. Once you have done it for a while, you will have a better understanding of how much you need to eat to reach your goals.
Fourth, Do HIIT cardio. I have always done HIIT cardio when leaning out. More calories are burned in a shorter amount of time. It also helps you burn calories even after the workout is done. I superset plyometrics with my weight training because I am busy and don’t have time to spend an hour doing cardio.
Lastly, Rest. I know this doesn’t seem like it’s helpful, but it is. When you are training and dieting hard, your body is under stress. It is important to get enough rest so your body can heal and function at its best. When you are run down, your hormones can sometimes make you hold onto weight.
What’s your favourite quote?
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” - Oscar Wilde
Where people can find you?
INSTAGRAM: @jacisjacked
Komentáře